Subwoofer install troubleshooting

[MLC2023]

The easiest way to tap the fronts is to pop the climate controls panel off, and the plugs are right behind it. Super easy to get to. That panel just pops right off if you pull it straight back. Then you can get one of these little guys, so you don't have to cut a single factory wire : https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541LPHFD31/PAC-LPHFD31-LocPro-Advanced-T-Harness.html?omnews=18429741

On another note, I'm thinking that enclosure is quite a bit too small for the sub you're using. You're not going to get much low bass from that. I'm not trying to be a downer, but rather trying to temper expectations. I would try to get more air space for that sub for sure with a little larger enclosure.

I'll also whole heartedly agree with the Forscan Flat EQ change!!! You won't notice the difference on factory speakers, but you will absolutely notice on a subwoofer. It is a cake walk to do, since it is in easy mode. I hope that helps!

Thank you @rallyshark . The woofer is rated for .25ft. The box is more like .23. I put a little poly fill in. This is my first sound mod and I’m definitely a novice. I’m afraid to commit myself to tapping at the head unit ‘cause then I’ll have to thread the speaker wire. We’ll see.

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[MLC2023]

Yeah, it’s what I use. Couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t work. Crutchfield recommended this and I haven’t had any issues since

@Miguelinfest ordered it. Gracias!

 

[KeithVi]

Best audio upgrade I've ever done to any vehicle.

Allowed me to feed the tweeters in a way that I am able to equalize and amplify. Provided a subwoofer output that I'm able to amplify an equalize.

 

[Rob911]

I tapped the rear speakers for my sub amp and it worked without any problems. It appears that bass is only cut to the rears when you use the option that selects the driver as the listener and not all the passengers.

 

[kkreit01]

I also tapped my front signals behind the climate controls. I cut the connections, and used M/F quickconnects. My amp is powering the front door speakers + sub. Guarantee those rear 4" speakers aren't seeing a full-range signal. They can't handle low frequencies.

 

[MLC2023]

Embarrassed to say the problem was the sound settings were set to “Driver” instead of “All Seats.” I was sure I had done this and thought it had to be something more complicated. Big difference. First tune was “Comfortably Numb” which sounded great. I still may tap the front speakers and get a Forscan adapter but those are projects for another day.

 

[Carlitos_92]

Embarrassed to say the problem was the sound settings were set to “Driver” instead of “All Seats.” I was sure I had done this and thought it had to be something more complicated. Big difference. First tune was “Comfortably Numb” which sounded great. I still may tap the front speakers and get a Forscan adapter but those are projects for another day.

I think the "All Seats" setting probably improved the sound, but it can still be better. The main issue is that the rear speakers are cheap 4" drivers and Ford chose to use signal processing to “enhance” the system sound and then capacitors to protect the speakers from the “enhanced sound.” If you're throwing any money at all at a Maverick stereo, you really want to eliminate that extra manipulation. Especially if you're putting third-party DSP in as well.

(Edited for correctness; I originally had it wrong about the capacitors…)

 

[jewc75]

Try unplugging one of the rcas, left ot right channel.

 

[AVC]

I’ve got my subwoofer taped to the rear pillar speakers as I’ve read about here on several different posts. I’ve got sound, but not a lot of it. Even with the volume all the way up. Any suggestions?

Oops, maybe this doesn’t go in rigs. I’ll repost an electronics.

For XL or XLT systems, you MUST change the Forescan EQ to "Flat EQ" to have any usable LF signal below 55Hz on ANY of the speaker lines (front or rear) you intend to tap for the subwoofer.

The default Factory EQ setting RAPIDLY rolls off below 55Hz to ALL speakers; basically no signal in the subwoofer range that is usable.

 

[wvpc]

AVC,
Did you connect both rear speakers to your sub or only use one of the speakers leads? Can I get away with just using one set of rear leads and get adequate sound out of my Rockville SSP8 sub?

Thanks.

 

[MLC2023]

AVC,
Did you connect both rear speakers to your sub or only use one of the speakers leads? Can I get away with just using one set of rear leads and get adequate sound out of my Rockville SSP8 sub?

Thanks.

@wvpc You’ll find many who say you can get away with only tapping one side. I tapped both left and right ‘cause I knew I would be disappointed with some of the alt rock and other eclectic music I listen to where you get a base line from one side only.

 

[AVC]

AVC,
Did you connect both rear speakers to your sub or only use one of the speakers leads? Can I get away with just using one set of rear leads and get adequate sound out of my Rockville SSP8 sub?

Thanks.

Both rears go to sub, as the LF content can vary song-to-song; may be somewhat to hard panned L, R or be centered in the mix.

It's straight forward to get to the L and R rear speaker wires at the respective rear door sills. I used T-taps and 22ga stranded wire.

https://www.amazon.com/Wire-Connect...pcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A31E7B3UFJ5DLK

 

[AVC]

Embarrassed to say the problem was the sound settings were set to “Driver” instead of “All Seats.” I was sure I had done this and thought it had to be something more complicated. Big difference. First tune was “Comfortably Numb” which sounded great. I still may tap the front speakers and get a Forscan adapter but those are projects for another day.

Note that when you do the Forscan "flat eq" setting, the "Driver" head unit mode becomes identical to "All Seats" (no measurable change between them).

 

[MLC2023]

Thanks @Miguelinfest how does it help? Does it boost the output?

Hi @Miguelinfest , I was able to fix my problem (embarasingly I did not set the sound to all seats). But I still may keep the remote. Did you run it to the front seat? Or did you leave it in the back? If you ran it to the front seat where did you run the wire?

 

[Miguelinfest]

I ended up running it through the front. Went behind the dash. If I had the part I recommend to you, I could have ran it through the rear speakers. Wish I would have known before I hand, but either way I wasn’t getting a strong enough signal.

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