Car Stereos: 2009 Challenger Remote Amp Turn on Lead, volt power outlet, fuse box

Question
I am installing an amp and subwoofer in my 2009 Challenger.  I had the factory head unit (base 4 speaker type) out and did not see a blue or blue/white(?) remote turn on wire to tap into for the amp.  This car does not have a power antenna either.  My first question is, am I right or did I overlook some thing?  If I am right can I use a "fuse tap" to hook up the remote turn on of the amp?  That is what I was told to do by the online retailer I purchased the amp from.  Thanks for your time and help.

Answer
Hi Chris,

You won't usually find a remote turn-on wire, of any color, at the back of a modern factory head unit.  Even OEM systems that use factory amplifiers often use a different method of activating the amp, rather than the 12-volt remote output that's standard for after-market systems.

If you can find a factory fuse that powered through the key switch, you can certainly use a fuse tap to connect your after-market amp's remote wire to it.  Another option might be the factory 12-volt power outlet (cigarette lighter).  In most newer Chrysler vehicles, there's at least one power outlet that works with accessory power and stays on when the key's turned off until you open the door, just like the factory radio.  If your vehicle's outlet works this way, you can tap your remote wire to the source wire at the outlet, or tap the outlet fuse at the fuse box.

Hope this helps!

Brian