trzzlee

Hey all,
I have a 2003 Acura TL base model that I purchased WITH an aftermarket head unit. I just recently bought a Subwoofer/Amp combo off Amazon and am currently waiting for the delivery. So I have a question, I understand that there is a stock Amp and Sub in the car. Now can I wire my new subs and amp normally or do I have to disconnect the STOCK sub and amp in order for the new ones to work. I will be doing this myself and figured I'd ask here for some help, assuming SOMEBODY out there has been in this situation with their 03 Acura TL Base Model. Thank you in advance!

CAB NY

I added a aftermarket HU and hooked it up to the factory door speakers and just ran the amp and sub separate to the HU but how is your HU set up now. Is the factory sub hooked up the radio if so just disconnect it and put the new sub to the HU

Iggy

^^Agree. We need more info on your current setup and what sub/amp combo you will be using. Depending on power requirements of the new amp you may need to run power from the battery.

trzzlee

Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately I don’t have the key for the head unit because I purchased the car WITH it already installed so it’s been a pain trying to get it out. I did however buy the removal keys on amazon so I’ll have a better look at it when they come in the mail. As far as subs/amps go I bought 2 12 MTX subs in a single box pushing 1200 Watts, the amp is 1500 Watts.

Iggy

what is a head unit key?

trzzlee

Iggy

Gotcha. We're on the same page. hehe

1,500W you'll need 4ga from the battery at a minimum. I'd recommend RCA cable from the HU back to the amp. You can use the remote turn on from the stock amp wiring.

TL-S has 140A alternator which will work, but the TL-P I think is 120A so it might struggle if you push the amp real hard.

trzzlee

cominfromafar

The factory alternator amperage numbers on the TLs are lower, sir.

1999-2003 TL-P (J32A1) is 105 amps, 2002-2003 TL-S (J32A2) is 120 amps.

Therefore, the power he/she has available to them is lower than you stated. I do believe the MDX alternator has a little more kick to it though. Look it up elsewhere. Below is the spec for the 99-03 TL.

trzzlee

Iggy

cominfromafar, you are absolutely correct! thanks. My brain is a little mushy these days.

I looked up my 05 MDX and it has 130A, so yeah a little more oomph