How to Install JBL Car Speakers at Home

JBL car speakers have long been the industry leader in car audio as well as the leader for a variety of audio systems. The sound quality of JBL speakers is only rivaled by a few other competitors, and JBL is often a more cost effective option, but still delivers quality sound. While many dealers would have you believe that the installation of a component, particularly speakers, needs to be done by a professional, that is not necessarily the case. Most installations can be done in your driveway with only a few simple tools. The installation is the same for many speakers.

Step 1 - Remove Panels

Before you begin, disconnect the negative cable from the car battery and place it somewhere neutral (away from the metal of the body) so that it will not ground out. Start the speaker installation by removing the panels that house or cover the existing speakers. Unscrew any fasteners securing the panel to the metal. Pop any rivets out using a flat-blade screwdriver covered with a shop rag to avoid damaging the panels. Examine the speakers and the openings in the metal body to determine the appropriate sized speakers for your vehicle and the designated opening. Purchase the appropriate size of speakers for the openings.

Step 2 - Remove Old Speakers

There may be screws securing the old speakers to the body of the vehicle. Unscrew existing mounting screws and set them aside, you will need them later. Most speakers are plug and play, meaning that they are connected to the vehicle's existing wiring with small harnesses that you can unplug. These can simply be pulled apart for the final removal of the old speakers. Make sure that you put the force on the actual plastic coupling, and not the wires themselves. Pull the connector apart.

Step 3 - Connect New Speakers

Connect the coupling between the new speakers and the existing wiring on the vehicle. Tuck the wiring back into the cavity where the speakers are recessed. Mount the speakers with the screws that were removed from the old speakers. Once all the new speakers are connected, reconnect the battery cable and turn the car on to the "acc" setting to test the function of the new speakers. Adjust the balance and fade on the stereo to ensure that the new speakers are operating properly. If one speaker is not operating properly, recheck the connections between the existing wiring and the speaker.

Step 4 - Reinstall Panels

Once assured of the operation of the new speakers, reinstall the door or trim panels in the reverse order that they were removed. You can use the butt end of the screwdriver to tap any rivets back into place. Put a towel over the rivet so that they are not damaged in the process. Reinsert and tighten any screws that were removed in the removal of the panel.