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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
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Connecting amp to battery
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07-17-2012, 11:59 AM | #1 |
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Connecting amp to battery
I had a talk with my dealer today about connecting an amp to the distribution block on top of the battery.
According to the dealer, I shouldn't do that since the car monitored the power outputs and power usage, and might give error messages or worse if it detected anything out of the ordinary. They had a scare story about someone they knew who had fried their stereo trying this. Is this true, or is my dealer talking hogwash? I have a 2011 E90 with standard Professional stereo (no Logic 7 or idrive) |
07-17-2012, 12:15 PM | #2 | |
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That is a much better option than connecting a device directly to the battery post, IMO. |
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07-17-2012, 01:12 PM | #3 |
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I think its safer to go to the tightening lug bolt
I think its safer to go to the tightening lug bolt
That way the possibility of blowing the fusible links is zero. Most of the time when the fusible links have been reported blown here its due to a bad ground. Plenty of people have done it both ways and they usually don't come back here saying they have problems . The trouble with the fusible link is I don't see how you know what they are rated at and and some cars have limited active slots with blades you can attach to. Last edited by ctuna; 07-17-2012 at 01:24 PM.. |
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07-17-2012, 03:36 PM | #4 | |
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07-18-2012, 05:12 AM | #5 | |
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RealOEM Also, is it safe to disconnect the battery from the car? |
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07-18-2012, 08:11 AM | #6 |
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You can disconnect the battery without problems.
Don't damage the thin wires, they monitor the battery status and the pyrotechnic cut system! I don't know why you shouldn't connect an amplifier directly to de battery... The Apline HiFi Retrofit System is connected directly to the battery using the original nut. Regards
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07-18-2012, 10:33 AM | #7 |
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I had mine connected through the fusible link when I had only 1 amp. When I added a second, I decided to move that connection to the main terminal before the distribution block because I wasn't comfortable connecting that much load to the fusible link. Never had problems either way.
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07-18-2012, 11:01 AM | #8 |
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In the picture 2 is the tightening lug bolt or terminal bolt
In the picture 2 is the tightening lug bolt or terminal bolt.
Its the same for the other terminal but its under a plastic cover that needs to stay up when the connection is in place. After you remove the nut you have to make sure the end of the battery cable is all the way down on the battery when tightening or it won't tighten. |
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07-18-2012, 12:47 PM | #9 |
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here are some pictures of the fuse panel, i have a spare one.
Now i know i can use the last unfused terminal so i don't run the risk of blowing the OEM, and since i am using my own fuses later on Top Cover removed (I wrote the values that were stamped into the metal, couldn't get them on the camera, i assume those are amp ratings)
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07-18-2012, 01:43 PM | #10 |
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I run three independent lines for each of my devices. I ran each of my (already fused) lines to a slightly higher rated fusible link, to protect the car just in case the lines short out somewhere.
FWIW There is no electrical difference between using the unfused port at the end of the block and the lug directly. |
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07-27-2012, 02:21 PM | #11 |
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Thanks for all the help!
I've connected a PAC SOEM-T to the rear speaker wiring, and ran a 12v directly from the battery terminal (not the distribution block). I've connected the amp to the battery as well, but i haven't connected it to the sub. I grounded it to one of the screws under the "false floor" in the trunk. There is 12.7v between the screw and the positive terminal with the engine turned off. The problem is, I get a ton of static in my speakers when I switch it all on. The static disappears if I switch the fuse off. (I got a 100A rockford fosgate automatic fuse) I also seem to have the opposite problem of other PAC owners. The remote wire from the SOEM-T is always live as long as it has power. Edit: Not everything is connected in the above picture, but it should show most of my connections. The SOEM-T is connected to the speaker wires hidden behind the left side shoulder support. It is also grounded to the grounding connector behind said shoulder support. The "permanent live" connector to the SOEM-T is connected to 12v positive on the amp. Last edited by kskjon; 07-27-2012 at 03:14 PM.. Reason: Added info/picture |
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07-27-2012, 03:28 PM | #12 |
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You should use the signal from the underseats since the rear speakers are high passed. You should also get a better line output converter or better yet Technic's harness. Ground your amp to the battery, or where the battery is grounded to if your ground is long enough.
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07-27-2012, 04:28 PM | #13 |
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Where is the fuse for your +12V wire to the amp? I don't see one in the picture.
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07-28-2012, 08:31 AM | #14 |
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07-28-2012, 08:33 AM | #15 | |
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Edit I don't have front tweeters either Last edited by kskjon; 07-28-2012 at 09:45 AM.. Reason: Additional info |
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07-29-2012, 10:06 AM | #16 |
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It definitely looks like a ground problem.
I moved the ground for the SOEM-T and disconnected the amp remote wire, and the static disappeared. It also looks like the remote turn on started working. However, the static slowly returns (after 5-10 seconds) if I turn on the amp. I haven't moved the amp ground yet. I need a longer ground cable first. Edit: Heres a photo of the battery wiring/fuse: Last edited by kskjon; 07-29-2012 at 02:01 PM.. Reason: Added photo |
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07-31-2012, 02:14 PM | #19 |
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... just in case someone wanted to see how the woofer enclosure worked out
It's not perfect, it's my first ever attempt at molding fibreglass. I've put in a longer ground cable today, but I need to get a ring connector for it. Will do that tomorrow. Last edited by kskjon; 07-31-2012 at 02:22 PM.. Reason: Spelling |
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08-01-2012, 11:01 AM | #21 |
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I've run a new ground cable directly from the battery to the amp. The 12v to the SOEM-T is now connected to the same as the amp.
It looks like the static is only when using radio as a source. It disappears when using aux. I'm guessing something interferes with the FM antenna. |
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