Welcome to your Bronco Kicker Key Amp 200.4 Installation Guide. 

The following guide will walk you through the entire installation which includes a step by step catalog.  Our installation video is in the works but this guide will get you over the finish line in the meantime.    

If you have any questions, or need anything during the installation, we're only a phone call away.  We're available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm est. for any support needed, or you can shoot us an email at support@trailseven.com. 

Kicker Key Amp Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Upgrading your vehicle's audio system can transform your driving experience, and the Kicker Key Amp is an excellent choice for enhanced sound quality. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the installation process step by step, ensuring a smooth upgrade to your audio setup. Let’s get started!

Tools You’ll Need:

• 7mm socket wrench
• 8mm socket wrench
• Zip ties
• Velcro strips

Step 1: Access the Temperature Control Panel

To begin, pull from either side of the panel to undo the clips. This will grant you access to the screws that hold the temperature control panel in place.

Step 2: Remove the Temperature Control Panel

Using a 7mm socket, remove the screws securing the temperature control panel. Once the screws are out, carefully take out the panel and set it aside.

Step 3: Disconnect the Head Unit

Locate the black connector to the right of the head unit. Gently pull out the plug and let it rest for now; you’ll return to this during the installation.

Next, disconnect the main plug from the factory head unit. This is essential for the Kicker Key Amp to integrate seamlessly with your system.

Step 4: Prepare for Amp Installation

Now, you need to remove the plate beneath the steering wheel. This is secured by two 8mm bolts—remove these to access the area.

Apply the provided Velcro strip to the top portion of the plate, ensuring a secure mount for your new amp. When positioning the amp, remember that the dipswitches should face towards the driver’s side door. Use the provided zip ties to firmly strap the amp to the plate.

Step 5: Mount the Kicker Key Amp

With the plate prepared, remove it and mount the Kicker Key Amp using the 8mm bolts. Ensure that the dual connectors are oriented toward the head unit side, as these will connect to the factory head unit.

Step 6: Route the T-Harness

Carefully route the T-harness through the steering column cavity. Connect this harness to the Kicker Key Amp, ensuring a secure fit for optimal performance.

Step 7: Re-Mount the Plate

Once the amp is connected, re-mount the plate with the amp back into the Bronco using the 8mm bolts you removed earlier. This will secure the amp in its place, ready for connection.

Step 8: Connect the T-Harness

Now it’s time to connect the T-harness to the factory head unit connection. Make sure the connection is firm and secure.

Step 9: Final Connections

Connect the remaining T-harness connector to the factory head unit port. Double-check that everything is connected properly to avoid issues down the line.

Kicker 500.1 Mono Amp Installation

Step 10: Run Power to Battery

Remove the 13mm bolt next to the battery in the engine bay.
Locate and modify the rubber grommet on the back driver side to pull the power wire through.

Step 11: Connect Fuse Block

Push the grommet back in place and connect the power wire to the fuse block.
Connect the short power wire leading to the battery but do not connect it yet; tape the end for safety.
Replace the fuse block cover and secure the fuse bracket with the 13mm bolt.

Step 12: Route Power Wire

Back in the driver side kick area, locate the power wire run through the grommet and follow the path to the amp installation spot.

Step 13: Disconnect Negative Battery Terminal

Remove the 10mm nut to disconnect the negative terminal and cover it with a towel.

Step 14: Disconnect Negative Battery Terminal

Remove the 10mm nut to disconnect the negative terminal and cover it with a towel.

Step 15: Remove Driver Seat

Use a panel tool to remove panels and unscrew front and rear seat bolts.
Unplug the connector under the seat.

Step 16: Remove Additional Trim Pieces

Detach any additional trim pieces as needed.

Step 17: Run Power, Ground, and Amp Wires

Run power, ground, and amp wires along the door trim.
Locate the ground bolt at the bottom of the pillar, remove it, and attach the ground wire.

Step 18: Set Up Mono Amp

Place the amp in its designated spot and connect the amp harness, power, ground, and sub wires.

Step 19: Run Sub Wire to Trunk

Route the sub wire along the trim toward the back, popping clips as necessary.
Connect the sub wire to your purchased sub.

Step 20: Reinstall Driver Seat

Align the seat with factory holes, ensuring the seat’s post fits correctly.
Plug in the seat control connector and secure the seat.

Step 21: Finish Power Setup

Fasten the power wire to the battery and reconnect the negative terminal.

Step 21: Reinstall All Panels and Screws

Replace all previously removed panels and screws.

DSP tuning and key amp adjustments: 

Amplifier Setting Suggestions

Gain Levels:
Set gain to 0 and radio levels to 0. Gradually increase volume to 75% max. For Channel 1, increase gain slowly until slight distortion is noticed, then lower gain slightly. Follow the same method for the remaining channels. Use radio settings for “salt and pepper” adjustments.
Crossover Frequency:
Set the crossover frequency for front and rear speakers (Amp 1 and Amp 2) around 3 o’clock or higher. For the subwoofer, aim for a crossover frequency at about 9 o’clock.
Bass Boost:
This feature enhances bass frequencies, particularly for older music recordings. We recommend setting the bass boost between 9 and 12 o’clock for optimal sound.

Dip Switch Settings: 

Auto Turn On: turn to DC, or down

Fader: turn on or up

Compression: (Customers preference) This will compress the volume to help with distortion, though you do lose some expression from a musical standpoint. We suggest turning compression on or turn the switch up. 

Bi-Amp Mode: turn on or up

Kicker EQ: Turn on or up

Time Delay: Turn to En or up. 

Amp 1&2: Turn left dip switch up and right dip switch down in the 120HZ position. 

DSP Settings: 

Connect Your Device: Use Bluetooth or a USB cable to connect your smartphone or tablet to the Kicker Key Amp.

Open the Kicker Key App: Download and launch the Kicker Key app on your device.

Select Your Vehicle: Choose your vehicle model from the app to ensure optimal settings.

Wipe audio settings: Go into your Head unit Audio settings and be sure to zero out all of your audio settings, no fading, no speed adjustment, equalizer has is at zero for everything, etc. 

Begin the DSP tuning: You can now plug in the microphone, install into strap as show in the video and place the microphone where you want, load the pink noise and let the amplifier tune your system! (PLEASE NOTE: the placement of the microphone will greatly affect how the music will sound as well as the timing in the system, it's best to play around with the placement and test or find where you prefer the placement) 

• Trail Seven's Kicker 200.4 Key Amp Installation Instructions: LINK
• Kicker's Kicker 200.4 Key Amp Ai DSP Instructional Video: LINK
• Kicker's Pink Noise Test Tone Files: LINK

Enjoy your new tunes!