2011 - 2015 Chevy Cruze Kicker Amplifier and Subwoofer Install

Parts used linked in the description below!
Watch a full tutorial as a 2013 Chevy Cruz will have a new Kicker amplifier and Kicker subwoofer installed. We will be using the Kicker CXA300.1 amp and the CompC0TCWC102 sub installed to the factory radio.
This video applies to Chevy Cruz models for years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. This video also includes complete amplifier and speaker wiring instructions, complete installation, and testing.
Click here for the Kicker Amp unboxing:
• Kicker 300w RMS Amp Un...
Click here for the Kicker 8 Gauge amp wiring kit unboxing:
• Kicker 8 Gauge OFC Wir...
If you have any questions, leave a comment below! Be sure to like and subscribe!
Parts used in this install (Amazon Associate Paid Links):
*Kicker CXA300.1 Amplifier (Discontinued)
---Recommended Amplifier: amzn.to/3hBiapC
*Kicker CompC TCWC102 Subwoofer: amzn.to/3y6Eiz7
*Kicker Wiring Kit CK8o: amzn.to/2UQqF90
*Pac SNI-35 Line Out Converter: amzn.to/2UcAXjb
*Add-A-Circuit: amzn.to/3j8gdlr
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Parts linked in the description of the video!

[@RandoManFPV]

Have you had any experience with the cheap android touch screen stereos popping up all over the place for these cars? I ordered one but I'm confused as to how I should connect my door speakers; My android stereo has all rca Jacks for speaker outputs. But my door speakers are just wires like yours. no male rca piece. Should I just go online and buy little rca adapter things that I can connect to the bear speaker wires

[@halfdeath300]

my god, he names all the wires, give this man an award.

[@kode4420]

You're the man. You compiled in a video all the shit I've been reading in threads. Except that was all over the place with different info so I could tell it wasn't right. Yours is to the T and helped me install my gfs new system. She's happy as can be so double win. Thank you for the awesome video and details.

[@joejoe6949]

Wow I’m glad I ran into your video just saved me from running wire to battery for a little amp.

[@atwoodfitness3438]

Actually the panel by your hood release you can access all of your stereo wires including each speaker it's all in one single block. You don't have to take apart the dash at all

[@sombra7del7]

How?

[@jovanialvarez2124]

I’d also like to know how ?

[@dustinrossi9384]

Hoa

[@on3f3llswoop]

He's right, just pop off the driver kick panel and remove some of the tape in the main harness. You'll find 4 twisted pairs...those are your speaker leads. Just use some t-taps and you're golden. The wire colors/polarity is easily found online. I actually wish I knew this before I started my own install. Oh, it's also important to know the tweeters get the same signal as the woofers up front. They just have their own high pass filters built in. If you're replacing tweeters, it's easy to just run a new wire up from the crossover. Also, you don't really need to buy speaker brackets if you're replacing them. You can just cut the speaker baskets out with a rotary tool/utility knife. Then screw the new ones in to the factory rings...if you squint it's mint 😁

[@jaydy4192]

Thank you for this comment, the prospect of taking apart my stereo was stressing me out

[@DarrenTabor]

Thank you! I have a 2013 Chevy Cruze and installed a kicker hideaway with your video, even though I had a little bit different setup. Couldn’t have done it without this.

[@heliscat]

How do you like it? One of the things I love about mine is it looks like a damn rental car and as long as I don't leave anything visible inside, nobody messes with it. A concealed sub would indeed make it sound better? Thanks.

[@DarrenTabor]

Edward Bernard I love it, it’s a single 8 inch sub/amp combo that gives it just enough thump to have good quality bass in the car, nothing crazy. It stopped working though about a week ago and I have no idea what’s wrong with it. Has power/light is on, fuses good, it’s grounded, speaker wires connected correctly even tore the radio back down to check them. So oof.

[@davidpulaski7535]

Thank you for taking the time to explain the install process in this video I just installed subs in my 2012 thanks to you

[@lucasshort9728]

I also have a 2012 Chevy Cruze LTZ. Have you upgraded your headunit?

