GROUND
The wire used for ground should be of the same gauge as the power wire. Make sure to choose a different color (generally black) so that you do not reverse the polarity at the amplifier
terminals. Follow the rules below for connecting the ground wire properly:
1. Avoid using seat bolts, seatbelt bolts, and fender wells for ground.
2. Choose a metal area close to the amplifier that appears to be a good source of ground, such as the floor.
3. Investigate the area you wish to use for electrical wires, vacuum lines, and brake or fuel lines.
Directions for connecting the ground wire to the vehicle:
1. Find a nut and bolt to fit the ring terminal you have chosen.
2. Drill a hole just large enough for the bolt to fit through at the source of ground.
3. Use either a wire brush or sandpaper to eliminate unwanted paint around the hole you have drilled as to supply a better conta
ct for your ground.
4. Terminate the ground wire to the ring terminal and attach it to the bare metal using the nut and bolt. It is very important for this connection to be solid.
5. Spread silicon over the screw and bare metal to prevent rust and possible water leaks.
REMOTE TURN-ON
Between the power and ground of the amplifier is a remote turn-on terminal. This terminal must be connected to a switched +12 volt source to make the amplifier operational. Typically,
remote turn-on leads are provided at the head unit that will turn on and off the amplifier in correspondence with the source. This means you will most likely have to remove the head
unit from the dash to find the source +12V output wire.
Once the head unit is pulled from the dash, find the remote turn-on located in the wiring harness of the head unit. The majority of vehicles will be using an after market head unit when
installing an after market amplifier. These after market head units generally use a blue or blue/white colored wire as the remote turn-on lead. In most cases the blue/white lead is
usually the remote turn on lead. However, when using a factory radio, the power antenna wire may be used as a turn-on lead. You must first test this lead to make sure that it remains
energized regardless of the source the head unit is switched to. The antenna lead will energize when switched to the tuner mode, but turn off when the unit is switched to tape/CD
player. Only if a lead is not available at the source, a switched +12 volt supply, such as a toggle switch should be applied. Use a minimum of 18-awg wire to connect the amplifier to this
lead. Connect this lead to the head unit using a mating terminal or by soldering the three points together, but be sure to heatshrink the connection. If possible run this wire along side
of the power wire using the same precautions.
All Crossfire amplifiers are designed to work within 10.5 to 16 volts DC. Therefore, as a precaution, the vehicle's electrical system should be checked for correct voltage supply with the
help of a voltmeter. First, connect the test leads of the voltmeter to the battery terminals with the ignition of the vehicle in the off position. The voltmeter should read no less than 12
volts. Next, check voltage of the battery with the engine running between 1500 and 2000 rpms. The voltmeter should now read between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If your vehicle's
electrical system is not up to these specifications, we recommend having it checked by an automotive mechanic before you further the installation.
POWER WIRE AND FUSE
The proper wire size is very important for an amplifier capable of these power levels. The following are the minimum recommended fuse values and wire gauge for lengths up to 20ft.
MODEL: WIRE AWG FUSE MODEL: WIRE AWG FUSE
VR142 10 20 VR804 4 100
VR202 10 25 VR401 8 50
VR302 10 30 VR705D 4 100
VR402 8 40 VR300D 8 40
VR602 8 60 VR600D 8 60
VR1202 4 x 2 170 VR1000D 4 120
VR354 10 25 VR2000D 4 x 2 240
VR404 8 40
POWER
Power wires need to be connected directly to the battery using the wire requirements listed above. Never use the fuse box or any other wire as a source for the power for an amplifier.
Before you start, choose the easiest and safest path to run the wire from the battery to the amplifier. Generally, try to keep the power wire on the driver's side of the vehicle (See
Signal Inputs & Outputs for explanation). Follow the rules below for running the power cable through the vehicle:
1. Use grommets when passing the power wire through any metal wall of the vehicle.
2. Avoid sharp corners or sharp body parts that may easily cut through the insulation on the wire.
3. Avoid running the power wire over engine components and near heater cores.
4. Avoid the gas, brake and clutch pedals and their mechanisms.
5. Use an inline fuse at the battery to eliminate the risk of a fire caused by a short in your power wire.
6. Connect the fuse holder as close to the battery positive terminal as possible.
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