Installing a new subwoofer in your Honda Accord can improve the audio experience significantly, adding powerful bass and surround sound to music and movies. While it may appear difficult, replacing the Honda Accord Subwoofer is a simple process that most car owners can handle on their own.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire subwoofer replacement process, from equipment selection to wiring and installation. You’ll be rocking out to thumping bass in no time if you follow these simple instructions.
Choose The Right Subwoofer And Enclosure
Choosing the correct subwoofer and enclosure is the first step for a successful installation. There are a few key factors to consider:
Subwoofer Size
- 10, 12 or 15-inch subwoofers are common replacement sizes
- Measure trunk dimensions to ensure the enclosure will fit
- A larger sub will produce deeper bass, while smaller subs save space
Power Handling
- Match the RMS power handling to your amplifier’s output
- Overpowering can damage the sub, underpowering reduces output
- 200-600 Watts is ideal for most Honda Accord setups
Enclosure Type
- Sealed – More accurate bass, requires less power
- Ported – Deeper bass at higher volumes, needs more power
- Bandpass – Produces very low notes, not as loud overall
- Stealth – Lower profile to save trunk space
Single vs Dual Voice Coil
- DVC allows wiring subwoofers to match amplifier’s impedance
- Typically 2-ohm DVC paired with a 4-ohm stable amp
Gather The Right Installation Equipment
You’ll need some basic tools and accessories to complete the subwoofer installation. Be sure to have these items on hand before getting started:
Safety Gear
- Protective eyewear
- Work gloves
Tools
- Socket wrench set
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Crimping tool
- Utility knife
- Drill with assorted bits
- Volt meter
Electrical
- Extra speaker wire
- 4 AWG power wire kit
- Expandable wire loom
- Wire terminals
- Fuse holder with fuse
- Grounding wire
Mounting Hardware
- Self-tapping screws
- Velcro strips
- Adhesive foam pad
Disconnect The Battery
Before installing your new subwoofer, disconnect the negative terminal from your Honda Accord’s battery. This prevents dangerous shorts and allows you to access electrical systems safely. Simply locate the battery in the engine compartment, loosen the bolt on the negative cable end, and disconnect it from the terminal.
Run Power Wire To Trunk
With the battery disconnected, you can start routing the amp’s power wire from the battery positive terminal to the trunk area.
Steps:
- Cut an appropriate length of 4 AWG power cable
- Attach fused ring terminal to one end
- Connect opposite end to empty slot on amplifier power block
- Loosen any panels or trim to create a path from battery to trunk
- Use grommets when passing wire through metal barriers
- Cover wire with expandable loom and secure with zip ties
- Avoid running power wire near existing vehicle wiring
Take care not to cut or pinch any wires when drilling new wire passages. Route the cable through structural framing whenever possible.
Mount Subwoofer Enclosure
Now you’re ready to get the sub box positioned and securely mounted.
Tips for Mounting
- Place enclosure furthest rearward in trunk
- Angle subwoofer toward rear of car
- Use self-tapping screws to anchor box
- Attach enclosure to seat backing or trunk siding
- Use adhesive foam to prevent vibration noise
- Allow some air space around sub for best bass
Getting the box oriented optimally takes some trial and error. Test different angles and locations while playing bass-heavy audio.
Connect Subwoofer To Amplifier
With your amp grounded and wired up front, it’s time to connect the subwoofer itself.
Wiring Tips
- Use good quality 16 or 14 gauge speaker wire
- Match positive amp terminal to positive sub terminal
- Same for negative terminals
- Secure connections with crimped ring terminals
- Double check polarity before powering on system
- Use grommets when running wire through metal
Getting clean, robust connections is critical for performance and safety. Don’t rush this step.
Configure Amp Settings
Before firing up your new substage, optimize amp settings for your particular setup.
- Set filter mode to Low Pass
- Set filter frequency between 80-120 Hz
- Adjust gain to match source head unit volume
- Bass boost at 0 or +3 dB to start
- Set phase switch to 0°
Fine tune with audio playback until bass is balanced with mids and highs.
Complete And Test Subwoofer Installation
You’re almost ready to bump some beats! Just reattach the battery, tidy up all wiring with loom and zip ties, reinstall any interior panels, and load up your favorite bass-heavy tracks.