[@ethanmoore7095]

Thanks for this. Was wondering where to go with the remote wire, picked up a fuse tap from advanced auto and it worked great! Thanks!

[@Dovrizzo]

This was extremely helpful. I tapped into the speaker wires just like you showed and it worked great. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together.

[@quincymcroberts24]

What additional fuss did you use? I see a bunch of ones like 15A or 20A and even 10A. I’m so confused on which one I need to add on with my cigarette lighter fuse.

[@Dovrizzo]

@@quincymcroberts24 I used the 20 amp fuse which is labeled fuse #6 located inside the car on the panel on the left side right next to the driver’s left knee. Here is a link to the diagram for the location of fuse #6 fuseandrelay.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/shema-bloka-s-predohranitelyami-v-salone-shevrole-kruz.gif

[@quincymcroberts24]

@@Dovrizzo Thanks you so much! I appreciate it!

[@kylevanwinkle2081]

Congrats on amplifying the door chime

[@patrickhorst2630]

I appreciate the video. The video helped a lot. Sub is in and working. 2011 Cruze. Thanks again.

[@michaelbuckley8261]

About how much did it cost you? I'm looking into doing it as well.

[@jamesrumps5631]

You are a life saver - thank you for this video!!!

[@richardsicotte3192]

Perfect video. Super clear information!! Thank you very much

[@Basketball_is_Life66]

I also have a 2013 Chevy Cruze but I will be replacing my stock head unit but keeping my radio. If I watch your video and hook up mine and use the same materials as you used (might use Zero gauge wires) I should be good to go then?

[@ethanelliott9665]

Could you please do a video of an in depth Line out install? Thank you.

[@adrianlopez8796]

Forralz I got lost when u had to start working on the radio

[@jordanbailey653]

I've always used an aftermarket deck with my sub setups, I've been under the impression that the line out converter is lower quality than directly plugging rca's into the head unit. Is this not the case? The cruze is the first car I've had that I can tolerate the stock radio and I don't care to change it if I don't "need" to.

[@843baby]

I have a 2014 Chevy Cruze but I have all the wires except the actual yellow one…is there another color I’m supposed to look for?

[@Cooper_013]

So where or how did you hook up the bass knob? I see where you had the plug for it, but you never showed what your hooking it up to or the install of that?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Depends on the amp, if you are using the same amp, we ran the cable up to the knee buster panel under the steering column and mounted our knob there.

[@jacksonflaherty7128]

Is the sub woofer bolted in place or free? And would it be less stuggle to install a aftermarket headunit and save getting the RCA converter?

[@crudsadez9931]

Where do you put the remote wire?

[@efrenortiz505]

I had my add a circut in the front cigarete lighter fuse and it stop working for no reason and the relay stared cliking and now my amp will not turn on? Help where to reconnect my add a circut again to make it work?

[@adrianlopez8796]

What and how did you wire your cables on the radio I got confused

[@manuelalfaro2962]

Its called a line out put converter and when you buy it come with instructions

[@joesconfused]

What do you do differently if you want to add a bass knob? How does it plug into the LOC?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Lots of options for bass knobs - some line out converters can include a bass knob, some amplifiers include a bass knob, or you can get a universal in-line bass knob as well. Just depends on what equipment you are looking to install.

[@TotallyNotDoggo]

@@ProvoBeastAudiodo the newer kicker amps need a LOC? or can i get away with a amp sub and a amp kit

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Depends on the kicker amp. If you go wtih the Kicker Key, they have a built in DSP so no LOC is needed as they will take the OEM signal input and make those adjustments via DSP. Some non-key amps have high level inputs, but overall, you will get a better experience with a quality LOC.@@TotallyNotDoggo

[@quincymcroberts24]

Where did you put your LOC at after getting it hooked up?

[@infamousbkp]

Did you run the rca wires on the left or right side

[@steveregal6321]

With that amplifier work with the door speakers being aftermarket kickers as well with 300W peak an 4 ohm

[@MetalAnimeGuy]

you want a 4 channel and a mono or a 5 channel

[@stevofla239]

Where you connected your power wire terminal will pull through that fuse 100%. At least when the car is running.

