Adding subs to factory radio
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Assuming you still have a C5 like your profile says... 
It's actually quite easy. All you need is an AOEM-Vet1 to get the signal, then (since you have the stock radio) check out post #9 of the C5 FAQ thread to see how to get the RAP controlled trigger voltage, or just tap into the dark green wire at pin 8 of the main radio connector.
It's actually quite easy. All you need is an AOEM-Vet1 to get the signal, then (since you have the stock radio) check out post #9 of the C5 FAQ thread to see how to get the RAP controlled trigger voltage, or just tap into the dark green wire at pin 8 of the main radio connector.
Last edited by markcz; Aug 7, 2009 at 02:23 AM. Reason: more better info
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Assuming you still have a C5 like your profile says...
It's actually quite easy. All you need is an AOEM-Vet1 to get the signal, then (since you have the stock radio) check out post #9 of the C5 FAQ thread to see how to get the RAP controlled trigger voltage.
It's actually quite easy. All you need is an AOEM-Vet1 to get the signal, then (since you have the stock radio) check out post #9 of the C5 FAQ thread to see how to get the RAP controlled trigger voltage.
If so, I'll start searching for someone here in San Diego that could possibly do this.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
If you buy an amp that has an auto-on feature you wouldn't need to tap the RAP circuit for the trigger voltage. But if you'll be pulling the radio out to install an adapter it's pretty easy to tap the RAP circuit while you're there. The dark green wire at pin 8 of the main connector is the one to use on a C5 (white wire at B3 on a C6).
WHY: In the good ol' days car radios were simply turned on/off by a switched power wire that came on/off with the ignition. C5/C6 radios don't work that way, they listen in on the serial data communications going on between all of the computers in the car and use that info to decide when they should be on/off. Once turned on, the radio then generates the +12v signal that turns on the stock amp. If you add an aftermarket sub/amp you need to somehow trigger it. Tapping the RAP controlled circuit coming out of the radio is the best way to go. You could just find a switched source that comes on with the ignition, but then the sub wouldn't stay on until you open a door like the radio does.
WHY: In the good ol' days car radios were simply turned on/off by a switched power wire that came on/off with the ignition. C5/C6 radios don't work that way, they listen in on the serial data communications going on between all of the computers in the car and use that info to decide when they should be on/off. Once turned on, the radio then generates the +12v signal that turns on the stock amp. If you add an aftermarket sub/amp you need to somehow trigger it. Tapping the RAP controlled circuit coming out of the radio is the best way to go. You could just find a switched source that comes on with the ignition, but then the sub wouldn't stay on until you open a door like the radio does.
