Installing small amp with factory radio

[Jeff Ramey]

I've searched all over for info on how to do this and how to fix the issue. I am trying to install a small clarion xc2410 amp to boost the sound to my front and rear door speakers while keeping my factory HU. I have the smaller uconnect radio and do not have the alpine system.

I am using a PAC lp7-4 as my LOC for the load resistance. I am still not getting any sound through my speakers.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Truck is a 2018.

 

[88ROOK]

thought i read somewhere that you have to put resistors inline with that LOC so it recognizes a signal. the exact same reason why i went with the fosgate DSR1 because it has the load resistance built in

 

[Jeff Ramey]

thought i read somewhere that you have to put resistors inline with that LOC so it recognizes a signal. the exact same reason why i went with the fosgate DSR1 because it has the load resistance built in

I was told that the PAC resistor has built in load resistance as well. Tried to contact them, but haven’t got a response yet. I’ll check out the one that you posted. Thanks for the reply.

 

[TomT]

Do you have another sound source (phone, iPod, etc.) that you could connect to the amp’s inputs? Then you can test to be sure the amp is working as expected.

 

[Jeff Ramey]

Do you have another sound source (phone, iPod, etc.) that you could connect to the amp’s inputs? Then you can test to be sure the amp is working as expected.

Yes. I tested the amp with my phone and it worked fine. Everything comes on and works like it should. Just no sound from the speakers.

 

[Jeff Ramey]

How I have it setup:

Speaker wires coming out of HU are connected to input of LOC.

Output of LOC is connected to speaker wire inputs for amp (clarion xc2410).

Output from amp connected to speaker wires

Power and ground for LOC connected with power and ground for amp.

Remote wire (blue) of LOC connected to remote wire (blue) of amp.

Am I doing something wrong?

 

[TomT]

It looks like your amp has both RCA and speaker level inputs. Do you have a way to run the speaker outs from the head unit directly to the speaker level inputs of the Clarion? That would bypass the PAC unit as a test.

 

[TomT]

Actually, after reading your last post again, if the PAC is acting as a Line Output Converter then you should be using the Line Inputs on the Clarion and not the Speaker Level ones.

 

[TomT]

Just based on pictures of the PAC unit, does it have power? I also see what appear to be gain controls on the PAC. Are they opened up to allow signal in?

 

[Jeff Ramey]

It looks like your amp has both RCA and speaker level inputs. Do you have a way to run the speaker outs from the head unit directly to the speaker level inputs of the Clarion? That would bypass the PAC unit as a test.

Yes. This is how I set it up first and no sound. Then I read that I needed the LOC
for the load resistance. So I bought that and added that and still no sound.

Actually, after reading your last post again, if the PAC is acting as a Line Output Converter then you should be using the Line Inputs on the Clarion and not the Speaker Level ones.

Does this mean that I should reverse the way I have it set up? It came with power wires and two sets of male RCAs on the wiring harness (input) and two sets of female RCA connections on the other side. I cut off the input RCAs and connected to speaker wires coming out of HU. Then plugged the cutoff RCAs into the other side of the LOC and connected to speaker wire inputs of the amp. Both the output RCAs of the LOC and Line inputs from the amp are female connectors.

Just based on pictures of the PAC unit, does it have power? I also see what appear to be gain controls on the PAC. Are they opened up to allow signal in?

Yes it has two gain controls. I tried them in various positions

 

[TomT]

I’ve never wired one myself, I’m just trying educated guesses.

Do you maybe have a local stereo shop that can help you get it working?

 

[Jeff Ramey]

I’ve never wired one myself, I’m just trying educated guesses.

Do you maybe have a local stereo shop that can help you get it working?

And admit defeat!?! J/k I may have to take it somewhere. Really do appreciate your help.

 

[FF1899]

I had the same issue. The head unit is looking for resistance. Without it it doesn't send an audio signal. An in line resistor on each channel to allow it to sense the load and you are good to go!

 

[Jeff Ramey]

I had the same issue. The head unit is looking for resistance. Without it it doesn't send an audio signal. An in line resistor on each channel to allow it to sense the load and you are good to go!

Do you remember what exactly you used? Aren't there different sizes? Don't know much about them. And would I put them on each positive and negative speaker wire?

 

[FF1899]

I am looking back for the info for you to see if I saved it. I called digital designs (hooked up to their amp amp directly from the speaker wires no RCAs necessary) and they gave me all the specs I needed. I hopped on Amazon and ordered the fancy ones with the heat sinks and everything lol but after that not a problem at all everything worked perfectly. And no not + & - just one on each channel I put mine on the + sides

 

[canadiankodiak700]

So, I don't know if you ever figured this out since it was like 6 months ago, but incase someone happens to stumble upon this... I'll put the info.
The Uconnect radios need to see a small load per channel or it won't send signal to that channel. PITA when trying to install an amp on the factory radio.
There are 2 versions of the LP7-2 & LP7-4.... Old stock... With no built in resistors, again new stock with the resistors. You can tell by a small blue sticker on the front of the package saying with load resistors.
Now the issue... The built in resistors aren't enough load for our Uconnect radio.
You will need to add inline before the LOC on the positive side of each channel you are converting...
33 ohm in either a 5 watt or 10 watt resistor.