Rockford Fosgate P2 12 Wiring Diagram

If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s sound system, one of the most important components you’ll need is a powerful subwoofer. And when it comes to subwoofers, Rockford Fosgate is one of the most trusted brands in the market. Their P2 12 subwoofer is a popular choice among car audio enthusiasts. But before you can enjoy the deep bass it delivers, you need to properly wire it to your car’s amplifier. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to wire the Rockford Fosgate P2 12 subwoofer and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.

What You Need

Before you start wiring your subwoofer, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Tools Equipment
Wire cutters/strippers Rockford Fosgate P2 12 subwoofer
Phillips screwdriver Amplifier
Crimp connectors Speaker wire
Electrical tape Fuse holder
Drill and drill bit Fuse (size depends on your amp)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Disconnect the battery

Before you start working on your car’s audio system, it’s important to disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical mishaps. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the negative terminal’s bolt, and remove the cable from the battery.

Step 2: Choose a location for the subwoofer

Choose a suitable location for the subwoofer in your car. Make sure it’s securely mounted and won’t vibrate or move while you’re driving. You can either install it in a pre-existing enclosure or build your own.

Step 3: Run the power wire

Run the power wire from the battery to the amplifier. Drill a hole in the firewall and pull the wire through. Use a fuse holder and connect it to the battery’s positive terminal. Make sure to use a fuse that matches your amp’s rating.

Step 4: Run the ground wire

Run a ground wire from the amp to a suitable grounding point in your car’s chassis. Make sure the surface is clean and free of rust or paint. Use a ring terminal and bolt it securely to the grounding point.

Step 5: Run the remote wire

Run a remote wire from the amp to the head unit. This wire tells the amp when to turn on and off. Use a crimp connector and connect it to the head unit’s remote turn-on lead.

Step 6: Connect the RCA cables

Connect the RCA cables from the head unit to the amp. These cables transmit the audio signal from the head unit to the amp. Make sure to connect the right and left channels correctly.

Step 7: Wire the subwoofer

Wire the subwoofer to the amp. First, connect the positive wire from the sub to the positive terminal on the amp. Then, connect the negative wire from the sub to the negative terminal on the amp.

FAQ

Q: What gauge wire should I use for the power wire?

A: The gauge of wire you should use depends on the distance between the battery and the amp. As a general rule, use a 4 gauge wire for distances up to 15 feet, a 2 gauge wire for distances up to 25 feet, and a 0 gauge wire for distances up to 40 feet.

Q: Why do I need to run a remote wire?

A: The remote wire tells the amp when to turn on and off. Without it, the amp would be on all the time and drain your car’s battery.

Q: Can I wire two P2 12 subs to the same amp?

A: Yes, you can wire two P2 12 subs to the same amp. Make sure to check your amp’s manual for the correct wiring configuration.

Q: Can I wire the subwoofer without an enclosure?

A: No, the subwoofer needs to be in an enclosure to work properly. Without an enclosure, the sound waves will cancel each other out and result in poor sound quality.

Q: What’s the difference between a single voice coil and a dual voice coil subwoofer?

A: A single voice coil sub has one winding of wire on the voice coil, while a dual voice coil sub has two windings. Dual voice coil subs offer more wiring options and flexibility in setup.

Conclusion

Wiring a subwoofer may seem daunting, but with the right tools and instructions, it’s a manageable task. By following these steps and guidelines, you’ll be able to wire your Rockford Fosgate P2 12 subwoofer to your car’s amplifier with ease. Enjoy the deep, powerful bass that the P2 12 delivers!