Kia Sorento owners may realize that a stronger stereo system is in order, either by preference or after the addition of aftermarket speakers. The signal strength determines the clarity and volume of your vehicle's stereo. Add an amplifier to the factory stereo deck to power your factory speakers to greater clarity and power or to power subwoofers and other speakers for a complete audio system. You can have the amp installed professionally or save money by doing it yourself.
Lift the KIA's hood and loosen the bolt on each of the battery cables with the socket wrench. Lift the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal and set it aside.
Remove the positive battery cable from the positive terminal and slide the ring terminal from the amplifier wiring kit onto the terminal. Place the positive battery cable clamp on top of the ring terminal on the positive terminal post. Tighten the bolt on the positive cable with the wrench. Take the fuse from the ring terminal's slot. The fuse will need to be replaced once the amp has been installed.
Plug the power cable (commonly blue, from the amplifier wiring kit) into the ring terminal input. Feed the power cable through the opening on the firewall that leads into the Sorento's passenger cabin.
Remove the vents to each side of the stereo assembly by pulling them straight from the dashboard by hand. Remove the two screws at the top of the stereo bracket with the Phillips screwdriver. Remove the trim panel surrounding the stereo. Remove the two screws on each side of the stereo with the screwdriver. Slide the deck from the stereo mounting dock and disconnect the stereo wiring connectors from the back of the unit.
Plug the KIA's stereo wiring connectors into the wiring harness adapter leads. Plug the wiring harness adapter lead connectors into the outlets on the back of the stereo unit.
Plug the patch cables into the wiring harness adapter leads. Follow the color code on the adapter's leads for proper connection locations.
Feed the cables through the back of the Sorento's stereo dock to the floor of the vehicle on the passenger's side. Replace the factory stereo into the vehicle's stereo dock. Replace the panel over the stereo and screw in the two screws on the sides of the unit. Place the vents against the dashboard and press firmly to snap them back into place.
Route the patch cables along the right side of the KIA to the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Lay the power supply cable from the foot-well on the driver's side to the back of the vehicle (the location of the amplifier).
Connect the power supply cable to the power input on the amplifier. Connect the patch cable leads to the appropriately marked inputs on the amplifier. Connect the grounding wire to the amplifier and a screw or bolt in the rear cargo area of the Sorento. Any bolt connected to the frame of the vehicle will suffice.
Return to the KIA's battery and replace the negative battery cable clamp onto the negative battery terminal. Tighten the bolt with the wrench. Slide the fuse into the ring terminal fuse holder and close the Sorento's hood.
