Rear Wiper Power for 550 Watt Amp

[951 Scott]

I am going to be installing a fairly low powered 550 watt 5 channel amp in the rear hatch area.

Also, I have always contemplated removing the rear wiper and motor which would leave a free switched power supply in the rear cargo as a possible power source for the amp.

My thoughts are take out the rear wiper and motor, utilize the existing power source to power the sub and I'll have an on/off switch in the center console.

Thanks for any feedback and guidance on this in advance.

Here is a link to the AMP's spec on cutchfield---->Jensen Power 5500 5-channel car amplifier — 60 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms plus 250 watts x 1 at 2 ohms - Features & Specs at Crutchfield.com

[haroldina]

If you look at the specs, it's actually a 400W amp at 4 ohms. Bare minimum for 400W at 14.4V (the rated input voltage) is 28A. Unless you've got a 30A fuse running to your wiper (and I couldn't say because I actually haven't looked at mine), you'll need to run a new line to it.

You can get an amp install kit for not too much money, but you may want someone to install it professionally.

[944sracer]

No, you do not want to use the existing wiring for the main power feed to your amp. The small gauge wire cannot handle the current you will be trying to pull in order to power the amp. You should go buy a 4 awg amp kit and run the wire directly from your battery to your amp. Then you could utilize the rear wiper switch as the remote turn on but honestly since you are at the radio just use the radios amp turn on wire.

I used to do car audio/video and what not and I have seen many a "backyard special" go wrong and start melting things.

You don't need professional install but if this is your 1st time it may be best.