Cerwin Vega Subwoofer: Spare Tire Install Guide

by Alex Braham 48 views

Hey guys! Ever thought about adding some serious bass to your ride without sacrificing precious cargo space? Well, installing a Cerwin Vega subwoofer in your spare tire well might just be the perfect solution! This guide will walk you through the process, making it super easy and straightforward. Let's dive in and get that bass bumpin'!

Why Choose a Spare Tire Subwoofer?

Before we get started, let's talk about why a spare tire subwoofer enclosure is such a fantastic idea. First off, space is a huge concern for many of us. Traditional subwoofer boxes can take up a ton of room in your trunk, leaving you with barely any space for groceries, luggage, or whatever else you need to haul around. By utilizing the spare tire well, you're reclaiming valuable real estate without compromising on audio quality.

Another great reason is the stealth factor. A spare tire subwoofer is hidden away, out of sight, which can be a major plus if you're concerned about theft or just prefer a clean, uncluttered look in your vehicle. Plus, it's a great conversation starter when people finally realize where all that bass is coming from!

Finally, many prefabricated spare tire subwoofer enclosures are designed to fit snugly and securely in the spare tire well. This means less vibration and rattling, which can sometimes be an issue with traditional setups. All in all, it’s a win-win for sound quality and space efficiency. When installing a Cerwin Vega subwoofer in your spare tire, consider the power handling capabilities of your chosen subwoofer. Ensure that it matches well with the amplifier you intend to use. Overpowering or underpowering the subwoofer can lead to poor performance or even damage to the equipment. Check your vehicle's battery and electrical system. Subwoofers, especially high-powered ones, can draw a significant amount of current. An inadequate electrical system can cause dimming headlights, a weak battery, or even damage to your car's electrical components. Upgrading your battery and adding a capacitor can help stabilize the electrical system. Consider sound dampening materials to line the spare tire well. This can help reduce vibrations and unwanted noise, improving the overall sound quality of your subwoofer. Dynamat or similar products are excellent for this purpose. Always disconnect the negative terminal of your car's battery before starting any electrical work. This will prevent accidental short circuits and protect both you and your vehicle's electrical system.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Okay, let's gather everything we need to make this happen. Having the right tools and materials on hand will make the whole process much smoother and less frustrating. Here's a list of what you'll likely need:

  • Cerwin Vega Subwoofer: Obviously, the star of the show! Make sure it's the right size and power handling for your vehicle and enclosure.
  • Spare Tire Subwoofer Enclosure: You can buy these pre-made or build your own if you're feeling ambitious.
  • Amplifier: You'll need an amp to power the subwoofer. Choose one that matches the subwoofer's power requirements.
  • Wiring Kit: This should include power wire, ground wire, speaker wire, RCA cables, and a remote turn-on wire.
  • Wire Strippers/Crimpers: For making clean and secure wire connections.
  • Screwdrivers/Socket Set: For removing panels and securing the enclosure.
  • Drill (Optional): You might need this to drill mounting holes.
  • Multimeter: For testing voltage and continuity.
  • Electrical Tape: For insulating connections.
  • Zip Ties: For keeping wires organized.
  • Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes!
  • Gloves: To keep your hands clean and protected.

Having all these items ready will save you time and hassle during the installation. Double-check your list before you start to avoid any unexpected trips to the store. When selecting a Cerwin Vega subwoofer, pay attention to the sensitivity rating. A higher sensitivity rating means the subwoofer will produce more sound with less power, which is especially important if you're using a lower-powered amplifier. Before purchasing, measure the dimensions of your spare tire well to ensure that the subwoofer enclosure will fit properly. Some vehicles have shallower or narrower spare tire wells than others, so it's crucial to verify compatibility. Inspect the wiring kit to ensure that the power wire is of sufficient gauge (thickness) to handle the current draw of your amplifier. Using a wire that's too thin can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. Use a wiring harness adapter that is compatible with your car's factory stereo system to avoid cutting into the factory wiring. This makes the installation process reversible and prevents damage to your car's electrical system. Ensure that the remote turn-on wire is properly connected to a switched 12V source. This will ensure that the amplifier only turns on when the car is running, preventing unnecessary battery drain.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a step-by-step guide to installing your Cerwin Vega subwoofer in the spare tire well. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll be bumpin' in no time!

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Safety first! Disconnect the negative terminal of your car's battery. This will prevent any accidental short circuits and protect your electrical system. Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal, then carefully remove the cable and tuck it away from the battery post.

Step 2: Remove the Spare Tire

Take out the spare tire and any other items that are in the spare tire well. You want to have a clean, empty space to work with.

