How To Install Aftermarket Speakers

Below are the basic steps involved in installing speakers into your vehicle. Some vehicles will require additional steps. Even if the location of the speakers in your vehicle differs slightly from the mounting locations listed below, the process should be similar.

 

 

 

 

Vehicles with speaker grilles that can be removed

 

1. Check to see if the speaker grilles can be pried off or unscrewed.

 

2. If the speaker grilles can be removed, carefully take the grilles off using the proper tools.

 

3. Remove the screws that hold in the speaker in place.

 

4. Disconnect the speaker harness attached to the factory speaker.

 

5. Connect the speaker harness (if available for your vehicle) to the new speaker.

 

6. Plug the speaker harness connected to the new speaker to the harness in the vehicle.

 

7. Place the speaker back in the opening and re-install it using the mounting screws.

 

8. Re-install the speaker grill.

 

9. Repeat with the other speaker.

 

Tip 1: Be careful when you are working near the windshield. If a tool slips, it could crack the windshield or scratch the dashboard.

 

Tip 2: When installing speakers in the door, check to make sure the depth of the speaker will not interfere with the window once it is installed.

 

 

 

Vehicles with speaker grilles that can’t be removed

 

1. Determine if the grilles can be removed. Carefully look at the grilles to see if they can be pried off or unscrewed.

 

2. If the grilles can not be removed, determine how to remove the dash pads or door panel.

 

3. Carefully remove the dash pad or door panel and set aside. Save any clips or screws removed.

 

4. Remove the screws that hold the speaker in place.

 

5. Disconnect the speaker harness from the factory speaker.

 

6. Connect the speaker harness (if available for your vehicle) to the new speaker.

 

7. Plug the speaker harness connected to the new speaker to the harness in the vehicle.

 

8. Place the speaker in the opening and re-install it using the mounting screws.

 

9. Re-install the dash pads or door panel. Repeat with the other speaker.

 

Tip 1: Be careful when you are working with the speakers near the windshield. If a tool slips, it could crack the windshield or scratch the dashboard.

 

Tip 2: When installing speakers in the door, check to make sure the depth of the speaker will not interfere with the window once it is installed.

 

Tip 3: Before removing the door panel, make sure you have removed all of the screws and clips. Screws can be mounted in the armrest or inside the door latch cavity. Screws can also be located behind the trim panels.

 

Tip 4: Once all the screws have been removed from the door panel, carefully lift it up so you can disconnect any wiring harnesses that may be attached.

 

 

 

 

Vehicles with speakers that are top mounted

 

1. Check to see if the speaker grilles can be pried off or unscrewed.

 

2. If the grilles can be removed, take the grilles off carefully using the proper tools.

 

3. Remove the screws that hold in the speaker.

 

4. Disconnect the speaker harness.

 

5. Connect the speaker harness (if one purchased or available) to the speaker.

 

6. Plug in the harness connected to the speaker to the vehicle side of the harness.

 

7. Place the speaker in the opening and re-install it using the mounting screws.

 

8. Re-install the speaker grill.

 

9. Repeat with the other speaker.

 

10. Turn on the radio and check for speaker operation. Also check for proper polarity on both speakers. To check for polarity, turn the volume up to mid-level. Using the balance control, fade the music from one side to the other. When both speakers are playing, you should hear a full sound. If the sound is fuller or has more bass when only one speaker is playing, the polarity may be reversed. To fix this, switch the speaker connections on one of the speakers and retry the test.

 

 

 

Rear Deck Speakers

 

Vehicles with speakers that are bottom mounted

 

1. Climb or reach into the trunk. Remove the screws that mount the speaker.

 

2. Unplug the factory speaker from its harness.

 

3. Connect the speaker harness (if one purchased or available) to the new speaker.

 

4. Plug in the harness connected to the speaker to the vehicle side of the harness.

 

5. Place the speaker in the opening and mount the speaker.

 

6. Repeat with the other speaker.

 

7. Turn on the radio and check for speaker operation. Also check for proper polarity on both speakers. To check for polarity, turn the music up to mid-level. Using the balance control, fade the music from side to the other. When both speakers are playing, it should have a full sound. If the sound is fuller or has more bass when only one speaker is playing, the polarity may be reversed. To fix this, switch the speaker connections on one of the speakers and retry the test.