So I followed SilverKnight's wiring instructions to the "T" and I double and triple checked the diagrams against my wiring, but the amp still does not turn on. I know it is getting power because it sparked on me a couple of times, so I believe my problem may be the ground.

Right now I have the amp grounded to the bolt that holds the white plastic hook on the right side panel of my trunk (I left the hook off). Is this sufficient or do I need a better ground, and if so, where's the best spot to ground an amp without having to drill through the sheet metal.

Pics would be helpful...oh...and I did check all the fuses.

 

that hole should be okay. just make sure the ground wire makes good contact with the metal. and scraping the paint around the hole to expose more of the metal should also be done.

how did you wire the remote wire for the aftermarket amp? did you tap into the yellow/white wire going to the bose amp?

 

There is a bolt under the carpet off on the left side (if you stand behind the car and look toward the front of the car) of the ski opening. The hole at the hook is not gonna work since I tried it while doing a quick test on my system.

Here is a crappy pic.

 

You may want to try running your ground to the seat belt bolt under your rear seat. I've had ground problems in my car before & that bolt under the rear seat is the best place to find a true ground. Be sure to scrape away all the paint under the bolt before you attach the wire.

 

I agree with "black99cl". I did the same for my amp.

 

It really depends on where you put your amp, cause your ground wire should always be as short as possible, mines like 6" long. I used a shock tower bolt with a right angle thick copper ground lug, thats a very good place because there is a lot of thick metal there and the bolt itself is hefty.

 

icy CL - yup...you are correct, I tapped into the yellow/white wire for the remote.

SilverKnight - isn't that bolt pretty close to the gas tank? Do you think there may be problems that might arise from that?

 

What kind of problem are you talking about? I read and researched car stereo material but no one has mentioned not to mount ground wire near the gas tank except for not to drive a screw into the gas tank. Besides, it's not even near. The gas tank is way below and the bolt is already there. It should not cause any problem at all. If you are worried, you can remove the back seat and mount the ground using seatbelt anchor.