Final Steps
- Reconnect battery negative terminal
- Tidy and secure all wiring with zip ties
- Confirm no loose wires near moving parts
- Reinstall any interior panels removed
- Play bass-heavy tracks at varied volumes
- Check for unwanted vibration or rattling
Be sure to keep the volume moderate as you test and break-in your new sub stage. If all goes well, crank it up and enjoy the chest-thumping bass!
Does The Honda Accord Have A Subwoofer?
Certain trim levels of the Honda Accord include a factory subwoofer. Higher-end Accord trim levels, such as the EX, EX-L, and Touring, include an integrated 8-inch or 10-inch subwoofer in the sedan’s rear deck.
The subwoofer on Accord Coupe models may be located behind the rear seat. While the stock subwoofer provides some low-end fill, most people agree that an aftermarket subwoofer and enclosure provides much deeper, louder bass response.
What Brand Speakers Does Honda Accord Use?
Certain trim levels of the Honda Accord include a factory subwoofer. Higher-end Accord trim levels, such as the EX, EX-L, and Touring, include an integrated 8-inch or 10-inch subwoofer in the sedan’s rear deck.
The subwoofer on Accord Coupe models may be located behind the rear seat. While the stock subwoofer provides some low-end fill, most people agree that an aftermarket subwoofer and enclosure provides much deeper, louder bass response.
Does The 2012 Honda Accord Have A Subwoofer?
Most trim levels of the 2012 Honda Accord sedan, including LX, EX, and EX-L models, came standard with an 8-inch subwoofer mounted on the rear deck. A 6.5-inch subwoofer was located behind the rear seat of the Accord Coupe.
While a subwoofer is preferable to none, most people find that stock systems lack true bass impact and prefer to install an aftermarket subwoofer enclosure with a 10, 12, or 15-inch sub to get louder, deeper low end response. All 2012 Accords come standard with a subwoofer, but bass enthusiasts should opt for an upgraded aftermarket system.
Is A Car Subwoofer Better Than No Subwoofer?
Yes, adding an aftermarket subwoofer to your car audio system is preferable to not having one at all. Because low frequencies require a lot more power and cone area, factory car speakers frequently lack bass reproduction. Subwoofers are specifically designed to produce low-frequency sounds.
Adding a powered subwoofer to your setup adds impactful bass for a more immersive listening experience. A subwoofer also relieves strain on the other speakers. The deep lows are handled by the large subwoofer cone, while the mids and highs are handled by the door speakers. Upgrading to a custom subwoofer is highly recommended for drivers who value loud, clear bass.
Also Read: Honda Accord Beeping When Open Door
FAQs
Do I Need Any Special Tools To Install A Subwoofer?
You can complete the installation with some basic hand tools – socket set, screwdrivers, wire strippers, crimpers, etc. A drill with assorted bits also comes in handy. No specialty automotive tools are required.
What Size Subwoofer Should I Get?
10, 12 and 15-inch subs are all common Accord replacement sizes. Measure your trunk space, then pick the largest sub that will fit properly. A larger cone provides deeper, richer bass response.
How Do I Know Which Enclosure Type To Get?
Sealed boxes provide accurate, punchy bass while ported enclosures deliver louder, deeper low-end at higher volumes. Bandpass boxes isolate the lowest frequencies. Stealth subwoofers have a low profile while sacrificing some output.
Can I Install Two Subwoofers In My Accord?
Absolutely! Having dual subwoofers allows you to run each at a lower power for the same output. Make sure to wire the voice coils correctly and set your amp accordingly. Bass will be much more prominent.
Where Should I Mount The Subwoofer Enclosure?
Mount your box as far rearward and centered as possible. Angling the subwoofer facing the rear seats also improves bass response. Securely mounting the enclosure is critical.
What Gauge Wire Should I Use?
4 AWG power cable is ideal for most amp/sub installations. Use high quality 16 or 14 gauge speaker wire for your connections. Match the power wire gauge to your amplifier’s requirements.
Conclusion
Upgrading your stock speakers with an aftermarket Honda Accord subwoofer can take your music to the next level. A quality powered sub creates heart-thumping bass impact in your favorite tunes. This comprehensive guide gave you all the steps necessary to smoothly install a new Accord subwoofer in your trunk.
While it takes some time and effort, this is a project any auto audio enthusiast can take on themselves. Following the instructions for proper planning, safe electrical wiring, securing the enclosure, and configuring amplifier settings will lead to powerful, distortion-free bass. Your fully integrated subwoofer system will provide endless listening enjoyment.
