Hi, new to the forums, first question: amp grounding...

[jt15025]

Hi,

What is the best way to ground my single multi channel amp? Currently, I have the 4 gauge ground wire from the amp going to the rear of my hatch. I filed off the coating and drilled a hole. Then, using a washer, screwed the terminal ring and washer to the chassis.

Problem is, every several months, the ground connection goes bad and system goes out, as happened yesterday. Driving along, system at moderate level, then......nothing.

Amp was not on at all. Twisted the ground connection a little and the amp turned back on...tunes again.

What would be a better way to create the ground connection?

Thanks,

Viper

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[Peggle]

What I did for my system is use an existing ground to tap into. In my trunk, there's already a ground used for my rear speakers im guessing. I just unscrewed that then added my amp's ground to it then I was in business. Ill post pictures later if i didnt make it clear enough

 

[Lowkey 10+ year member]

If it seems dirty could try cutting an inch off your ground wire then cleaning the spot your grounding to before reattaching it with freshly exposed wire. Where/what did you ground to specifically?

 

[Lowkey 10+ year member]

If it seems dirty could try cutting an inch off your ground wire then cleaning the spot your grounding to before reattaching it with freshly exposed wire. Where/what did you ground to specifically?

 

[jerryp.]

If you're not grounding directly to the battery, make sure your ground isn't longer than 3 ft either. I'm in a sedan and used a bolt that the rear seat locks into. Just cleaned it up real good and tightened it back on with an impact gun. Probably over kill force lol. Some people don't agree with grounding onto such points But it works for me.

 

[robert420 10+ year member]

i took the little piece where my trunk latches onto. took it off. took a drill too it n got all the paint of n roughed it up. then i put my ground wire into it n tightened the hell out of it. havent had a problem since

 

[Jerhemy 10+ year member]

I've used seat belt bolts several times in the past. Just sanded away all paint and clamped it down real good and i was gtg.

Not saying this is the best way, but it worked for years for me.

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

Hi,
What is the best way to ground my single multi channel amp? Currently, I have the 4 gauge ground wire from the amp going to the rear of my hatch. I filed off the coating and drilled a hole. Then, using a washer, screwed the terminal ring and washer to the chassis.

Problem is, every several months, the ground connection goes bad and system goes out, as happened yesterday. Driving along, system at moderate level, then......nothing.

Amp was not on at all. Twisted the ground connection a little and the amp turned back on...tunes again.

What would be a better way to create the ground connection?

Thanks,

Viper

Explain what that means... it sounds like your ground lug just isn't tight enough.

Also, if the hatch is hinged, I wouldn't use it as a ground point.

 

[Bass-in-Chevy93]

Explain what that means... it sounds like your ground lug just isn't tight enough.
Also, if the hatch is hinged, I wouldn't use it as a ground point.

Sounds about right, make sure it's completely sanded. Where the chassis is just metal. No paint or anything.

My local shop says the shorter the ground the better idk I've never looked into it.

 

[jt15025]

Thanks for all of the replies. I drilled a small 1/8" inch hole for the screw I had, and used a large washer with a hole the diameter of the screw and the end of the ground wire connector and screwed them down. I did remove the paint from the left rear area under the hatch carpeting. It just seems it gets loose after a while.

I should something of larger diameter and use that. I will remove what I have and clean it again, then drill a bigger hold, and reassemble. Also, maybe I will look for a bolt in the hatch that I can tie into.

Again, thanks so much.

Viper