[@reesecook4301]

The video is super helpful. My loc has extra wires? A remote wire and a yellow wire?

[@TotallyNotDoggo]

do the newer kicker amps require a loc or can you plug the speaker wire into the amp

[@expwner1]

if you have speakers in the back of your car, do you have to hook up the line out converter behind the stereo? or could you hook it up to the speakers in the trunk?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Line out converter just needs to tap into speaker wire. If you have speakers in your trunk deck, absolutely use those. This Cruze didn't, hence why we had to go behind the radio.

[@expwner1]

Provo Beast Audio Installation thanks

[@randallhargrove7235]

Hey I've got a 7 wire converter box how do I hook it up I have factory pioneer 6x9 in the back of my 2013 Chevy cruze

[@codyubdegrove2044]

My question is why did you do all that work to put it behind the radio when I'm the radio when from factory the wires for the 6 by 9S that would have been in the back window are Located on the driver's side panel right right where the latch for the hood is what is if you take that panel off the factory the panel of the factory wires are there ready to hook up for ready to hook up for the 6 by 9 that would have been in there Sex by nice that would have been in that car ?

[@zrafferty]

Why didn't you install inside boot of firewall or make a new grommet?

[@maxcockrem7338]

Broooo!!! So helpful! Honestly been looking for this video for DAYS! Chevy or (“Holden” in Australia) cruzes suck for putting in aftermarket head units! The LOC is such a dick around😡😔

[@phongvoung2794]

How did you go ? I’m having no luck

[@cskar1401]

same

[@paulsypersma7165]

can you hook the coil to the alarm then to the body,i got no trunk monkey?judge dread.

[@n8gaming60]

Is there a secret to pulling the power cable through the grommet? I get the coat hanger through, but each time I attach the 8-gauge power cable and try rto pull through. The coat hanger pulls all the way through leaving the cable behind. It won't even start through the hole

[@magic8053]

Hey did you figure it out ? How tf did u get a hole in the rubber boot under the hood ?

[@n8gaming60]

@@magic8053 I ended up making an X cut with a knife to widen it a bit

[@magic8053]

@@n8gaming60 yup. Got it through with Just one cut. Finding the other hole was the hard part but after lubin the clothes hanger and positive wire up wit some wd40 that shit went thru like a dick thru wet pussy

[@chriscejrowski737]

Would the Malibu 14 with the same my link radio and no factory amp have the same wire diagram and then front are they full range signal to the loc ? Or do you happen to know how or we’re can find out to install in the Malibu 8 gen mine a 14 4 door n 2 a pillar tweeters

[@andrewyutzy9455]

I did it with a 4000 watt amp and when I shut the car off the system goes crazy what shud I check???

[@DuckSlap3051bestvidsever]

Is there any way to install subs behind the back seats? When I was in my trunk I noticed that there are two large circles that could be utilized.

[@maximuswestley5241]

Dont know if anyone gives a damn but if you are stoned like me during the covid times then you can watch pretty much all the new movies and series on InstaFlixxer. I've been watching with my brother during the lockdown =)

[@judesamuel1357]

@Maximus Westley Yup, I have been watching on InstaFlixxer for months myself :)

[@tyalejandro684]

@Maximus Westley yup, have been using instaflixxer for years myself :)

[@malakairaymond3449]

@Maximus Westley Definitely, I've been watching on instaflixxer for since december myself :D

[@connernehemiah6733]

@Maximus Westley yea, been using InstaFlixxer for years myself =)

[@JoeMahma571]

So I have a scosche line output converter and it also has a small wire which is a remote wire than can connect to the amp, do I use this one? or can I bypass it by using the mini add a circuit?

[@ToppBossLuisito]

My aftermarket install interfered with the CAN system is there was a reason why is doing this? It shut the car off and it doesn’t let me switch it back on. Did the guy do something wrong on the install? I know it messed up with the CAN system because the mechanic told me it did so and I had to leave it in the shop for a day for them to reset the motherboard of the car. We connected the system back up and it worked but the same thing happened a couple of hrs later. What you guys think it is? I know this is an old video and idk if people will comment on it but it doesn’t hurt to try☺️☺️ Thanks!

