Memphis FDBRONTG12 Single 12" Enclosure for Ford Bronco Tailgate Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Memphis FDBRONTG12 is a single 12-inch subwoofer enclosure meticulously designed for seamless integration into the Ford Bronco's swing gate. Constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials with a rugged bedliner exterior, this enclosure provides enhanced audio performance while preserving interior cargo space. It is sold unloaded, allowing users to select their preferred 12-inch subwoofer for a customized audio experience. All necessary hardware for installation is included.

Figure 1: Memphis FDBRONTG12 Single 12" Enclosure

2. Safety Information

Please read all instructions carefully before installation and use. Failure to follow these instructions may result in property damage, injury, or product malfunction.

• Disconnect Vehicle Battery: Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before beginning any electrical installation.
• Wear Protective Gear: Use safety glasses and gloves during installation to prevent injury.
• Use Correct Tools: Ensure you have the appropriate tools for each step of the installation.
• Proper Wiring: Ensure all wiring is correctly connected and insulated to prevent short circuits or electrical hazards.
• Avoid Obstruction: Do not install the enclosure in a location that obstructs the driver's view, vehicle controls, or safety features.
• Professional Installation: If you are unsure about any part of the installation process, seek assistance from a qualified professional.

3. What's in the Box

Verify that all components are present before beginning installation:

• 1x Memphis FDBRONTG12 12" Subwoofer Enclosure
• Mounting Brackets
• Terminal Cup
• Installation Hardware (screws, washers, rivet nuts)
• Installation Template

Note: Subwoofer is sold separately and is not included with the enclosure.

4. Required Tools

The following tools are recommended for installation:

• Knife
• Painter's Tape
• Center Punch
• Hammer
• Power Drill
• 9mm Drill Bit
• 5mm Drill Bit (for pilot holes)
• Safety Glasses
• Wrench (14mm, 10mm)
• Socket Wrench (10mm socket)
• Pry Tool
• Hex Bit or Allen Keys
• Phillips Bit
• Electrical Tape
• Wire Routing Tool

5. Installation

Follow these steps to properly install your Memphis FDBRONTG12 enclosure:

5.1. Prepare the Tailgate

1. Unroll the provided template onto a clean working surface.
2. Carefully cut along the dotted lines of the template. Ensure the center rectangle is trimmed out for proper alignment.
3. Position the template on the Ford Bronco's swing gate, aligning the crosshairs and circles on the template with the corresponding marks on the accessory mounting area.
4. Secure the template to the swing gate using painter's tape. Double-check all alignment markers and ensure the solid lines on the template align with the plastic trim panel.

5.2. Drill Mounting Holes

1. Using a center punch, mark the centers of the holes indicated on the template.
2. Wrap the drill bits (5mm and 9mm) with painter's tape, leaving less than half an inch exposed. This prevents drilling too deep.
3. Wear safety glasses. Using the 5mm drill bit, carefully drill pilot holes at the marked centers.
4. Remove the paper template. Using the 9mm drill bit, enlarge the pilot holes to the required size. It is recommended to have an assistant hold the swing gate steady during drilling.

5.3. Install Rivet Nuts

1. If a rivet nut setter tool is unavailable, assemble a manual installation tool using the provided hardware: take a B4 bolt, slide a W2 metal washer, then an M1 spacer nut, followed by a W4 tooth lock washer. Hand-thread a rivet nut onto the bolt with the collar against the lock washer.
2. Place the rivet nut assembly into one of the drilled holes in the swing gate.
3. Using a 14mm wrench (or crescent wrench), hold the spacer nut against the swing gate to prevent rotation.
4. Using a 10mm wrench, tighten the B4 bolt. Ensure the rivet nut remains flat against the vehicle. The bolt will become harder to turn when the rivet is properly set.
5. Remove the 10mm bolt while still holding the 14mm spacer nut.
6. Repeat this process for the remaining three rivet nuts.

5.4. Prepare Vehicle for Wiring

1. Remove the plastic trim panel from the swing gate by prying it upward from the bottom with a pry tool. This panel will not be reinstalled.
2. Remove the four plastic covers in the back of the cargo area that hide the 10mm bolts.
3. Remove the four tie-down brackets using a 10mm socket. Once removed, take out the floor liner panel.
4. Remove the plastic trim panel at the very back of the vehicle by pulling up to release the clips. Do the same for the trim panel by the back seats.
5. Gently pry up the small plastic trim panel by the rear roll bar using a pry tool.
6. If your Bronco is a convertible, remove the bolt securing the soft top latch.
7. Remove the large interior plastic panel by prying it toward the center of the vehicle to disengage the clips. Be careful as there is a power outlet and a light assembly that need to be disconnected. Disconnect the power plug and light harness. Also, disconnect any small modules with harnesses near the bottom of the panel.

