2011 aftermarket amp install questions

[USMCEXP]

I am going to tackle installing an aftermarket amp to run subs in my 2011 XLT. Does anybody have a wiring schematic for the factory head unit? Or know which wires I need to tap into for the line level converters and the remote turn on? Any tips on pulling the factory head unit would be appriciated also.

Thanks in advance,
GySgt K

 

[Dexter]

I am going to tackle installing an aftermarket amp to run subs in my 2011 XLT. Does anybody have a wiring schematic for the factory head unit? Or know which wires I need to tap into for the line level converters and the remote turn on? Any tips on pulling the factory head unit would be appriciated also.

Thanks in advance,
GySgt K

I've never cared for in-line converters. If I were you I would look into an aftermarket HU that actually has a subwoofer channel in the back. In my experience, running an amp off of a stock HU is never seemed to be the better option. But if you're set on the stock one, I would try to tap into the rear speaker channels for the inline converter.

Here's the schematic for a 2007...I think it's similar if not identical to the 2011:

Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: White/Violet
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: Black/Pink
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black/Green
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Blue/Black
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: N/A
Car Stereo Antenna Trigger Wire: Yellow/Orange
Car Stereo Amp Trigger Wire: N/A
Car Stereo Amplifier Location: N/A
Car Audio Front Speakers Size: N/A
Car Audio Front Speakers Location: N/A
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): White/Red
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Brown
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): White/Orange
Car Audio Rear Speakers Size: N/A
Car Audio Rear Speakers Location: N/A
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Blue/Black
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Violet/White
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Light Blue

Goodluck! Post back with any questions or comments!

 

[USMCEXP]

thanks for the help. I got a "better" quote to install just the remote turn on wire, and line level converter...$60, but still think I can tackle it myself, as long as there is nothing tricky to pulling the head unit and getting in there. Again thanks for the assistance.

GySgt K

 

[USMCEXP]

So I got everything wired up and everything "works",, but the remote turn on wire is not kicking on the amp. I tried the yellow/orange wire, but it doesn't turn on. I can get the amp to power on if I tie into the 12 volt constand, so I know everything is working. Does anybody know where I can find the 12 volt switched wire for the factory radio, for accessory or anywhere else I can hook it up. Spend way too much time on that one wire, so I am going to bed, and will look at it again in the morning...

 

[USMCEXP]

I've never cared for in-line converters. If I were you I would look into an aftermarket HU that actually has a subwoofer channel in the back. In my experience, running an amp off of a stock HU is never seemed to be the better option. But if you're set on the stock one, I would try to tap into the rear speaker channels for the inline converter.

Here's the schematic for a 2007...I think it's similar if not identical to the 2011:


Goodluck! Post back with any questions or comments!

Not sure where this wire code list came from but on my 2011 XLT it is way off. The passenger side speaker signal wires are white/orange and white/purple and the driver side is white and white/brown. Still looking for a wire to tap into fro the remote turn on for the amp...

 

[Dexter]

Not sure where this wire code list came from but on my 2011 XLT it is way off. The passenger side speaker signal wires are white/orange and white/purple and the driver side is white and white/brown. Still looking for a wire to tap into fro the remote turn on for the amp...

Try using the wire that turns the antenna on? Or use the accessory wire that turns the HU on when you turn the key.

 

[USMCEXP]

Try using the wire that turns the antenna on? Or use the accessory wire that turns the HU on when you turn the key.

Tried a few of those last night with no luck. I think I read somewhere that Ford uses only 5 volts for those. I might try to look at running a wire to the fuse panel?

 

[Dexter]

Tried a few of those last night with no luck. I think I read somewhere that Ford uses only 5 volts for those. I might try to look at running a wire to the fuse panel?

Hmm, I never knew that. I'm pretty sure the HU itself uses a 12 volt turn on signal but maybe I'm wrong. If so, looks like you might need to get one of these neat little devices:

http://pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=790&CategoryID=31

Once it detects virtually any voltage, it relays a 12 volt signal to the amp. You could order one, and use an actual switch in the meantime.

 

[USMCEXP]

So, turns out I needed to step away from it, get a good night sleep, and not over think it... I decided to tap into the fuse panel. I ended up using a fuse that was not in use. My first project with the new ride is complete. The Rockford fosgate Punch HE 10" is plenty for this ride. Now, what to do next: cold air intake, cat back, overhead Monitor/DVD player, upgrade factory speakers...

 

[Dexter]

So, turns out I needed to step away from it, get a good night sleep, and not over think it... I decided to tap into the fuse panel. I ended up using a fuse that was not in use. My first project with the new ride is complete. The Rockford fosgate Punch HE 10" is plenty for this ride. Now, what to do next: cold air intake, cat back, overhead Monitor/DVD player, upgrade factory speakers...

Now we're cooking with fire!