Introduction: How to Install Front Door Speakers in a 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
This past summer, the factory front door speakers in my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee began not to sound right. I ended up replacing them with aftermarket speakers, and I wanted to share the installation process, just in case you have a 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and need to replace its front door speakers.
So, if you're ready, let's begin!
Step 1: What You'll Need.
Here's a list of what you'll need to purchase when you purchase your new speakers:
-(1) Pair of Aftermarket 6X9" Speakers (Due to how close the factory speaker sits to the plastic grille that's integrated into the door panel, not just any 6X9" aftermarket speaker will fit right into the door. You'll want to use a website that allows you to check compatiblity of aftermarket speakers with your Jeep, such as Sonic Electronix, or Crutchfield. Also, if you have the Infinity Gold "premium" sound system (my Jeep doesn't), which can be identified by either an 'Infinity Gold' emblem on each front door speaker grille, and/or a black amplifier under the rear bench seat, the factory amplifier only sends bass frequencies to the woofer speakers in the front doors, and the dashboard-mounted tweeters take care of the high notes. If you have the NON-Infinity Gold sound system, like my Jeep, there won't be an 'Infinity Gold' emblem on each front door speaker grille, and there won't be a black amplifier under the rear bench seat. In this case, you just have to worry about whether an aftermarket speaker will fit into your Jeep).
-(1) Pair of Speaker Wiring Harness Adapters (These harnesses plug right into the factory speaker wiring harnesses, so you don't have to cut into your Jeep's speaker wiring when installing your new speakers, and also has a pair of "pigtail" connectors on the other end of each harness adapter that connect to the speaker terminals of your new speakers.)
Here is what you'll have lying around the house:
-(1) Torx Screwdriver Set (I had the multi-set lying around that has several different-sized bits in one set, and I just kept flipping each bit out until I found one that fit the Torx screw in my Jeep's door panel).
-(1) Philips-Head Screwdriver.
-(1) Flathead Screwdriver.
Finally, here's what will be included in the box of your new speakers:
-(2) Aftermarket Speakers.
-(2) Speaker Wiring Harnesses (You'll be using the harnesses you purchased, so you can just hang onto these for future use).
-(1) Pack of Screws and Hardware (You'll be using the factory speaker screws to install your new speakers, so just hang onto the unopened bag for later).
-(2) Aftermarket Speaker Grilles (Most vehicles don't use the aftermarket speaker grilles, so just hold onto them for later use).
Now that we've reviewed what we need, let's get started!
Step 2: Removing the Front Door Panel.
To access your factory speakers, you'll first need to remove your front door panels. It's a simple process.
First, you'll use the flathead screwdriver to push out the little plastic screw cover that's in the top corner of each panel, nearest the dashboard. There's a Philips-head screw that you'll need to remove behind that cover.
Next, use the Philips-head screwdriver to remove a screw that's in each armrest.
Now, use the Torx screwdriver set to remove a single screw behind the interior door handle. This can be tricky: you need to hold onto the handle while you remove the screw behind it, but you'll get it eventually, just have patience.
Now, working your way around the door panel, use a flathead screwdriver to CAREFULLY release each yellow retaining clip holding the door panel to the door frame. Once all clips have been released, CAREFULLY pull up o the door panel to remove it from the door frame.
Now comes the trickiest part: you'll need to release the clips that hold the metal door opener rod, and the metal door lock rod. The clip swings out, and then you can push it up the rod, but do NOT remove it, and remove the rods from the door. I kept the rods in the door panel during my installation, and ended up breaking the door handle and door lock assembly, so it was a trip to the local Pick 'N' Pull to grab the replacement part. You DON'T want to have to do this, so be CAREFUL when doing this.
Finally, disconnect the power door lock and power window wiring harnesses from the door panel. You can now set the door panel aside.
It's time to remove the factory speakers.
Step 3: Removing the Factory Speakers.
Now, let's remove the factory speakers.
The factory front door speakers are held onto the door frame with four (4) Philips-head screws, which you'll also be using to install your new speakers. You'll need to remove them, and then you'll be able to pull the factory speaker out of the door frame.
You'll then disconnect the factory speaker wiring harness from the back of each speaker.
Now it is time to install your new speakers.
Step 4: Installing Your New Speakers.
Installing your new speakers is a pretty straightforward process. I chose a pair of Alpine SPE-6090 6X9" speakers for the front doors of my Jeep. They cost me $90 at Best Buy.
You'll start by connecting the pigtail connectors on each wiring harness you purchased onto the Positive (+) and Negative (-) terminals on each speaker. Make sure they are in as far as they can go without forcing them, to make sure they stay connected to the speaker terminals.
Now, take the large end of the wiring harnesses, and plug them directly into each factory speaker wiring harness until they securely "click" into place.
Before you finish up the installation, it's time to test the speakers and make sure they work correctly. Turn on your Jeep's ignition, and turn on your radio. If everything sounds good, it's time to put everything back together.
Roll down and put back up the power window to make sure they won't impede on the speaker wiring.
Secure the new speaker to the door frame with the (4) each old Philips-head screws you removed earlier.
Step 5: Putting Everything Back Together.
Finally, it's time to put everything back together.
Follow the front door panel disassembly steps in reverse order to put your Jeep's front door panels back onto the front door frames. Be sure to line up those screw holes!
With the retaining clips, you'll want to line them up with the holes in the door frame, and press gently to "pop" them back into place.
You're done! Now you can enjoy your tunes anew!