How to Install Bass Blockers in My Car
by Blaze JohnsonCar audio speakers operate within certain sound frequency ranges. Tweeters reproduce high-frequency sound waves, while mid-range woofers recreate sound ranging from mid-high to mid-low. By design, one or several subwoofers connected to the sound system will produce low-end bass frequencies. A passive high-pass filter, such as a Bass Blocker, will prevent low frequencies from damaging a connected mid-range, tweeter or full-range factory speaker. Bass Blockers may serve as a less expensive alternative to external equalization devices.
General Preparation
Step 1
Open the vehicle's hood and disconnect the negative battery cable, which is black, from the battery, using an appropriate size socket.
Step 2
Examine the speaker mounting areas in the vehicle. Refer to a vehicle-specific repair manual for speaker removal instructions. You must gain access to the terminal connections found at the rear of each speaker to install the Bass Blockers.
Step 3
Remove the appropriate interior components to gain access to the rear of the speakers, according to the repair manual, using the appropriate sockets or screwdrivers. To avoid confusion, work on one speaker at a time.
Step 4
Locate the positive wire for the speaker. Refer to the wiring diagrams in the vehicle repair manual to locate the correct wire when installing the Bass Blockers on vehicles with factory speaker wiring.
Factory Wiring
Step 1
Measure approximately 6 inches from the end of the factory speaker wire connector and cut the positive speaker wire using a pair of wire cutters.
Step 2
Strip 3/8 inch of insulation from both ends of the positive speaker wire.
Step 3
Crimp a male spade connector to the speaker-side positive wire and a female spade connector to the stereo-side positive wire using a pair of wire crimpers.
Step 4
Attach the Bass Blocker's female spade connector to the positive speaker-side connector. Attach the remaining wire leading from the Bass Blocker to the positive stereo-side connector.
Step 5
Wrap a liberal amount of electrical tape around the Bass Blocker terminal connections. Replace the interior vehicle components and repeat the installation process for the remaining speakers.
Step 6
Reconnect the negative battery cable when finished.
After-Market Wiring
Step 1
Disconnect the positive female spade connector from the speaker.
Step 2
Attach the Bass Blocker's female spade connector to the positive speaker terminal.
Step 3
Attach the male spade connector leading from the Bass Blocker to the female connector installed on the speaker wire.
Step 4
Wrap the male connection of the Bass Blocker and female speaker wire connection with electrical tape.
Step 5
Replace the interior components and repeat the installation process for the remaining speakers.
Step 6
Reconnect the negative battery cable when finished.
Things You'll Need
- Vehicle specific repair manual
- Ratchet set
- Screwdriver set
- Wire crimpers/cutters
- Female spade connectors
- Male spade connectors
- Bass Blockers
- Electrical tape
Writer Bio
In the spring of 2008, Blaze Johnson decided to share his expertise through writing. He studied business administration at a local community college and runs his own driveway mechanic service, specializing in computer-controlled vehicles and custom car audio installs. Johnson also serves as the de facto computer repair person for his family, friends and coworkers.