5.5. Route Subwoofer Wiring

1. Carefully remove the tape around the ends of the factory swing gate wiring loom. Use a sharp tool like a pick to disengage any zip ties. Always cut away from wires to avoid damage.
2. Attach the subwoofer speaker wire to a long zip tie or a wire routing tool.
3. Pass the speaker wire through the swing gate wiring loom towards the vehicle's interior. Pull excess wiring through, leaving enough exposed to connect to the enclosure.
4. Reapply electrical tape at the ends of the loom where original tape was removed. Re-engage any zip ties to secure the wiring.

5.6. Mount Enclosure and Subwoofer

1. Place the empty enclosure onto the lower mounting brackets on the swing gate.
2. Connect the positive speaker wire to the red terminal and the negative wire to the black terminal on the enclosure. Press in on the spring-loaded terminals, insert the wire, and release to lock.
3. Install the bolt assemblies (prepared in step 5.3) into the top mounting holes of the enclosure. Loosely install the bolts using a 10mm wrench.
4. Using an Allen wrench, install the supplied lower mounting Allen head bolts. Once both bottom bolts are secured, fully tighten the two top mounting bolts.
5. Place the polyfill (if included) inside the enclosure, spreading it out to cover the entire back wall.
6. Connect the speaker wiring to your 12" subwoofer (red to red, black to black).
7. Reinstall the subwoofer into the enclosure and secure it using the supplied mounting screws.

5.7. Reassemble Vehicle

Reassemble the vehicle in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure all connectors are reconnected on the rear panel (power outlet, light, small module).

6. Operating the Subwoofer Enclosure

The FDBRONTG12 enclosure is designed to house a 12-inch subwoofer, which requires an external amplifier for operation. Ensure your amplifier is properly installed and configured according to its own instruction manual.

• Amplifier Connection: Connect the speaker wires from the enclosure's terminal cup to the appropriate output terminals on your amplifier. Pay close attention to positive (+) and negative (-) polarity.
• Gain Setting: Adjust the amplifier's gain setting carefully. Start with the gain at its lowest setting and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired volume without distortion.
• Crossover Settings: Utilize your amplifier's or head unit's crossover settings to send only low-frequency signals to the subwoofer. A typical low-pass filter (LPF) setting for a subwoofer is between 80Hz and 120Hz.
• Phase Adjustment: Experiment with the phase switch (0° or 180°) on your amplifier to find the setting that provides the most impactful and cohesive bass response with your vehicle's main speakers.

7. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Memphis FDBRONTG12 enclosure, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: The rugged bedliner exterior can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
• Connection Checks: Periodically inspect all wiring connections to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion. Loose connections can lead to poor performance or damage.
• Subwoofer Inspection: Check the subwoofer cone and surround for any signs of damage or wear. Ensure the grille is securely in place to protect the subwoofer.
• Environmental Exposure: While marine-grade, prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions (e.g., direct sunlight, heavy rain) should be minimized when possible to extend product life.

8. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your subwoofer enclosure, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound from Subwoofer:
  • Check all wiring connections from the amplifier to the enclosure and from the enclosure to the subwoofer. Ensure polarity is correct.
  • Verify the amplifier is powered on and receiving a signal from your head unit.
  • Check amplifier fuses and vehicle fuses.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Reduce the amplifier's gain setting.
  • Check your head unit's volume level and ensure it's not excessively high.
  • Verify crossover settings are appropriate (LPF for subwoofer).
  • Ensure the subwoofer's impedance matches the amplifier's capabilities.
• Rattling or Vibrations:
  • Ensure all mounting bolts for the enclosure are securely tightened.
  • Check that the subwoofer is securely mounted within the enclosure.
  • Inspect surrounding vehicle panels for loose components that may be vibrating.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty & Support

Warranty: This Memphis FDBRONTG12 enclosure comes with a 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

What is Not Covered: This warranty does not cover damage caused by improper installation, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, unauthorized modification, or normal wear and tear.

Claiming Warranty: In the event of a warranty claim, please retain your proof of purchase. Contact Memphis Audio customer support for assistance and return authorization.

Customer Support: For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please visit the official Memphis Audio website or contact their customer service department directly. Refer to your product packaging or the Memphis Audio website for the most current contact information.