Step 3: Prepare the Enclosure

If you're using a pre-made enclosure, make sure it fits snugly in the spare tire well. If you're building your own, take your time and ensure it's the right size and shape. Line the enclosure with sound-dampening material to reduce vibrations.

Step 4: Mount the Subwoofer

Carefully mount the Cerwin Vega subwoofer into the enclosure. Use the screws or bolts that came with the subwoofer to secure it in place. Make sure it's properly aligned and tightened.

Step 5: Wire the Subwoofer

Connect the speaker wires from the subwoofer to the terminals on the enclosure. Pay attention to the polarity (positive and negative) to ensure the subwoofer is wired correctly. Incorrect wiring can result in poor sound quality.

Step 6: Install the Amplifier

Choose a location for your amplifier. Common spots include under the seat or in the trunk. Secure the amplifier in place, making sure it's well-ventilated. Run the power wire from the battery to the amplifier, using a fuse near the battery for safety. Connect the ground wire to a solid metal point on the vehicle's chassis. Run the RCA cables from your head unit to the amplifier.

Step 7: Connect the Wires

Connect the speaker wires from the amplifier to the terminals on the subwoofer enclosure. Again, pay attention to the polarity. Connect the remote turn-on wire from the head unit to the amplifier. This will tell the amplifier when to turn on and off.

Step 8: Test the System

Reconnect the battery. Turn on your head unit and test the subwoofer. Start with the volume low and gradually increase it to make sure everything is working properly. Listen for any distortion or unusual noises.

Step 9: Secure Everything

Once you're satisfied with the sound, secure all the wires and cables with zip ties. This will prevent them from rattling around and getting damaged. Place the enclosure back in the spare tire well and secure it in place. You may need to use mounting brackets or straps to hold it in place.

Step 10: Final Check

Do a final check to make sure everything is properly installed and secured. Replace the spare tire (if possible) and any other items you removed from the trunk. Now, crank up the tunes and enjoy your new Cerwin Vega subwoofer!

When running the power wire from the battery to the amplifier, use a grommet to pass the wire through the firewall. This will prevent the wire from rubbing against the metal and causing a short circuit. Use a distribution block to split the power wire if you are running multiple amplifiers. This ensures that each amplifier receives the correct amount of power. When grounding the amplifier, sand down the metal surface to ensure a clean and secure connection. A poor ground connection can cause noise and distortion in the audio signal. Use shielded RCA cables to minimize interference and noise. Run the RCA cables away from the power wire to further reduce the risk of interference. After completing the installation, use a multimeter to check the voltage at the amplifier. This will ensure that the amplifier is receiving the correct amount of power and that the electrical system is functioning properly. If you are using a factory stereo system, you may need to use a line output converter (LOC) to convert the high-level speaker outputs to low-level RCA outputs. This allows you to connect the amplifier to the factory stereo without cutting into the factory wiring.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you diagnose and fix common issues:

  • No Sound: Check the power wire, ground wire, and remote turn-on wire. Make sure the amplifier is turned on and the volume is turned up. Verify that the subwoofer is properly wired to the amplifier.
  • Distorted Sound: Check the gain settings on the amplifier. If the gain is set too high, it can cause distortion. Make sure the subwoofer is not being overpowered. Check for loose or damaged wires.
  • Humming or Buzzing: Check the ground connection. A poor ground can cause noise in the audio signal. Make sure the RCA cables are shielded and are not running near the power wire.
  • Subwoofer Cutting Out: Check the power wire and ground wire. A loose or damaged wire can cause the subwoofer to cut out. Make sure the amplifier is not overheating.

If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to consult a professional car audio installer. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix even the most complex problems. When troubleshooting a Cerwin Vega subwoofer installation, start by checking the simplest things first. Often, the problem is a loose wire or a blown fuse. Use a process of elimination to narrow down the cause of the issue. If you suspect that the subwoofer is blown, disconnect it from the amplifier and test it with a multimeter. A blown subwoofer will typically have a very low or infinite resistance reading. Check the fuse on the amplifier. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage rating. If the fuse blows again immediately, there may be a short circuit in the wiring. If you are using a line output converter (LOC), make sure it is properly adjusted. An improperly adjusted LOC can cause distortion and other audio problems. If you have access to an oscilloscope, you can use it to check the audio signal coming from the head unit and the amplifier. This can help you identify any distortion or clipping in the signal.

Final Thoughts

Installing a Cerwin Vega subwoofer in your spare tire well is a fantastic way to add bass to your vehicle without sacrificing space. By following these steps and taking your time, you can achieve a professional-sounding installation that will impress your friends and neighbors. So, grab your tools, crank up the tunes, and get ready to enjoy some serious bass! Remember always prioritize safety and double-check all connections for optimal performance. Happy listening!