When I bought my car, I really didn't feel like messing with the stereo too much, so I decided to get the premium stereo with subwoofer. From day 1, I always thought the stereo was pretty wimpy. I saw on a few other message boards that there was actually a gain control on the side for the subwoofer, and some people even said they were turning it down because it was too loud. I messed with it, because I wanted it louder. To my surprise, the gain did nothing, because the sub did nothing! It apparently hasn't worked from day 1. I checked with a volt meter and have power going to it as well as a signal from the speaker lines when the radio is turned on. On a few other boards, I saw where the power was only supposed to come on when the key was turned on. I have 12 volt power running to the sub without even having the key in! Is this the way it's supposed to be wired? If not, then they could have wired it wrong, and the constant power may have burned out the sub. Any advice would be helpful. I'd hate to go buy another sub, or get this one repaired if it's just going to burn out again from this. If that's the way the power is supposed to be, then it must be the sub itself. Thanks in advance.

 

Unfortunately, it's not wired up with a turn on switch from the radio. There are 6 connections going to it:

1. 12volt power
2. ground
3. left rear speaker +
4. left rear speaker -
5. right rear speaker +
6. right rear speaker -

According to posts online, the power should come on with the key in the ON position. There is no separate lead from the deck to the sub to turn it on, it will always be on as long as the car is. However, my power line to the sub is on even without the key being in the ignition. A turn on switch is not the problem. Any other suggestions?

 

The dealership's trying to figure it out too. They said to call them back tomorrow while they find out (idiots!). I'm thinking it may be like my home stereo. My front speakers have powered subs in the bottom of them. They are constantly powered, but only turn on when a signal comes through from the speaker line, that's their turn on. That's the only thing I can think of. Otherwise, the damn thing is wired up wrong, and the power should come on when the key is turned on.