How to Install a Subwoofer in a Honda Pilot

by Jule Pamplin

Honda provides several audio options for their crossover SUV, the Pilot. Audio enthusiasts covet the depth of sound that only a subwoofer can provide. Installing a subwoofer requires an amplifier unless the sub itself is powered. (Amp installation instructions can be found in the Resources section of this article.) For powered subs, you can have a technician at an aftermarket retailer perform the installation, or you can do it yourself and save the cost of labor.

Step 1

Disconnect the negative battery cable (or grounding cable) from the Pilot's battery. The grounding cable is the black cable that connects the negative battery lead to the frame of the Pilot. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the bolt holding the cable clamp around the lead. Remove the clamp from the lead.

Step 2

Remove the Pilot's stereo deck from the dash. Use a trim panel tool to remove the panel framing the stereo. Unscrew the four screws (at the corners) securing the deck to its dock in the dash. Pull the stereo forward to access the wiring connections in the back of the unit.

Step 3

Disconnect the wiring at the rear of the stereo deck. Attach a universal wiring harness adapter to the stereo and reconnect the audio wiring to the adapter. Attach the wiring harness adapter to the stereo unit. This will create a uniform platform for adding the connection to the subwoofer.

Step 4

Place the subwoofer in the rear of the Pilot. It is recommended that you not fasten the sub to the floor of the Pilot. Leaving the sub unattached will allow for access to the lower storage compartment, as well as the ability to move the sub when stowing the rear seats in the forward position for increased cargo space.

Step 5

Connect the amplifier ring terminal to the positive lead of the Pilot's battery using a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove the fuse from the ring terminal before connecting the power supply to the subwoofer.

Step 6

Run the main power cable of the amplifier wiring kit, from the amplifier ring terminal to the rear of the Pilot via the same path as the rear speaker wires on the left side of the vehicle. The speaker wires run along a path beneath the carpeting. Use a trim panel tool to remove the panels holding the carpeting of the Pilot in place.

Step 7

Connect the power supply cable to the power outlet on the sub.

Step 8

Lay the signal cable (from the amp wiring kit) from the stereo deck to the rear of the Pilot along the path of the speaker wires on the right side of the vehicle.

Step 9

Connect the signal cable to the wiring harness adapter connected to the stereo.

Step 10

Connect the signal cable to the subwoofer.

Step 11

Connect speaker wires from the stereo deck to the subwoofer. The speaker wires should be run on the right side of the Pilot, along the path of the signal cable. Any signal wires or speaker wires laid along the same path as the power cable will create distortion in the signal.

Step 12

Replace the stereo into the dash of the Pilot. Screw the four corner screws to secure the stereo in its dock. Replace the trim panel (by hand) and snap it into place.

Step 13

Reconnect the grounding cable to the negative lead of the Pilot's battery. Place the clamp around the negative lead. Tighten the bolt using a Phillips head screwdriver. The clamp need only to be tightened so that the clamp cannot be moved about the lead by hand.