How To Add An Amp To A Factory Stereo In Ford F-150?

Running a lot of additional speaker wire from the OEM radio to the amplifier and then from the amp to the speakers is frequently necessary when adding an amplifier. It may seem unattainable and nightmare-like at times.

However, there is a solution to every problem, and you can find a solution here.

In this article, find out if you can add an amp and how to add an amp to your Ford F-150.

Can I Add An Amp To My Factory Stereo?

Yes – you can add an amp to your factory stereo in most cases. 

However, here is the list of situations when you shouldn’t put an amp into your factory stereo in a Ford F-150. 

Do not add an amp to the factory stereo:

1. if your system has a factory-installed premium amplifier (before installing a new amp, you must bypass the present amp),
2. if a speaker or speakers are broken,
3. if the radio in your car is damaged or not working, or
4. if your car was produced before 2000 (old and fragile speakers and/or wiring possible).

Step-By-Step: Adding An Amp To A Factory Stereo

First of all, there are things you will have to prepare to start the whole process. 

The things you will need are: 

1. Installation kit for amplifiers
2. Speaker wire
3. Wire cutter/stripper
4. Adaptable back straps
5. Tape
6. Flashlight Torx driver
7. An artificial bowl (to hold screws)
8. Bojo trim panel equipment
9. A spotless cloth

Let’s get into the steps. 

Step 1: Take Precautions

Your safety is the priority. 

Therefore, before you do anything, the automobile battery’s negative connection must be unplugged.

Step 2: The Amplifier In The Vehicle’s Trunk

According to experts, the alternator should be placed in the trunk since it is the safest location. 

It may be placed anywhere in the trunk of your car, on the floor, or even on a sidewall.

Step 3: Clean Up The Power And Ground Wires

The power cable and all the other wires required for this job should be included in a typical amp installation. 

So let’s start by bringing this wire through your car’s cabin and attaching it to the battery’s positive terminal. 

Then let’s extend it to where you’ll be installing the amplifier.

The installation with the ground wire must be completed next. 

Attach the ground wire to a bolt or nut on the chassis close to the amp. Use a screwdriver, the before-mentioned trim panel tools, or a paint scraper to remove any debris, such as paint or dirt that would prevent this wire from being securely fastened to the chassis.

Step 4: Determine The Rear Speaker Wiring

Use caution while identifying the wires that go through your speakers; snip the negative and positive cables apart using a wire cutter or stripper.

Each striped wire should be connected to a speaker line and taped shut. 

The next step is to connect these wires to your amplifier’s speaker-level terminals; you must link each wire correctly.

You must conduct this operation carefully until all speaker cables are correctly attached to the speaker-level inputs.

Step 5: Connect The Speaker Output And Cable

Following the completion of the procedure mentioned above, the speaker wires must be appropriately connected before being linked to the amplifier’s speaker outputs and attached to the subwoofer or speakers.

Step 6: Connect Your Amplifier’s Ground And Power Cables

All that’s left to do at this point is attach the ground and power wires to the proper amplifier inputs. Each connection has to be properly fastened.

Step 7: Test Your Audio Equipment

Finally, reconnect your battery terminal and make sure the connection is secure.

Disconnecting your battery will allow you to inspect the wires if the amplifier is not functioning normally or producing the desired results.

How Many Amps Is The Outlet In The Ford F-150?

There are 12 V DC auxiliary power points and a 110 V 400 Watt AC auxiliary power point. Depends on the vehicle.

In the first case, the socket may power 12 V appliances with a maximum current rating of 20 A20 amps when the ignition is turned on.

In the second case, the maximum output of this function when the car is in the park is 400 watts. The maximum outlet output while in the drive is 300 watts. In keyless start automobiles, the engine must be kept running when powering electronic equipment that consumes more than 10 watts.

Plugged-in gadgets won’t be charged if the engine is off or the ignition is in auxiliary mode.

The power point is suitable for electric appliances requiring up to 400 watts. It may be found on the center console’s back and the instrument panel.