Car audio - a little confused

[tylerk]

I bought a couple of subwoofers and an amp from a friend today. I figured the install would be cake, since there were already cables run to the hatch by the previous owner. However, when I looked, I saw the following:
2 RCA connectors
1 ring terminal connected to ground
1 cable that looked somewhat like a speaker wire

Now, my guess would be that the 3rd unknown cable would be the signal wire that tells the amp when the head unit is getting power. If I am correct in all this, aren't I missing a power cable? I don't see why all the cables would be left in except that one. Anyone have any ideas on what might be going on here?

 

[kelvinb]

I bought a couple of subwoofers and an amp from a friend today. I figured the install would be cake, since there were already cables run to the hatch by the previous owner. However, when I looked, I saw the following:
2 RCA connectors
1 ring terminal connected to ground
1 cable that looked somewhat like a speaker wire

Now, my guess would be that the 3rd unknown cable would be the signal wire that tells the amp when the head unit is getting power. If I am correct in all this, aren't I missing a power cable? I don't see why all the cables would be left in except that one. Anyone have any ideas on what might be going on here?

he probly kept the power wire since it runs through the carpet,firewall, lots stuff, lots of hassle. the speaker wire you are referring to is the remote wire which tells it, its powered up. you will have to run your own power wire.

 

[tylerk]

Thanks for the reply. This confirms my suspicions, but I guess my question is: why would someone be bothered to go through the hassle of REMOVING the power wire before selling the car? Oh well, I guess it doesn't matter, I'm just going to have to run a new one. Anyone have any links that will give me tips on running a new power cable for the amp?

 

[pinknuggit]

yeah, basically all you have to do to remove your power wire is yank it through the firewall from the outside. I yanked the power wire from all of my vehicles because it's the wire that costs the most. :laugh:

i don't know about a 2g, but on my 1g, i ran it through the wiring harness gromett on the passenger side.

 

[tylerk]

I yanked the power wire from all of my vehicles because it's the wire that costs the most. :laugh:

Ah ha, that explains it!! Thanks.

 

[Attack Eagle]

yeah it can be up to $5 a foot depending on gauge and brand... then you might need 15-17 ft of the stuff...

ouch