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Replacing Dash Speakers
Although they can occasionally be tough to reach, most dash speakers are small and relatively easy to replace. In some vehicles, all you need to do is remove the grilles, which are usually held down by screws or friction fittings. If your grilles use friction fittings (you'll know because there won't be any screws evident), carefully pry them up from the edges. To avoid marring or cracking the surrounding area, put a broad, flat item, like a panel tool or putty knife, underneath whatever you're using to pry up the grille.
Other vehicles, however, require that you remove the entire dashboard panel to access the connections. Fortunately, most dash panels are held in place by just a few screws. Once you've removed them, it's just a matter of carefully pulling off the panel, making sure you don't catch any wires or ducts in the process. You'll find an offset screwdriver or stubby Philips screwdriver useful to get at the screws near the windshield.
 Most dash speakers are small and relatively easy to replace. |
Remove the old speakers and make sure to note the polarity of each terminal. The speaker's positive terminal is the larger of the two, and is usually marked with a "+" or a colored dot. If your speakers came with a Crutchfield wiring harness, use it to connect to your factory wiring. If not, you'll want to solder the connections from your new speakers to the wiring in the vehicle, or use crimp connectors. Don't secure the wires with electrical tape, it can deteriorate rapidly because of the temperature extremes in your car. It's also a good idea to test the speaker before you secure it tightly to be sure everything works before you put the dash back in place.
