Factory subwoofer mystery.

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Finally got my bronco yesterday! As I settle into it I’ve fallen deep into the rabbit hole of the stereo system. I may have stumbled upon some sort of factory mistake and I’d love to know if the experts have any insight here.

2023 big bend, 2.3, manual,lighting package, aux switches. The window sticker shows the 6 speaker audio system with the -250 credit. Now here’s my question to you.

this is my passenger side rear cargo area….. when I turn the radio up there’s no sound from this area, but is this a factory subwoofer?

That $250 credit was for the subwoofer *not* being installed. Might want to read some of the (many) other threads on the subject here, should help if you decide you wish to address it.

Sponsored

 

[jp925]

Sounds like you already found you way to the master thread.

BUT if you need videos.... I got a playlist on YouTube that goes through the whole project start to finish. Trim removal, speaker install, Forscan mods, etc. etc.

I have a 2022MY Bronco, and I upgraded everything. So it's not exactly the same as your situation, but it'll be very similar. The YouTube videos have chapter markers on them so you can bounce around as necessary to the parts you care about. (I certainly don't expect someone to watch all 2-3 hours of video.)


Yup! You do.

I found you on YouTube before I even posted here, lots of great info!

 

[Pressurized]

just simple swap out no change in amp or was that changed and how does it sound?

For future reference, it’s been determined through experiments that the 4ohm Kicker is a better match for the Fusion amp than the 2ohm Kicker.

I’ve got the Tang Band 4ohm sub in transit to experiment with that also.

 

[604Bronco]

I still can’t get over Ford installed these “fake” components, when a storage pocket would have likely been cheaper and more useful…

*slow clap*

 

[Dayton1984]

I still can’t get over Ford installed these “fake” components, when a storage pocket would have likely been cheaper and more useful…

*slow clap*

it does seem odd unless they had parts and planned to complete with the real subs until they ran out of those last minute or figured most people would add one.

 

[Pressurized]

I still can’t get over Ford installed these “fake” components, when a storage pocket would have likely been cheaper and more useful…

*slow clap*

it does seem odd unless they had parts and planned to complete with the real subs until they ran out of those last minute or figured most people would add one.

It’s been said, although I don’t think verified, that the enclosure, sub and amp are supplied by an outside vendor as a “unit”. That unit was part of the crash testing process and has to be installed for legal reasons…
No clue if true or not.

 

[HuntersBronco]

For future reference, it’s been determined through experiments that the 4ohm Kicker is a better match for the Fusion amp than the 2ohm Kicker.

I’ve got the Tang Band 4ohm sub in transit to experiment with that also.

I must have missed this. Was it determined the 2 ohm impedance was pulling too much power? I don’t want to burn up this little amp. If needed I’ll switch it out with a 4 ohm.

 

[Msell71]

what is a fake amp and sub? This is too early to be job 2 so just emptiness where one can go or will job 2 be fake amp but mini sub? Is this an 8” or 10” fit?

Supply problems forced Ford to delete the amp and sub. It was a -$250 on the window sticker. Maybe current builds have them now. It’s a 6 3/4” sub.

 

[flip]

I still can’t get over Ford installed these “fake” components, when a storage pocket would have likely been cheaper and more useful…

*slow clap*

There are so many different panel variations and revisions since the bronco was first released it's nuts. After they decided all soft tops got the "prep package", there should've been one set of panels for 2D and one for 4D. They could've changed the opening on the right one to accept either a grille or pocket. Boom, just cut down on manufacturing expense and gives owners ability to choose.

 

[jp925]

Sounds like you already found you way to the master thread.

BUT if you need videos.... I got a playlist on YouTube that goes through the whole project start to finish. Trim removal, speaker install, Forscan mods, etc. etc.

I have a 2022MY Bronco, and I upgraded everything. So it's not exactly the same as your situation, but it'll be very similar. The YouTube videos have chapter markers on them so you can bounce around as necessary to the parts you care about. (I certainly don't expect someone to watch all 2-3 hours of video.)


Yup! You do.

Do you know if a newer t harness will keep the subwoofer connection? I want to do the key amp with T harness, but I don’t see anything in the schematics for a 2023 having the subwoofer connection.

 

[vrtical]

I got the last working sub/amp in my Job 1 23 Bronco

 

[Pressurized]

I must have missed this. Was it determined the 2 ohm impedance was pulling too much power? I don’t want to burn up this little amp. If needed I’ll switch it out with a 4 ohm.

The bass with the 2ohm is loose and sloppy and the 4ohm is tighter and cleaner. It just sounds better. I don't think I've seen anyone with a failure...

I've been watching it as I am hoping to create a most recommended upgrade list. I did this with the Wrangler JK and around 1000 people did it with 100% satisfaction. For example, the Kicker speakers dominate the bronco upgrades and already I've seen 2 make changes to other brands because the Kickers were too bright and lacked mid and mid-bass.

 

[Shrek27]

I also added the SSV rear pods and swapped out kick panels and dash speakers.

Would you be able to post the models you installed?

 

[jp925]

There are two connectors on the ACM, one with a black connector and one with a gray connector.

The black connector that has all of the speaker lines on it. The subwoofer cabling is on the gray connector. Any harness you can buy from @plugnplaykits (at least as of today) plugs into that black connector and therefore won't modify the factory subwoofer cabling.

Incredible. Thanks.

 

[Dayton1984]

Would you be able to post the models you installed?

seems these are the way to go over others due to fit and appearance. Did you order them with the 6.5 kickers already in them?

Sponsored