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View Full Version : How To: Route Amp Wire Through the Firewall (With Pics; it'll take awhile, 56k!)


ilarson007
05-27-2008, 03:38 PM
To begin with, I originally got this information from this thread (http://www.teamzx2.com/showthread.php?t=1801), which was originally quoted from CJW.

Ok, step one is remove the front driver side wheel. If you can't do that, then stop here, lol. Ok, now you need to remove the splash guard completely. There are[grammatical error] 10 or more plastic screws all over it (just look for them), and once all of them are out it comes off really easy. (sorry, we didn't take any pictures until we got to the sticking the wire through part). Next, you should see a rubber grommet with the main wire harness traveling through it. It takes a bit of work, but you should be able to use a flat blade screwdriver to push it in enough to stick the wire through. Picture one:

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5959/sd530699zq0.jpg

Then, after you start pushing it through, you should be able to see it coming through way up under the dash. It works best to have a friend help with this step, but it isn't necessary. It should come out like in picture 2:

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/5894/sd530701dn8.jpg

Ok, after you get it through the firewall, you need to remove the trim piece that is up next to the door and goes around the fuse box. It has three of those funny pins; you pull out on the two lower ones and push in the center of the top one. After that piece is out, you can pull off the kick panel that runs along the seat. It comes off really easy; it is clipped in place. You can then unclip the two clips that hold the carpet to the floor and route the wire(s) under the carpet (I also have my remote amp turn on routed on this side, so it doesn't affect the RCA cable). Pictures:

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2724/sd530702sc7.jpg
This is a good view of the opaque plastic piece that holds the carpet in place:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1944/sd530703bx0.jpg

The next step is to remove the rear driver panel to keep the wire hidden after it exits the carpet. It removes pretty easily; just be sure to take off the side closest to the door (the part that is covered by the door when it is closed needs to be pulled over the metal and then the piece can be removed) and then remove the rest. After that piece is off, you can place the wire all the way into the trunk going next to the rear seat. Picture:

With the panel removed:
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/1179/sd530706sh7.jpg

After you get this far, all that is left is to put the carpet and plastic pieces back together in reverse order (the kick panel must go on last because all the carpet and plastic goes underneath it. Then you can route the wire where ever you want to within your trunk.

Any mod who feels this article is worthy can move it into the How-To Section; I figure it would be easier than trying to search for it ;).

NYRichyone
05-27-2008, 03:44 PM
The first pic is WRONG. If you like your car, and do NOT want it to burn up.....run the wire in the first pic THROUGH the grommet, if not, it will rub the coating off and you will have big problems.

Rule number #1= Always use a grommet and/or an existing one when passing wire through ANY passage.


Other than that it looks Ok.

joshalabama
05-27-2008, 03:55 PM
I just made my own hole through the firewall...A little above the gas pedal. Bought a grommit from advanced auto and all is well..>Was a lot easier IMHO. But if you want to use a factory hole this is the way to go.

ilarson007
05-27-2008, 04:03 PM
well how are you supposed to get it through the grommet. And how is it supposed to move that much... it shouldn't move at all.

Hypnose Zx2
05-31-2008, 01:07 PM
well i think its a good job!

texzetec
05-31-2008, 06:05 PM
I have mine running thru the big grommet by the windsheild washer jug.I had somebody get inside the car, a use a small screwdriver to hold open the grommet. Then i used a little clear silicone to make sure it was sealed

redzx2
06-01-2008, 10:57 AM
I just ran mine threw the gromet for the steering colum.

Connal
06-01-2008, 11:08 AM
I have needed to reroute mine for a while. I did mine in the middle of a snow storm, so I did it quick and easy.

The back plastic panel, how do you get that off? I seem to remember I tried it before, but didn't have any luck.

ilarson007
06-01-2008, 09:36 PM
Umm, it's not too hard, it just snaps in place like the rest of the plastic in the car. The important thing it to pull the little lip by the door over the metal (towards the inside of the car) before you try to take the rest off. Sorry I didn't take a pic of that, I just wanted to finish it cause I was tired, lol! LMK if you need a pic of the panel removal, and I can get it as soon as I know.

vega
06-01-2008, 09:39 PM
i just drill a hole infront of the pedals, but this is great information.
thanks

ZXTool
06-02-2008, 11:01 AM
I have mine running thru the big grommet by the windsheild washer jug.I had somebody get inside the car, a use a small screwdriver to hold open the grommet. Then i used a little clear silicone to make sure it was sealed

I did the same thing on mine. It's been working good for years.

TTFOWIA
06-02-2008, 11:08 AM
I didnt use a grommet but....

I made my own hole through the firewall, passed the wire then used isolating foam to prevent rubbing and fill the hole completely

Eckz
06-02-2008, 12:01 PM
I ran my power wire through the hole in the quarter panel, into the drivers side plastic panels, under the door, under the back seat to the trunk ..


Seems like a good way to run it, I'll see if I can grab some pics

ZXTool
06-02-2008, 01:47 PM
Under the glove box:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/426226685_72f3de45ee.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/426226471_bd0b982604.jpg

NYRichyone
06-02-2008, 05:02 PM
Under the glove box:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/426226685_72f3de45ee.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/426226471_bd0b982604.jpg Bingo...we have a winner!

That is how I have had mine ran for 8 years. It is the "best" place to go through.

NYRichyone
06-02-2008, 05:05 PM
well how are you supposed to get it through the grommet. And how is it supposed to move that much... it shouldn't move at all. Poke a hole through grommet with sharp object, tape wire to sharp object...push/pull through.

It can and will move...could take a week...or 10 years, but I bet it eats through the wire.

I'm just trying to help...not prove you wrong man.

RADRaze2KX
06-15-2008, 11:54 AM
Under the glove box:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/426226685_72f3de45ee.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/426226471_bd0b982604.jpg

yyyyea that works for small gauges but don't expect to run 0/1 through that :violin:

And before you ask, yes, i run 0/1 gauge

aprophetofone
06-15-2008, 12:02 PM
i ran mine just like that. i have 4 guage running through there now but im about to put a 0 guage through and possibly run another battery in the trunk.

CanadianWizard
08-19-2008, 07:18 PM
I put mine through the grommet in the fender... Works well and lets say i needed to lubricate the wire to push it through it was that stiff... Its nice to have a hoist that you can use...

ilarson007
08-19-2008, 07:38 PM
Under the glove box:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/426226685_72f3de45ee.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/426226471_bd0b982604.jpg

Well, I chose to run it on the other side because the battery is on the other side... Makes life easier later. And my RCA cables are on that side, so I couldn't run the power over there.