Did the lower trim versions not have the amp? If so, whats in the passenger kickpanel?

I haven't checked yet but I don't believe there's an amp with the LX's stereo.

just the EX model which comes with the 270 watt 7 speaker system with sub.

I haven't looked into where the amp is located on the EX. The enclosure under the gear shifter is different on the LX/DX. It doesn't stick out quite as much, and has a small storage bin - big enough to hold a stack of CDs. The DX didn't even have the radio or speakers, but it did come with the necessary wiring for 4 door speakers.

paulj

I haven't checked yet but I don't believe there's an amp with the LX's stereo.

Nope, no amp on the LX.

And no tweeters either; just the empty holes (even though my dealer told me they were there!!). I had to find this one out the hard way!

http://homepage.mac.com/jasonraynow/.Pictures/emptytweeter.jpg

ooooooooooooo

Could one of you PLEASE check in the passenger side kickpanel? My guess is you will find 2 wiring harnesses somehow mated together. My question is what do they use to mate the harnesses? Could someone please take a picture?

This could be VERY VERY good news for people who swap out ther systems.

So you are trying to figure out how to bypass the factory amp?

My guess is that one connector has the inputs from the head unit, and the other has the speaker lines.

In the DX, the speaker connector is in the head unit compartment. There is no wiring for a separate amp.

paulj

correct, trying to bypass the amp without chopping the factory harness... may not have a choice.

EX's have the amp mounted in the passenger side kick panel. Below EX model had amplification through the deck.