I have an 850 that I want to put a subwoofer into. I'm wondering if there is a low level output on the factory stereo from which to run the amp. It is the premium sound package, and it has a tape deck with no cd player. I'm also curious as to whether or not there is a factory amp running the speakers right now and if this is using that low level output. --Jack

 

There is a DIN connector on the back of the radio that is a low level output. You may or may not have a factory amp. To find out pull the radio out and see if anything is plugged into the DIN connector marked AMP.

If you unplug the radio you will need to re-enter your security code so make sure that you have the code.

...Lee

 

Some amps have speaker-level inputs which allow you to use the signal from a set of speaker wires. If you bought an amp like that you could just splice into one of the factory speaker wires and you're set. I heard the sound quality is not as good as RCA patch cables from an aftermarket head unit though. I would recommend buying an aftermarket head unit. I'm guessing, but may be wrong, that money is the issue here. A decent head unit that gets the job done and looks half-way decent (compared to factory stereo) can be found on amazon or ebay for close to $60. My friend bought his off amazon with no warranty but I have never heard of someone having problems with their head unit so a warranty is probably not necessary.

What kind of subs are you looking to install?
And what amp?

Also, I have learned how to find out high quality information about car stereos for free. Crutchfield.com live chat will only answer installation questions if you have bought from their site. However, what I do is ask a question as "product or order question". It makes you look like a proposed buyer without actually buying anything yet. I just say things like "hey I want to buy this amp but don't know if I could hook it up to my factory stereo. If it does wire right in my car I will buy it". They will answer your question with no problem to try and make a sale. I have found out they are honest, precise, well educated and will know exactly your stereos inputs, outputs and how to wire it

 

Thanks for the all the info, and unfortunately money is a bit of an issue. I pulled the radio and found a circular looking input labeled amp with nothing with it. I was expecting it to be a more rectangular input.

 

I have a 97 850 wagon and im installing a sub an amp i ve got everything rdy to go but im having trouble trying to find an access hole to run my hot lead from the amp to the battery and ideas? Thanks

 

try running the wire through the drivers or passenger side quarter [panel, thats what i did on mine

 

I just installed a Kenwood Amp and 2 12" Dual subs in my '93 850. The longest part of the install was finding the rubber grommet to take out to push the positive cable from the battery to the amp. I found one on the passenger side of the firewall, and on the inside of the passenger compartment, there was a slit in the padding for an opening to where the rubber grommet was. I just ran everything under the carpet, (I also have an aftermarket head unit), and install went smooth. The only other thing I had trouble with was where to ground the amp that didn't make the ground wire extend more than 18".

Good luck!

 

I have a '96 850GLT and I recently installed a 12" and an 850w amp. On the driver's side, there is a small grommet in the firewall leading to the engine compartment. You have to get down really low on the driver's side and you can look for a small black tube with a cap on top of it. The hole is higher up in the firewall-just follow your hand up on the firewall leading towards the steering wheel. The cap has four small dots on top of it and it is rubber. It was big enough to fit 6 gague wire through and the left/right audio connectors (red and white wires.)
Hope this helps!
Sam