[@trent.hunter10]

Would the process still be the same if I did have trunk speakers? I have the 2012 Chevy Cruze RS LT pioneer package

[@Wisconsin4eyes]

Did you already upgrade the door speakers/ tweeters? Or just doing sub?

[@Corazones-Unidos]

Does it matter if you use rear speaker wires? Since the subwoofer is in the back. I've seen it done both ways.

[@antoinewalker2103]

Is it the same steps for a hatchback 2017 chevy cruze

[@Toysoul1337]

My rca converter had a input 12v power that needs to be connected and the output rem wire. Do u know which wires go from the stereo to the 12v+

[@WillSpitwell23]

Did you get this answer?

[@Toysoul1337]

@@WillSpitwell23 yes, it was the same wire that turns on the radio. Had to lookup the wiring for my car and splice the pwr cable on my radio.

[@willmartin7216]

Okay. I installed all the stuff in my friends 2015 chevy cruze and i installed the fuse splitter with a 10 amp fuse and it didnt work. So we was experimenting with a 10 amp and a 20 amp together and it was putting the protective mode on the amp so i know its getting power so do i need to put a bigger fuse or could the fuse splitter be bad??

[@lucario7749]

I got question. That add-a-circut fuse is what makes the amp turn off when the car is off?

[@DeliriousMaxi]

Yes 👍

[@AMacSooner]

How do you hook up a pre amp sub all in one box ?

[@smiles1064]

i’m a tad bit confused, i have a chevy cruze 2014 lt and i got the amp speaker subs but i’m not sure what else to buy for the digital radio?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

We linked everything we used in the description of the video.

[@seangowan7441]

Can I do this on my 2018 Chevy Malibu 1LT with 8 inch touchscreen without bose?

[@sethwielinski4149]

Where did you guys find all the wires and stuff for the factory radio

[@JonahZX10]

Hey man would it work still if I did this process on a 2014 Chevy Malibu with my link? It looks like the same unit just touch screen.

[@adammeaders248]

Can you use the bass knob with this set up??

[@tyj.3111]

Could you make a slower step by step tutorial I have a kicker bass station and a Chevy Cruze and I want to install but I have no idea what I’m doing

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

We'd suggest taking it to an audio shop for assistance.

[@chrishernandez7193]

PLEASE HELP. I have a 2015 Malibu, the trunk from the Cruze and my Malibu look similar. and my only problem is knowing where to ground, I planned on bolting it down in the same spot you did but I’m just nervous about what I’ll be drilling through because I can’t see what’s underneath it.

[@thevaperdragonect9714]

Any solid peace of metal on the car will do fine

[@koreymayo8884]

Will the front speakers still have full power and volume?

[@mrmoontastic4367]

What was the fuse thing called? Do you have a link for it?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Add-A-Circuit. Any auto parts store will have it, or just search amazon or ebay.

[@Evicted49]

I set up an amp with a 10" sub in my 2012 cruze. However, after ensuring everything is set/hooked up properly it will not work. I'm thinking it may be a problem with the amp but I am unsure. Do you know of any common mistakes I may have made?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Without seeing it, it's hard to diagnose. Amplifiers are simple so remove the variables: make sure you have a 12v+ connection from the battery. Ensure you ground is proper. Ensure that the remote turn on wire shows a 12v+ signal when the key is on. Ensure the RCA cables are delivering the signal to the amp and that there is no short. Ensure your subwoofer is wired correctly, even in the correct impedance. Start there.

[@drsucc9507]

Where did the remote start cable go? Did you split it into a fuse or did you hook it to the radio?

[@Baked26]

Any slot that turns off and of with the car....so it doesn't kill your battery brother

[@tjsworld2338]

Hi I have a 13 cruise as well my installer is out on vacation and I’m trading in my car I have two amplifiers going to a LCI six which is under my dash that I can see it. installer do you think tapped behind the stereo or do you think hetaptap in to the speakers wires by the OBD2 port? I just want to pull my LCI out my bass controller out my two amplifiers and leave the door speaker so they continue to play I don’t care about the wires I can leave that because I’m a get a new wire harness I just want the driver and passenger rear speakers the play when they turn the radio on could I just cut the wires at the LCI that come out of the connector and just pull about dance out or what I have to put something back together to get a sound I hope you can understand what I’m trying to say

[@artayu86]

I'm curious how you got the lower end speaker setup an got the double din display?? I have the Pioneer 9 speaker setup with the cheap little display... Messed up for sure.. lol

[@MetalAnimeGuy]

technology package was separate from audio.

