Kicker subwoofer and DSP amp install.

Tom Hoshock · January 20, 2023

I just finished installing the GM upgrade sub amp kit (19417166) in my 2019 Sierra SLE with the IOS audio system. It was a challenge due to my age. I do not do well crawling under a dash like I used to. I found a couple of YouTube videos that were a big help. The hardest thing was releasing the rear seat back latches. I must say it sounds surprisingly good to my old ears. I was not looking for loudness, simply good clean sound. The paperwork included a link to download the Kicker flex tune app. Has anyone on here used it? It looks like it would be a good way to balance it out and EQ the system for the best sound. Tomorrow, I hope to try it out. The flex Tune app includes a 5 band EQ.

Yotaman · January 20, 2023

I recently installed the same system in my 2014 SLE. Ima check out the App and see if it will work with my older edition system.

Hopefully someone else with knowledge comes along and can share some info.

Yotaman

Tom Hoshock · January 21, 2023

For some reason the app will not work for me. Shows up as not connected. I have contacted Kicker but no help so far.

Yotaman · January 21, 2023

Yea Tom me either, I am thinking maybe at least with my older Kicker maybe the Kicker would be Bluetooth equipped. The instructions I downloaded for mine mention nothing about APPs. Maybe yours does. I would read over your product and see and maybe google it. Best of luck. At least we got a lil boom and hearable front speakers now.

Yotaman

Tom Hoshock · January 21, 2023

Yotaman, I am going to try an Apple I phone my son has later today to see if it will connect. From everything I have read the app should work. It is mentioned in the GM ad's as a big selling point.

Tom Hoshock · January 22, 2023

Today I was able to get the FlexTune app to work on my android phone. I disconnected the truck from the phone and also disconnected the phone from the radio. I then searched for available Bluetooth devices with the phone and the Kicker amp showed up as what looked like a part number. I connected to it and then reconnected the truck to the phone and started playing some music. I opened the FlexTune app on the phone and then clicked on the device tab on the screen. The same part number showed up and then it connected. My son and I played around with it, and it works pretty well. Now I need to change the dip switch settings on the sub amp and fine tune it. I now have the base output on the built in eq turned down and centered the mid and highs settings. This really changed the sound quality in my truck. I will install the Kicker sub controller next so I can tone down the bass when needed. I think with some more tweaking I can get it to sound almost good as the Bose system in my Cadillac CT6 You can really shift the sound stage with the FlexTune app. Now all I hear from the front speakers is the mids and highs and they are much cleaner. If you do not tune the system by using the app all the upgrade does is add bass. JMHO. Your mileage may vary due to differences in music tastes. My son and I tried some hard-hitting classic rock and some heavy metal and to say the least he was impressed. My next move will be to upgrade to speakers made to work with the factory head unit.

Edited January 22, 2023 by Tom Hoshock