Car Stereos: 2000 Navigator Subwoofer Amp Trigger, amp trigger, alpine system

Question
Can you tell me which wire in the factory harness is the trigger for the subwoofer amp?  Normally expect to see a blue wire just sitting there waiting to be attached to.  The original system is the Alpine system for the 2000 Navigator.

Thanks,

C

Answer
Hi Chad,

The signal and turn-on wires for the subwoofer amp are located in a small, square 8-pin plug at the back of the factory radio.  This plug will typically have only four wires in it.  The trigger wire for the sub amplifier should be dark green with a violet stripe.

It's important to note that, unlike an after-market audio system, the Ford trigger wire is only 5 volts.  If you're replacing the head unit, you can still apply a 12-volt turn-on signal to this wire, and it will activate the factory amplifier, but there may be a turn-on thump.  This can be eliminated by using a resistor or voltage regulator on the turn-on wire.

On the other hand, if you're keeping the factory radio in place and installing an amplifier, you won't be able to use the 5-volt trigger wire for the after-market amp's remote terminal (although you may be able to use it to trigger a relay or transistor, and switch a 12-volt turn-on voltage to your amplifier in that way).

Hope this helps!

Brian