[@brentandlinz06]

Any reason to not connect the line out converter to the speaker wires where they pass through the drivers kick panel? Also does it matter if you use the front or rear speaker outputs for the line out converter?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

If you want to take apart the kick panels, that certainly works. Rule of thumb is to connect the LOC to a full-range output signal from the radio, so in this case, both fronts and rears are typically full range on the non-amplified models.

[@FidaPr]

I would suggest to use the rear speaker wires, this way you can control the Volume of the Kicker by adjusting the Fader to Front, reducing or turning it all down the Rear Output if needed ;)

[@andrewjesus6223]

Where did you put the ground at for the amp in trunk?

[@biggin211]

Thank you. 😎

[@TankHandy]

Does this work for the 2016 limited cruze

[@Amarggedon]

Yo and u guys should do a 09-14 maxima speaker swap cus ima be doing mine here next summer

[@keronbrown4907]

I need help to tap i those wires to get my rca

[@ogm19881]

I did this same install but I'm getting engine noise at low volumes I grounded at the same location and sanded to bare metal, The only difference is my amp has high level imputs that I'm using instead of L.O.C any tips on to how to get rid of this noise?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Use a Line out Converter, or you can use a ground loop isolator. Cheaper amps have a tenancy of picking up engine noise using high level inputs. a LOC may fix it, moving your signal wires away from your power wire may also help.

[@BapStar021]

On the mini add in circuit, would it matter if you used the original 20 fuse thing in with it to r does it have to be 10?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Will you use the original fuse for the original circuit and then add a fuse for your remote turn on wire. I would recommend a 5-10 amp fuse max on the new circuit. Its just a trigger wire so it doesn't need amperage much at all.

[@five18audio]

What size wrench did you use the socket size

[@isaiahramirez3962]

Not to sound dum but how do u hook up the rca converter what wires goes with what

[@isaiahramirez3962]

If u could please email me or show me pics thanks [e-mail]

[@jamesclark9693]

Why didnt you just connect the rca converter to the radios preamp ? Which is on the right side of the trunk. In fact its the same spot to run 6x9s in the rear.

[@zacharynewport7287]

Does it work

[@jamesclark9693]

@@zacharynewport7287 ive been an electronic tech for 23 years and i own a 2015 cruze.

[@vaderrides6305]

James Clark is it the same for a 16 cruise?

[@amazonbox1115]

i dont think all cruzes have that, i dont have 6x9s in my 2015

[@Amarggedon]

How would you do it in a eco version? They have a second battery in the car and i heard you have to bypass the eco mode?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

No need to bypass anything, as long as the primary battery has a direct lead from the alternator and supplies between 12-14 volts, the install would be very similar here.

[@ianellertson4963]

Do you have to splice ? Because I found a few loc that just plug and play

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

We did, however, there are available T-harnesses on the market that avoid the need to splice.

[@TuyenNguyen-pp8fp]

Do you have wiring diagram cruze 2013 ? Please, help me !

[@andrewhuber7666]

Where are you located out of?

[@shhnoop]

Did you need to add additional alternator or battery?

[@daltonwayne7881]

It’s not a big system 😂😂😂

[@erikfranz7446]

hey Guys maybe someone could help me... Whats the Box on 10:57 ? is it already in the car or a special part u have extra to buy?

[@1madrs637]

Erik Franz you have to buy it, it’s a line out converter. Their cheap.

[@MrPheredia]

Does this car have Auto stop???

