How do I install an amp/car kill switch?

[[X]ILE]

I read a thread like this just a little bit ago, but I wanted to start my own because my situation entails a few unique problems.

I read that to install a quick kill switch for the amp, I would hook the switch to the blue 12v REM wire that comes from my HU and tells my amp to turn on or off, and I see how this works, but I don't think this will work for me. Let me explain why.

Alright, I have a 98 Ford Escort that had a pre-installed Pioneer DEH-P44, so I know that the head is working right. I spent about three and a half hours wiring up a 600w Sony Xpload the other day.

View attachment 26531081

^This is how it's wired up.^

I tested it out to make sure that the power and everything were working correctly, and they seemed to be. (Let me say that again, SEEMED to be.) As in when the HU is on the light on the amp stating it had power was on, and when it was off, the light went off.

The problem I'm facing is that I have to manually turn off my head because my car will not turn off past ACC. I figured that by turning off my head the amp would shut off completely and draw no power, but this doesn't seem to be the case. I had to get jumped off three times before deciding to just unhook the amp, and since then, everything has been fine.

I had one person tell me that the power wire was not a thick enough gauge for that amp and another tell me it was fine. The wiring kit I bought stated that it was for up to a 680w amp, so I assumed it would work perfectly, but now I'm not so certain. Also, I do not claim to know much about any of this. This is my first amp and was my first time hooking one up, so I am well aware that this could be something I didn't do right.

But what I want to do is either hook up a kill switch to turn the amp completely off via the power cable, or have one that will kill the entire car. Any help at all will be greatly appreciated, and I thank you all ahead of time for reading this long post.

-Blake

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[brooklynjoy2008 10+ year member]

It's a pain in the arse,but you could get a quick release terminal for your batt. I had to use one for a while until I could figure out what was draining my batt.

 

[[X]ILE]

That would be a pain. I'm looking for something I can do inside the car. That way I'm not running out in the rain to put it on or late for work and freaking out because I forgot to take it off. I know people hook up battery kill switches all the time as an added anti-theft measure, so I know it's an option. and I figure that means I could do the same with my amp power cable. I'm just trying to figure out if it's a good idea or not....

 

[brooklynjoy2008 10+ year member]

Ok so I would say just get a little toggle switch and run your remote wire to the switch, then to the amp. Unless the amp is damaged it should not draw any power with the remote off.

 

[[X]ILE]

I thought the same thing. But the second time I had to be jumped off, I didn't even turn my head unit on. I ran the car for around 30 minutes and drove around to recharge the battery, and when I killed it, it still wouldn't start back up. That's why I'm hesitant about using the remote wire for the switch.

 

[brooklynjoy2008 10+ year member]

That sounds like a different problem. If you drove around for half an hour and your battery did not charge you have other problems. Because your car will run while started, but not start I think you may need another battery. Go have that and your alt checked out and also make sure you have a good ground. If you do not own a dmm you should get one, they are cheap and are required in car audio.

 

[duanebro 10+ year member]

That sounds like a different problem. If you drove around for half an hour and your battery did not charge you have other problems. Because your car will run while started, but not start I think you may need another battery. Go have that and your alt checked out and also make sure you have a good ground. If you do not own a dmm you should get one, they are cheap and are required in car audio.

+1

I had this happen before. A loose/bad connection at the battery will cause the same issues. Also the amp wire being too small will not affect the car starting.

 

[Mitch86 5,000+ posts]

Sounds like your alternator isnt charging your battery or you have some other constant draw other than the amp.

 

[[X]ILE]

I had my alternator checked and it's fine. I did have a loose connection, but we cleaned and tightened the post. What is a dmm?