INSTALLATION
2
WARNING:
Playing loud music in an
automobile can hinder your ability to hear
traffic and permanently damage your
hearing. We recommend listening at low or
moderate levels while driving your car. JBL
accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily
injury or property damage resulting from
the use or misuse of this product.
IMPORTANT:
To get the best
performance from your JBL CS Series
amplifiers, we strongly recommend that
installation be entrusted to a qualified
professional. Although these instructions
explain how to install CS amplifiers in a
general sense, they do not show specific
installation methods that may be required
for your particular vehicle. If you do not
have the necessary tools or experience,
do not attempt the installation yourself.
Instead, please ask your authorized JBL
car audio dealer about professional
installation.
INSTALLATION
WARNINGS AND TIPS
• Always wear protective eyewear when
using tools.
• Turn off the audio system and other
electrical devices before you start.
Disconnect the (–) negative lead from
your vehicle’s battery.
• Check clearances on both sides of
a planned mounting surface before
drilling any holes or installing any
screws. Remember that the screws
can extend behind the surface.
• At the installation sites, locate and
make a note of all fuel lines, hydraulic
brake lines, vacuum lines and electrical
wiring. Use extreme caution when cut-
ting or drilling in and around these areas.
• Before drilling or cutting holes, use a
utility knife to remove unwanted fabric
or vinyl to keep material from snagging
in a drill bit.
• When routing cables, keep input-signal
cables away from power cables and
speaker wires.
• When making connections, make
certain they are secure and properly
insulated.
• If the amplifier’s fuse must be replaced,
use only the same type and rating as
that of the original. Do not substitute
another kind.
CHOOSING A LOCATION
AND MOUNTING THE
AMPLIFIER
Choose a mounting location in the trunk
or cargo area where the amplifier will not
be damaged by shifting cargo. Amplifier
cooling is essential for proper amplifier
operation. If the amplifier is to be installed
in an enclosed space, make sure there is
sufficient air circulation for the amplifier
to cool itself.
When mounting the amplifier under a
seat, ensure that it is clear of all moving
seat parts and does not affect the seat
adjustments. Mount the amplifier so it
is not damaged by the feet of backseat
passengers. Make sure that the amplifier
is mounted securely using nuts and bolts
or the supplied mounting screws.
Mount the amplifier so that it remains
dry – never mount an amplifier outside
the vehicle or in the engine compartment.
POWER CONNECTIONS
The CS amplifiers require a reliable
connection to the vehicle’s electrical
system in order to perform optimally.
See Figure 1 for terminal connection
locations. Please adhere to the following
instructions carefully:
Ground Connection
Connect the amplifier’s Ground (GND)
terminal to a solid point on the vehicle’s
metal chassis, as close to the amplifier
as possible. Refer to the chart below to
determine minimum wire-gauge size. Sand
away any paint from this location; use a star-
type-lock washer to secure the connection.
Power Connection
Connect a wire (see chart at right for
appropriate gauge) directly to the vehicle’s
positive battery terminal, and install an
appropriate fuse holder within 18" of the
battery terminal.
Do not install the fuse at
this time.
Route the wire to the amplifier’s
location, and connect it to the amplifier’s
Positive (+12V) terminal. Be sure to use
appropriate grommets whenever routing
wires through the firewall or other sheet
metal.
Failure to adequately protect the
positive wire from potential damage may
result in a vehicle fire.
When you are done
routing and connecting this wire, you may
install a 40A fuse at the battery.
Remote Connection
Connect the amplifier’s Remote (REM)
terminal to the source unit’s Remote Turn-
On lead using a minimum of 18-gauge wire.
NOTE:
If your source unit does not have a
remote turn-on connection, connect the
amplifier’s (REM) terminal to the vehicle’s
accessory circuit.
Speaker Connections
Refer to the application guides on the
pages that follow. Speaker connections
should be made using a minimum of
16-gauge wire.
Wire Gauge Chart
Amplifier
Maximum
Minimum
Model
Current Draw
Wire Gauge
CS50.4
40A #8
AWG
CS200.1
42A #8
AWG
These recommendations assume 10' – 12'
wire runs. If your installation differs mark-
edly, you will need to adjust the wire gauge
accordingly.
Figure 1.
Terminal connection end plate.
