Installing coaxial speakers in a vehicle will allow you to experience a full range of sound through a single set of equipment. The following instructions will walk through speaker installation steps and necessary tools to create full power sound. If you’re still in the market for a new set, shop using Sonic Electronix’s Garage function to browse pre-filtered options for your vehicle’s specific make and model.
| Tools |
|---|
| Coaxial Speakers |
| Plug and Play Harness |
| Panel Removal Tools |
| Screwdrivers and/or Power Drill |
| Speaker Adapters dependent on door build |
| Socket & ratchet set |
| Wire Cutter/Stripper tool |
| Soldering iron and Solder |
| Crimping tool and Connectors |
| Electrical Tape |
Disconnect the negative battery terminal
Once you have your tools, speakers, and necessary accessories ready to go, disconnect the negative battery terminal from the car to prevent shorts, blown fuses, and personal injury.
Remove the door panel
Remove the mourning screws surrounding the door panel and inside the side pocket. This may not be the case on every door, but they will all be held in with panel clips. Use the panel removal tools to remove the door panel itself. It is possible to remove the door panels without these tools, but be careful to not break any plastic clips that hold the door in place.
On two-door vehicles, you may need to remove your rear seat first when replacing the rear speakers. Some seats can easily be taken out while others may have bolts that need to be undone.
There may be some wire harness for other door accessories that need to be unplugged before the panel is completely detached.
Remove old speakers
Some factory speakers will be held in by Phillips screws, while others will require you to remove the entire bracket held in by bolts. Keep track of the hardware from your speakers because you may need to reuse some of these materials.
After unscrewing the speaker, gently lift it out of the door panel and unplug it from the wire harness. Check the inside of the door for any leftover nuts, rivets or plastic bits that may be floating around to prevent rattling after install.
Add sound deadening, check for accessory needs
Consider adding sound deadening materials around the speaker locations and inside the door panel to reduce any rattles from in or outside of the car. Line up your new speaker with the factory bracket to see if it will fit. If there are small gaps, it could be fixed with either dynamat or adhesive deadening foam strips. Otherwise, you will need to source a new bracket before installing the new speaker.
A spacer may also be needed if there isn’t enough clearance or depth behind the speaker in the door panel. The spacer will bring the speaker forward for a proper fit.
Connect new speakers
A plug and play adapter makes the installation process simple. Just slide the female quick disconnect onto the corresponding speaker connection. Double check the wire polarity: positive on positive and negative on negative.
Test the new speakers
Before reassembling the door panels, reconnect the negative battery terminal to ensure the new speakers are working. Play audio and adjust the balance on your head unit to each speaker to check individual function.
Replace the door panels and seats
Put the factory panels back into place. Check the clip positions on the panel and how they line up with the door. Snap the panels back in place and secure the screws. Replace any seats you removed.
