Car Stereos: factory stereo inputs, rear cargo area, rca cables

Question
how do i hook up my amp and subwoofer in my 2003 mercury mountaineer do i need a special connector to hook up the rca cables?

Answer
Hi Steven,

Unless your amplifier is equipped with high-level inputs, you'll need a device called a line output converter.  This connects to the factory speaker wiring, and converts the audio signal to a low-level output that can be connected to an after-market amplifier using RCA cables.  You do not have to disconnect the factory speakers to use a line-output converter.

The easiest way to connect a line output converter is to find the speaker wires in the radio harness, behind the factory radio.  Usually when you're adding an amplifier and subwoofer, the line output converter is connected to the rear speaker wires.  However, some Mountaineers include a factory subwoofer in the rear cargo area.  In this case, the best place to connect the converter is at the speaker wires running to the stock sub.

Hope this helps!

Brian