Replacing your Honda Accord speakers can seem daunting, but it can be accomplished in the afternoon with some mechanical know-how and the right tools. As an ASE-certified master technician with over 15 years of experience, I have helped countless Honda owners upgrade their sound systems. In this comprehensive DIY guide, I will walk you through removing and replacing your Accord’s factory speakers with aftermarket components.
How To Replace Honda Accord Speakers?
The first-generation Honda Accord was introduced in 1976, and over the decades, it has become one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide. While the Accord offers great reliability and practicality, the factory stereo system leaves much to be desired.
The low-end OEM speakers lack dynamic range and distortion at high volumes. Replacing them with aftermarket speakers allows you to experience much clearer highs, deeper lows, and louder overall volume.
When embarking on an Accord speaker upgrade, there are a few key steps:
- Determine the locations of the factory speakers
- Select appropriate replacement speaker components
- Disassemble interior panels to access speakers
- Disconnect and remove factory speakers
- Install new aftermarket speakers
- Connect wiring and test operation
- Reassemble interior panels
Proper preparation and having the right tools will make the upgrade process straightforward. I’ll go through these steps in detail in the rest of this guide.
What You’ll Need To Upgrade Honda Accord Speakers
Replacing factory speakers requires some common hand tools and new speaker components. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools
- Socket wrench set
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Trim removal tools
- Electrical tape
Replacement Speakers
- 2 – 6.5″ component speakers for front doors
- 2 – 6×9″ coaxial speakers for rear deck
- Speaker mounting adapters, if needed
Optional Upgrades
- Amplifier for more power
- Sound deadening materials
- Subwoofer and enclosure
Quality aftermarket component speakers from brands like Infinity, JBL, Alpine, and Rockford Fosgate will provide noticeable improvements over stock Accord speakers. A small amplifier can help maximize volume and sound quality as well. Now, let’s examine how to access and remove the factory speakers.
Locating The Speakers In A Honda Accord
Honda Accords have speaker locations typical of most modern vehicles. Speaker grilles are visible in each door, the rear parcel shelf, and sometimes under the dash. Here are the standard speaker locations:
- Front doors – 6.5″ woofers mounted in the lower part of each door.
- Rear doors – Smaller 3-4” full-range speakers in the upper part of the rear doors.
- Rear deck – 6×9″ speakers fire upward located under the rear shelf.
- Centre dash – Small center channel speaker pointing up at the windshield.
Plan to replace the front and rear speakers for a full speaker upgrade. Consider adding a small powered subwoofer to improve bass response. Let’s remove the factory speakers from an Accord’s doors and rear deck.
Removing The Front Door Speakers
The front door speakers are the most important for sound quality and volume. Here are the steps to remove them:
Step 1 – Remove Door Panel
- Pry off any screw covers on the door handle and grab handle areas.
- Remove the exposed Phillips head screws.
- Carefully pry up the perimeter of the door panel with trim tools.
- Lift the door panel up and off its alignment studs.
- Unplug any power window and lock switch connectors.
- Set the panel aside safely.
Step 2 – Remove Speaker Grille
- Peel back the fabric speaker grille to expose the mounting screws.
- Remove the 4 screws securing the speaker grille.
- Detach the grille and set it aside.
Step 3 – Disconnect Speaker Wires
- Pull back the insulation and foil on the speaker wires.
- Note positive (+) and negative (-) wires.
- Unplug or cut the speaker wires.
Step 4 – Remove Speakers
- Remove the 4 screws securing each speaker frame.
- Carefully pry the speaker free from the door and remove it.
Follow these steps to remove the other front door speaker as well. Now, let’s look at accessing the rear speakers.
Accessing Rear Door And Deck Accord Speakers
The sound from the rear speakers helps create a surround audio effect in your Accord. Here’s how to get to them:
Rear Door Speakers
- Pry off the rear door panel with trim tools.
- Peel back the fabric grille and remove the screws.
- Disconnect and remove the rear door speaker.
Rear Deck Speakers
- Open the trunk and fold down the rear seat.
- Remove plastic trim pieces to expose speaker mounting.
- Remove the 6×9″ speaker grille screws and detach grille.
- Disconnect and remove rear 6×9″ speakers.
With all the factory speakers removed, you can now prepare the new speaker components for installation.
Preparing New Speaker Components
Once you have your new aftermarket speakers, there are a few steps to take before installing them:
- Inspect speakers and mounting adapters if needed.
- Strip 1/4″ of insulation from speaker wires.
- Attach crimp connectors or solder speaker wire ends.
- Pre-run any power wires for an amplifier.
- Test fit each speaker to check clearance.
Proper crimp connectors or soldering will ensure reliable electrical connections to your new speakers. Check that any required mounting adapters line up properly before screwing them down.
Installing Your Upgraded Honda Accord Speakers
Now comes the fun part – installing the new speakers for better sound! Follow these tips:
- Insert speakers and secure them with factory screws or adapters.
- Match positive and negative wires to each speaker.
- Use electrical tape to insulate wire connections.
- Test speaker operation before reassembly.
- Reinstall all interior trim panels.
Taking your time to get good speaker wire connections is important. Make sure door panels are properly aligned before tightening down all screws.
Connecting Amplifier And Subwoofer (Optional)
Consider adding an amplifier and powered sub for maximum volume and sound quality.
- Mount the amp in the trunk and run power/ground wires.
- Connect RCA cables from the amp to the head unit.
- Connect front/rear speakers to amp speaker wires.
- Mount the subwoofer box and connect it to the amp.
Proper amp installation takes some expertise, so an experienced installer is recommended if you’re unsure. Take time tuning amp settings and speaker placement for best performance.
Tips For Replacing Honda Accord Speakers
Here are some additional pointers to help your speaker upgrade go smoothly:
- Use plastic trim tools to avoid damaging interior panels
- Label wires with tape to avoid polarity issues
- Apply sound deadener to doors for cleaner bass
- Point tweeters on component speakers inward for the best staging
- Break in new speakers at moderate volume before cranking up
Take your time and follow proper precautions when working in tight spaces around airbags installed indoors. While it takes some work, upgrading your Accord’s sound system is well worth it.
Also Read: What Kind Of Brake Fluid For Honda Accord?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Speakers Are In Honda Accord Doors?
Most Accords use 6.5-inch woofers in the front doors. Double-check yours before ordering replacements.
Is It Hard To Remove Door Panels On An Accord?
Hondas are generally very easy to work on. Using plastic pry tools, you can pop them off without damage.
Will New Speakers Drain My Battery?
No, aftermarket speakers will not drain your battery. However, adding an amplifier will require proper wiring with an inline fuse.
What Gauge Wire Should Be Used?
12-16 gauge speaker wire is recommended for most aftermarket car audio applications.
Are Solder Or Crimp Connections Better?
For reliability, soldering wires is best. But crimp connections work if properly attached.
Conclusion
Replacing the worn-out factory speakers in your Honda Accord is one of the best ways to improve your driving experience. With this guide, you should fully understand the speaker replacement process from start to finish.
Just take your time and use proper precautions. Soon, you’ll enjoy much clearer highs, fuller midrange, and deeper bass from your upgraded sound system. As always, consult a professional installer if you have any doubts before taking on major audio upgrades yourself. But with some mechanical ability, replacing your speakers can be done!