Your vehicle has many gadgets, right? Some for safety, some for comfort, and others for fun. Are you one of those type of individuals that spend a lot of time detailing your vehicle?
Are you looking for a new accessory for your car? Mostly everyone enjoys the benefits of having a radio in their car and getting the best sound from your speaker's is very important.
If you're looking for a car speaker upgrade and you want to know how to install car speakers, the following user manual will help you install your car speakers as a DIY project.
Before you start installing your car speakers, you should have located a specific model for your vehicle, meeting your speaker preference, and finding a location for your new speakers.
Find a comfortable area to work on your speaker installation (i.e. garage) and gather all the necessary tools. It's an installation job that you can do yourself, but if you plan to have help, make sure your assistance is on hand. Finally, be sure to have access to any user instructions or a go-to manual for quick reference. On average, expect to spend 1-2 to hours on your speaker installation project.
Necessary tools for installing speakers:
I am suggesting you a list of tools that may come handy in case of installing the speakers on the car door. The list may or may not be comprehensive but it will help you a lot.
- Variety of screwdrivers (Phillips, stubby Phillips, flat-blade, and offset screwdrivers)
- Drill machine
- Allen wrench
- Torx drivers
- Wire cutter
- Crimping tool
- Panel remover tool
- Soldering iron
- Socket wrench
- A file
- Electrical tape
- Hobby knife
- Panel popper tool
- Torchlight
- Screws
- And obviously don't forget about your new set of car speakers!
How to install car speakers?
If you have collected all the necessary tools and already have chosen a comfortable place with proper lighting facilities, then you are prepared for your next and most important step! I am going to guide you through the step by step process of installing the car door speakers.
Disconnect your car battery (remove the negative cable).
While installing the speakers, you have to keep your car door wide open. So, if you keep your battery connected, you may increase the chance of electric short circuit or extra battery power drainage. As a result, it will be safe for you to disconnect the batteries to avoid the risk of getting electrocuted.
Note: Depending on where you're placing your speakers, anticipate some technical work.
You want to carefully remove the factory speakers or previously installed speaker model while paying close attention to the wiring harness.
Do not rip the wiring harness out while removing the old speakers. You may also find that you need to unscrew one or more small bolts and/or screws at any adhesive foam or glue that's holding the speaker in place. If you’re mounting full-range speakers, you’ll usually have a pair of speakers, mounting screws, speaker wire, speed clips, and the instructional manual. Some may also come with grilles. If you’re installing component speakers, your set will likely include separate tweeters, crossovers, and hardware for mounting the tweeters.
(If you're lucky, removing the factory speakers will be as simple as removing the chosen compartment and trading out the speakers.)
With your new speakers in hand, attach the new speaker's to the factory wiring harness.
Before you go to Step 4, 5, 6, you should know the basics of wiring your speakers. For example, if you'll have an amplifier for 1 pair of speakers or 2 amplifiers for increased sound that's built for 2 pair of speakers, they will have a unique wiring mechanism. The wiring basic of this manual will focus on a pair of speakers. You will need to focus on electrical and mechanical basic installation wiring instructions.
Wiring Basics:
You will need to decide where to run the wires through the chosen compartment where your new speakers will be housed. However, if you're laying new wiring be sure to avoid a short circuit by touching the wires to metal or touching the wrong wires.
By default, factory wiring should be color coded helping to simplify the wiring process. You may need to strip the wires to expose fresh pieces of copper wire for your new speakers. Although, if your speakers have a plug, you can remove the harness to fit directly to the new speakers.
(Avoid cross wiring or reversing the wires which can cause the speakers to cancel themselves out).
You want to test the speakers before they're firmly in place to avoid having to take everything apart later because something is not wired right.
In order to safeguard the wiring from the sharp and arrowy edges of the holes, jam it with a rubber funnel or flexible tubing between the two holes. This will keep the insulation from getting damaged when you open and shut the door. Also, position the wire where it won't be damaged by the hinge or a portion of the door jamb. Leave enough loose space so the door can open all the way.
Double check the wire connections (check your speaker functions again).
Connect your wires and listen to some music or switch on the radio. Find out if your speakers are working right, if not, then reassemble the wirings to make them work right. Make sure that your new speakers match the polarity of the car.
Use electrical tape to secure any exposed wires if you don't have a harness
Then collect the extra cables and move the speaker wires around the window crank. Now slide the door panel back to the door. Next, you have to secure the crossover in-between the door frame and door panel. At last replace the door cup, screws, and window crank.
(Protecting exposed wires with electrical tape is a very important step)
If it seems like installing speakers in your car is relatively easy, it's because it is, but each speaker installation will have a unique level of difficulty. However, they all will include the basic steps mentioned above. When it doubt, don't hesitate to read over the instruction manual again or enlist the help of a professional.
The goal is to help you safely install your speakers and get the most out of the sound quality. Install your speakers in a location of your car to help you avoid the need to turn your speakers up real loud to enjoy the music while also allowing you continue to be a defensive driver when you're on the road. Learning how to install your own speakers will be an asset if you have to replace them in the future or make upgrades.
So, that's it for today! If you have something more to share with us please leave it in the comment box. We would appreciate it a lot!
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I was unsure about the wiring basics. Your tips are very helpful. Thanks for the nice post.