Car Stereos: amp install, stock radio, time jason

Question
Hi. I have a 2000 escort zx2 and I would like to hook up an amplifier to the stock radio. The problem I am having is that im not sure where to hook the amp remote wire. Thank you for your time. Jason

Answer
Hi Jason,

When installing an aftermarket amplifier to a factory deck, there's a few things you can do.

If you're using a high level output converter to get the amplifier hooked up, the output converter should have a remote wire connector on it, as it has circuitry in it that knows when there's an audio signal coming out so it knows to turn on the amp.

Alternatively if you're not using one, or if you don't have one that has that, simply find a wire that has 12V going to it when the car is in accessory or on, and tap it and run it to the remote on the amplifier.  The remote wire has very very little actual electrical draw on it; it's simply used to flip a relay.

Justin