Car Stereos: 2000 maxima amp setup, self tapping screw, rubber grommet

Question
Hello,
   I just got some subs an a 1200 watt amp to put in my maxima an I am tryin to find how or were I should run my power supply thru my firewall or if I should jus run it thru the fender. Any info would realy help an I would appericate it.
Thanks, Shawn

Answer
Hi Shawn,

Unfortunately, I haven't worked on enough Maxima's to know the firewall layout by heart, so I can't give you very specific information.  All I can do is give you some general advice that works for most cars.  I've done hundreds of amp installations, and I've never had to run a power wire through a door jamb yet; there's always a way through the firewall.

First, see if you can tell where the factory wire harness runs through the firewall.  The first place I usually look is under the driver's side dash, from the inside of the car.  It's very common to find a large rubber grommet with a thick factory wire loom in that area.  If it's there, you can usually pierce the grommet and push your power wire through.  

In some cases, you'll have to drill.  Often you can find a "clutch plate"--in vehicles that are available with an automatic or manual transmission, the cars with automatic transmissions will usually have a blank spot on the firewall where the clutch assembly would go.  This is an ideal spot to drill a hole for a power wire.

If you have to drill a hole, make sure you can see the area on both sides of the firewall.  Start by making a small hole with a self-tapping screw.  Using a screw instead of a drill bit can help avoid damaging components on the other side of the firewall, if you make the hole in the wrong place.  Once you have the small hole, shine a flashlight onto it and look for the hole on the other side of the firewall.  If you can find the hole, and the area is clear, make the hole larger using a step bit (ie, a Uni-bit).  I almost always find it easier to drill from the inside of the vehicle, rather than from the engine side of the firewall.   Make sure you use a grommet or bushing in the hole, so that the wire is protected from the sharp edges of the firewall.  

Hope this helps!

Brian