The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a vehicle that defies simple classification. It is roomier than a sedan, more nimble than an SUV, and with its retro looks, more stylish than a minivan. The rear cargo area allows for an easy addition of a subwoofer, which will provide a fuller stereo sound. You can choose to have an audio professional install a powered subwoofer into your PT Cruiser, or you can do it yourself with little car stereo experience.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the PT Cruiser battery's negative lead post. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the cable's clamp and remove the clamp from the lead post until the installation is finished.
Connect the amplifier ring terminal (included in the amp wiring kit) to the positive battery lead. Connect the power cable to the ring terminal and route it into the cabin of the vehicle. Drill an opening in the firewall (from the engine compartment to the inner cabin). Place a rubber grommet in the new opening to protect the cable.
Remove the power window control panel, located in the center of the center dash panel, with a trim panel removal tool. Remove the screw behind the panel with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Remove the dash trim panel surrounding the stereo and dash vents by hand.
Remove the four screws at the corners of the stereo mounting bracket with a Phillips head screwdriver. Pull the stereo forward (away from the dash) until the wire connections in the rear are accessible by hand. Disconnect each of the wire groups by the plastic binders.
Connect the stereo wiring binders to a wiring harness adapter. Connect the wiring harness adapter leads to the stereo.
Connect the patch cables and turn-on lead (from the amp wiring kit) to the wiring harness adapter. Route the cables to the rear cargo area of the PT Cruiser.
Route the power cable from the battery to the rear of the vehicle. Use a trim panel removal tool to remove the panels at the doorways. Lay the wiring beneath the carpeting. Make sure to route the power cable on one side of the Chrysler and the patch cables on the other side. The turn-on lead can be routed on either side.
Replace the stereo into the stereo mounting bracket. Replace the four screws at the corners. Place the center dash panel back into place by hand. The panel will snap into place with medium force around the edges. Insert the screw in the center of the dash trim panel (behind the window control panel). Replace the window control panel by hand.
Connect the power cable, the turn-on lead, and the patch cables to the powered subwoofer, at the appropriately-labeled outlets.
Locate four points on the spare tire cover to mount the securing "L" brackets. The locations should be close to the corners of the subwoofer box corners and not pose any danger to the spare tire below. Screw the "L" brackets into the locations you have chosen and then into the box of the sub to secure the subwoofer in place.
Replace the negative battery cable clamp around the battery's negative lead post. Tighten the clamp with a Phillips head screwdriver.
