Wow! That's the first thing I say, b/c the sound quality difference is dramatic! Next, Thanks to all the members who suggested replacing the speakers with Focals in numerous threads on here. I did the suggested and bought Focal ISS 690's for the fronts, Polk DB351 for the center + rear D pillars & Focal ISC 165's for the rear doors. I cannot express in words how much the sound has changed and improved my driving experience. I made a video, but the feel of the bass in the front seats the way it feels is novel and in person it's immense.
I must suggest, recommend, and say replace your factory speakers with some Focals if you're sick and tired of the way your stereo sounds. It's worth every penny and will improve your quality of life with wonderful tones of Bass and Treble!
I purchased my speakers from Crutchfield and you can save up to $40 if you get the "scratch and dent" ones. This is what I did when I saw the option and it came with everything. "You only need the speakers", no crossovers, spacers, tweeter mounts, etc. Wire adapters were included for free.
I've searched for pic tutorials, videos and threads on a full speaker replacement, but found none. So, I put together a few pics of my install. I didn't include the center speaker bc I've seen threads with pic tutorials already.
This is for the newbie feeling nervous about pulling off the door panel.
Tools : the 10mm in the pic is not needed for releasing the door lever bolt. I did it on the passenger side and wasn't necessary. It can remain attached to the door during panel take off and installation.
I also used a Dremel the enlarge the opening slightly for the tweeter.
The Front doors:
Separating the door panel
1.) Pry out the black panel to reveal the philips head screw and remove it from the door lever.
2.) Pry up this small tab in the armrest to reveal the 7mm bolt and remove it.
3.) Pry out the window switches and unplug it.
4.) Insert your trim tool and at the top and work your way all the way around popping out the pins.
You can see the pattern in the pics and the location of the pins.
5.) Once you have the pins out, you and lift up the panel from the door some. You need the disconnect this white plug from the front of the door.
6.) Now pull the door lever all the way out like your opening the door and the pull the panel off.
7.) The black trim just pulls right off after pulling out 2 small push pins in the front and back of the door. The trim has a lip around.
8.) Use #20 Torx bit to remove the 4 speaker screws.
9.) Next, plug your wire adapter to the factory plug and connect the other end to the Focal. The Focal drops right in with no mods or spacer needed. Direct plug and play, couldn't be simpler.
10.) The factory tweeter pops right out after pushing on 3 small tabs around it.
11.) The Focal tweeter is only slightly larger and I used a Dremel to round it out a little. Be mindful, you can always take more off, but not able to put more back. So take your time and test fit a few times.. You want it in there tight and flush.
Comparison with factory tweeter out of it's housing
Before
Modded
Installed
12.) I unplugged the factor connector to the tweeter and then used barrel connectors to the tweeter wires. NOTE: I had no diagram and didn't have time to go searching around for one online. So, I just tested them hooked up both ways and they sounded the same. If I'm wrong with the wires I'll correct them later, but they sound fantastic.
13.) Put the black trim back on the top of the door, start with the corner first.
14.) Put the door panel against the door and plug in the white connector. Then pull the door lever back through the slot. Line up all the pins and start hammer fisting them back in. Start on one side and work your way around.
15.) Install the philips head screw and push the black cover back on.
16.) Install the 7mm screw and you're done with one side!
17.) Follow steps 1-16 for the other door.
18.) Enjoy your life with new sound pleasures.
I'll cover the back doors and D pillars in another post when I have time for the install later this week. I had to take the kids to the Pumpkin Festival and ran out of time today.
I must suggest, recommend, and say replace your factory speakers with some Focals if you're sick and tired of the way your stereo sounds. It's worth every penny and will improve your quality of life with wonderful tones of Bass and Treble!
I purchased my speakers from Crutchfield and you can save up to $40 if you get the "scratch and dent" ones. This is what I did when I saw the option and it came with everything. "You only need the speakers", no crossovers, spacers, tweeter mounts, etc. Wire adapters were included for free.
I've searched for pic tutorials, videos and threads on a full speaker replacement, but found none. So, I put together a few pics of my install. I didn't include the center speaker bc I've seen threads with pic tutorials already.
This is for the newbie feeling nervous about pulling off the door panel.
Tools : the 10mm in the pic is not needed for releasing the door lever bolt. I did it on the passenger side and wasn't necessary. It can remain attached to the door during panel take off and installation.
I also used a Dremel the enlarge the opening slightly for the tweeter.
The Front doors:
Separating the door panel
1.) Pry out the black panel to reveal the philips head screw and remove it from the door lever.
2.) Pry up this small tab in the armrest to reveal the 7mm bolt and remove it.
3.) Pry out the window switches and unplug it.
4.) Insert your trim tool and at the top and work your way all the way around popping out the pins.
You can see the pattern in the pics and the location of the pins.
5.) Once you have the pins out, you and lift up the panel from the door some. You need the disconnect this white plug from the front of the door.
6.) Now pull the door lever all the way out like your opening the door and the pull the panel off.
7.) The black trim just pulls right off after pulling out 2 small push pins in the front and back of the door. The trim has a lip around.
8.) Use #20 Torx bit to remove the 4 speaker screws.
9.) Next, plug your wire adapter to the factory plug and connect the other end to the Focal. The Focal drops right in with no mods or spacer needed. Direct plug and play, couldn't be simpler.
10.) The factory tweeter pops right out after pushing on 3 small tabs around it.
11.) The Focal tweeter is only slightly larger and I used a Dremel to round it out a little. Be mindful, you can always take more off, but not able to put more back. So take your time and test fit a few times.. You want it in there tight and flush.
Comparison with factory tweeter out of it's housing
Before
Modded
Installed
12.) I unplugged the factor connector to the tweeter and then used barrel connectors to the tweeter wires. NOTE: I had no diagram and didn't have time to go searching around for one online. So, I just tested them hooked up both ways and they sounded the same. If I'm wrong with the wires I'll correct them later, but they sound fantastic.
13.) Put the black trim back on the top of the door, start with the corner first.
14.) Put the door panel against the door and plug in the white connector. Then pull the door lever back through the slot. Line up all the pins and start hammer fisting them back in. Start on one side and work your way around.
15.) Install the philips head screw and push the black cover back on.
16.) Install the 7mm screw and you're done with one side!
17.) Follow steps 1-16 for the other door.
18.) Enjoy your life with new sound pleasures.
I'll cover the back doors and D pillars in another post when I have time for the install later this week. I had to take the kids to the Pumpkin Festival and ran out of time today.