[@nicolasdufault9534]

Can you help me ? I want to install my subwoofer amp on my factory systeme , i have the 2017 cruze hatchback with factory bose amp, where can i find and be sure that where i tap my LOC its a full range signal ? All the time rear speaker are full range ? And what about puting my loc on the factory subwoofer but bécasse its a tinny 6 inch woofer im scared they put sub Sonic filter cutting like at 40hz

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

The Factory amp is under the rear floor panel by the spare tire. there are a few ways to tap into signal either by tapping into the low level input on the bose amp from the radio side (which doesn't require an LOC), tapping into the speaker level output side of the bose amp (which would require a LOC), or tapping into the subwoofer output. Without using an oscilloscope, i can't confirm if there is a sub sonic filter, but it may be the easier of the install.

[@nicolasdufault9534]

Provo Beast Audio Installation i have an oscilloscope at work i can use , i plug it on the wire and send a 20hz signal ?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Really start high around 60hz and work your way down to determine if you see any drop off.

[@nicolasdufault9534]

Provo Beast Audio Installation Perfect thank you for your time

[@isaiahramirez3962]

So i woulden t have to use the brown grn wire or no

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Usually not unless you have a bad ground loop issue.

[@benanderson2763]

Would the stereo be the same in a 2012 Chevy Cruze ?

[@manuelalfaro2962]

Yes

[@johnquincy4354]

What about a 2016 chevy cruze

[@theobtuserecluse]

Did you find out if there is any difference on the 2016?

[@dirtyoifvet5342]

The 2016 cruze limited is really a leftover 2015, identical to the 2011-2015 as far as I know.

[@cheynefritts3337]

Have you guys done a 2017 Gen2 Cruze yet ?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Not yet for video content, but we should a have a few this year.

[@cheynefritts3337]

Awesome. I can't find any info on how to remove the head unit on mine. I'm sure I could figure it out if I start pulling off panels .

[@artayu86]

We just got a new 17 hatchback premier and I think it is pretty much the same concept, just different method to get there. Wondering myself....

[@hector971000]

artayu86 wondering on the 2018 myself

[@TheNinja8000]

I have a 2017 gen 2 LT and I really want to install a sub and amp. But I don’t have any speakers in the back so couldn’t I just tap into the back doors speakers right? Or am I wrong? I don’t know a whole lot about this stuff my friends are gonna help me do the work they know more than I do but I just haven’t found a lot of videos on the gen 2 Cruze.

[@odessastapleford]

How did you add the add-a-circuit

[@austinanderson6669]

My 2015 wires don't match

[@robinlopez1909]

Thankn you so much, video helped me a lot..

[@8oXweaponXo8]

9:45

[@koreymayo8884]

Wasted a lot of trunk space! Why not have the speaker box standing up to save space? Better yet why not install a sub and amp in the rear deck?

[@InfiniteKhaos]

Tapping in through speaker wires to the amp is terrible quality(stupid when high frequencies come through subwoofers). Was hoping it had some outputs but apparently replacing the head unit is the way to go here.

[@jermainehamilton5851]

What color is the remote wire

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Light grey in the video.

[@blbmuzicearpleasure3884]

im doing this tomorrow

[@timmoyer4251]

I have 4 yellow wires

[@andrewmiller6071]

How much does something like that cost

[@devildogg1981]

Can you post link for line out converter please

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

www.sonicelectronix.com/item_5264_PAC-SNI-15.html Use coupon code ProvoBeast to save cash at checkout!

[@devildogg1981]

Thank you

[@Velldog]

you skipped how to disconnect that plug ....

[@wtfamiwatching9728]

Would a 2017 Sonic be pretty comparable????

[@EvacTheGreat]

WTF am I Watching yes, the Cruze and the sonic are basically the same car

[@salvadorandazola15]

Does it work for pioneer system

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

it does, but your install will differ. You have a factory amplifier behind the trunk liner on the passenger side and you can tap into the factory amplifier output for your signal for your new amp.

[@salvadorandazola15]

Provo Beast Audio Installation thanks I'll try

[@salvadorandazola15]

Can i tap the rem from the factory amp to?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

yes

[@newjoflo6916]

What aboit an 1/0awg wire?

[@ProvoBeastAudio]

Sure, but that is absolutely overkill for a 300w amp...

[@newjoflo6916]

Provo Beast Audio Installation nah..gonna instal it for my 4k amp..