coffee

Hello,

Iam new to the forum and was hoping that I could get some advice on upgrading my car. Currently, I have replaced the OEM radio with a Kenwood DDX471HD headunit. I did this because the OEM radio was dying with CD issues (no eject) and wanted to start upgrading as money allows.

One problem that I have had with the sound system is that all the speakers would quit working except for the back deck speakers. I first thought this might be related to the OEM radio but it appears that the problem is elsewhere.

After checking into this apparantly I have a Harmon / Kardon stereo system in the car with front pillar tweeters, front door speakers, rear deck speakers, AND a factory amp somewhere in the car. I say somewhere because I cannot determine where it is! I have checked the trunk, under the back seat where battery is and its not there. So, Im assuming its somewhere under the front dash (??).

I want to put in a aftermarket amp and replace the OEM speakers and add a subwoofer. However, My thinking is that I will be ripping out the OEM amp. I cannot find any info on this OEM amp and I am curious to :

1. Does this amp just control speakers or does it also control things like indicator chimes and such that will make it difficult to take out and replace with an aftermarket amp? How do the pillar tweeters get wired or should I just disconnect them?

2. Where is this thing located in the car?

More detail about speaker problems:

This is intermittent problem. Some days I can start the car and all speakers will work fine. Next time I get in only the back deck speakers will work. Its always this type of fault. Either all the speakers work or just the back deck. I figure its an issue with this OEM amp or the wiring to it.

I sure would appreciate any help. I would hate to spend the money on an amp (just looking to replace with 100 watt or lower) , SUB and speakers to find out its going to be a major pain with this OEM amp wiring deal.

Thanks,

coffee