98 Altima system help?

[deftones5792 10+ year member]

Equipment list:

Sony Xplod CDX-L410X deck (yeah i know sony sucks but its what I have to work with)

Kenwood 300W Max amp: KAC608S

JL 10" sub in prefab box

I have a power wire to the amp with a fuse/fuseholder near the battery. I used a voltage tester and confirmed that there is power to the amp. I ran the cable to the amp from the deck. I bought the install kit at Best Buy. I looked at the install instructions for the amp. The power indicater light is not on, indicating that the amp is in safe mode. I think it is because I do not have it properly grounded. I ran the ground to a metal surface in the trunk. I also have only 16g wire from amp to sub. I got the sub and amp at a yard sale so I want to make sure I have done everything I can before I go back there and demand my money back.

By the way, this is my first attempt at installing an amp and sub so if you can offer any help, please put it in fairly simple terms. Thanks very much.

Click to read more...

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

16 gauge power/ground wire it too small, unless you mean that's the remote turn on wire.

Make sure to sand off the paint where you ground the amp.

I've done a few Altima systems and I usually use one of the body mount bolts. Should be towards the rear of the trunk, right & left side under the carpet.

 

[deftones5792 10+ year member]

I figured that 16g wire was too small so I will replace it. What is the min size I should use? Keeping in mind that it is only a 300W max pwr amplifier and one 10" sub. My biggest problem is trying to figure out what to do with that remote wire. I dont know where to hook it up! Also, there appears to be another spot for a ground wire. It is just a screw in the side of the amp though. I dont know where to attach this one. I know most of these are (probably) stupid questions but I really want to get this done. The car is my sisters and I am doing all this for her as a graduation present so I really want to make sure it gets done right.Like I said before, this is my first attempt at an install (aside from speakers) and I really could use all the help you guys are willing to offer. Thanks.

Here are the installation instructions for the amp so you can see what I mean about that other ground wire. : http://inform2.kenwoodusa.com/manuals/kac728s.pdf

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

8-10g wire should be fine.

No idea abou the screw in the side of the amp. Just hook up to the place marked GROUND next to the REM & power connections.

For the remote wire you'll need to pull the head unit and tap into the REM wire, blue with white stripe.