Technological advancement in stereo systems and speakers has not only improved sound quality but has made connectivity easier. Nowadays, the cable requirements for wiring a car speaker have been lessened, with some portable speakers requiring no type of connection at all. So, are car speakers plug and play? Keep reading to find out.
There are plug-and-play car speakers that require no soldering, crimping, cutting, or complex installation. Simply install your speaker with the corresponding plug and play wire harness included in the box. Plug and play car speakers are equipped with a Bluetooth receiver, cage mount speaker pods, and a direct fit dash kit.
Motorists are opting for plug-and-play car speakers because of the simple installation and advanced sound system. Plug and play speakers can be installed in most new vehicles and are compatible with old cars. How do you choose the best plug-and-play car speaker and what’s the installation process?
Table of Contents
HOW TO INSTALL PLUG AND PLAY CAR SPEAKERS
Installing a plug-and-play coaxial car speaker is easy and doesn’t consume much time. It also doesn’t need any form of technical know-how. Advanced plug-and-play car speakers can be installed anywhere, even in the store garage, by anyone.
Proper installation ensures high-quality sound output and durability. Asides from following the instructions below, read the manufacturer’s manual before you commence installation to avoid wrong connections.
TOOLS NEEDED TO INSTALL PLUG AND PLAY CAR SPEAKERS
- Plug-and-play coaxial Speakers
- Plug-and-play Harness
- Panel Removal Tools
- Screwdrivers
- Socket and Ratchet Set
- Speaker Adapters
Disconnecting Negative Battery Terminal
- Before starting any electrical work on your car, it is important to unplug the battery terminals to avoid electrical shocks and shorts. The negative terminal must be removed first and not the positive to prevent electrical problems.
- Loosen the connector to remove the negative terminal, followed by the positive terminal. Secure both terminals with a rubber tie to prevent them from coming in contact with a metal surface. Locating the car battery is easy.
- Simply open the hood to reveal the car engine to see engine. Modern cars have a covering labeled “engine” protecting the car engine from water and other elements.
- If you’re having a hard time locating the engine, kindly consult your manufacturer’s handbook.
- The positive terminal is labeled with the (+) sign, while the negative has the (-) sign. As a general rule of thumb, positive terminals are red and negative terminals are black. When putting the battery terminals back, start with the positive.
Removing the Car Door Panel.
- Using your panel removal tool, detach your door panel to reveal the speaker holes. Removing the door panel is quite simple if you use the right tools. To remove the door panel, hold on to the door latch to reveal the fastening screw holding it together. Make sure the screwdriver is the same size as the screw.
We recommend having multiple screwdrivers before you commence the installation. Secure the screw in a safe place after unscrewing it. Losing the screw means having to replace it with aftermath screws, which may fall off quite easily. So, find a small bag to store the small components from your door panel.
- Next, you need to remove the control panel installed on the door handle with a flathead screwdriver. Gently wedge the screwdriver on the edge to avoid damaging the connecting clips. The same also applies when removing the control panel. Don’t force it out as it’ll come off by itself when loose. When detached, remove the connecting plugs.
- Next, remove the panel cover at the edge of the door, and armrest cover to reveal the screws inside. Also, remove the screws holding the speaker cone before carefully removing cones.
- Remove any remaining screws from the door panel and lift them off the car door.
Removing Old Speakers
Car speakers are held in by bolts or screws. Some require the complete removal of the speaker box while others simply come off after unbolting or unscrewing. A ratchet and socket are all you need to remove the bolt while your screwdriver does the job of removing screws. Again, always keep all sizes of screwdrivers in your garage. And don’t lose track of the screws. Keep them in a safe and secure place.
Installing New Plug And Play Speakers
- Finally, hold the plug and play the speaker with a female disconnect. Make sure the connection is tightly secure to prevent screws from falling. That’s all you need. Cover your plug-and-play speaker with a speaker baffle to eliminate vibrations and for protecting it against dust and water. Also, make sure polarity is correct. Connect the positive cable to the corresponding connection port. Do the same thing with the negative connections. While reverse polarity has little to no negative effects on sound quality, correct polarity ensures durability and optimal performance.
- Once you’re sure of your connections, power on your stereo and test the speakers. Do this before replacing the door panel.
WHY YOU SHOULD INSTALL PLUG AND PLAY SPEAKERS
Faster Installation
While the process may seem long on paper, executing a plug-and-play installation is quick and seamless. Motorists don’t need high technical knowledge of car stereo and car mechanics to remove the door panel, unscrew components, and install the speaker.
By simply following the manufacturer’s instructions, amateur drivers can install plug-and-play speakers. Precautions to take include removing the negative terminal of the battery first and securing all your screws. Also, remove the door components with care and don’t yank anything off to prevent any further damage.
No Cable entanglements
More complex installations require long speaker wires that are easily entangled and destroyed. But by simply using a plug-and-play harness, motorists can connect speakers to their vehicles. However, you may still need speaker cables for some plug-and-play speakers.
To ensure optimal performance and durability, buy the exact wire length. This also helps to prevent rattling and distortions. The wire should be flexible to be able to stay in the tight corners of your car. Pass speaker wire through the door floor to conceal and keep it safe.
Cost-Efficient
Advanced plug-and-play speakers have a higher first-time cost. However, they seem to pay off in the long run. Motorists get to save money by avoiding constant repairs and maintenance with other speaker types. The speakers also surpass their price in value. You can also transfer plug-and-play speakers from one car to another. No cables, just remove the clips and transfer them to your new vehicle.
COST OF INSTALLING PLUG AND PLAY SPEAKERS
The cost of installing a plug-and-play speaker depends on the brand, size, functions, and type of stereo system you have installed. Purchase a plug-and-play harness for as low as $39 and the speaker for $165. The price also varies on location and seller.
To enjoy the full benefits of a new plug-and-play speaker, we recommend installing a new amplifier, equalizer, and stereo. This ensures that high signals are being sent to the speaker, so you can relish quality music as you drive. After including these new sound devices, the total cost may reach between $400 to $500. Shop here for the cheapest prices.
WHY UPGRADING YOUR CAR SPEAKERS IS A WISE INVESTMENT
Technological advancement solves the unseen problems with older devices. For speakers, it simply improves sound quality and accelerates the installation process. Newer audio systems are more efficient at sending and receiving signals, therefore, reducing the risk of sound distinction and rattling.
Upgraded speakers also take care of in-car ambiance by complementing the shortcomings of car interiors. This guarantees clear audio output from your car speakers. Subwoofers are also necessary for producing clear low frequency. Loudspeakers are designed to produce high frequencies, so by having both, sound texture is improved and enunciated.
Newer speakers are also less susceptible to damage. Use speaker baffles for added protection against dust, and water. Find the best plug and play speaker and speaker baffles here.
