How Do You Replace Honda Accord Speakers?

If your Honda Accord’s sound system has started to sound flat or a speaker is buzzing, you might be wondering how to fix it. Learning how do you replace Honda Accord speakers is a fantastic DIY project that can dramatically improve your driving experience. This guide will walk you through every step, making the process clear and manageable, even if you’ve never picked up a trim tool before.

Upgrading your car speakers is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your audio. The factory speakers in most cars, including the Accord, are often made with basic materials. Replacing them with higher-quality aftermarket speakers can bring out details in your music you never knew were there. The best part? You can do it yourself in an afternoon with some common tools and a bit of patience.

This section provides the complete overview of the replacement process. We’ll break down the tools you need, how to safely remove your door panels, disconnect the old speakers, and install the new ones. Following these steps in order is the key to a successful and frustration-free installation.

Gathering Your Tools and New Speakers

Before you start taking anything apart, it’s crucial to have everything you need. There’s nothing worse than having your door panel off and realizing you’re missing a critical tool. Here’s your checklist:

New Speakers: Ensure they are the correct size for your Accord’s specific year and trim. Common sizes are 6×9″ in the front doors and 6.5″ in the rear, but always double-check.
Basic Tool Kit: Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), socket set, and panel trim removal tools. These plastic tools are essential for prying off clips without damaging your interior.
Wire Connectors: Many aftermarket speakers don’t use the same plug as Honda. You’ll likely need wire crimp connectors, solder, or a speaker wiring harness adapter specific to your car model.
Drill and Bits (Optional): You may need to drill new mounting holes if the speaker bracket doesn’t line up.
Dynamat or Sound Deadening Material (Optional but Recommended): This material reduces door panel vibrations and makes your new speakers sound even better.

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Safety first! Always disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery before starting any electrical work. This prevents short circuits, protects your car’s electronics, and ensures you don’t accidentally trigger the airbag system while working around the doors. Wait at least 10 minutes for any residual power to drain.

Step 2: Remove the Door Panel

This is often the most intimidating step, but it’s straightforward if you proceed carefully. The process is similar for most Honda Accord generations.

Remove Visible Screws: Look for screws behind the door handle cup, inside the armrest, and sometimes under a small cover near the door pull. Use your trim tool to pop off any covers.
Release the Clips: Starting at a bottom corner, gently insert your trim tool between the door panel and the metal door frame. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing the plastic clips that hold the panel on. Don’t yank it; use a steady, prying motion.
Lift the Panel Up: Once all clips are free, lift the entire door panel straight upward to disengage it from the window channel. It will now be hanging by the wires.
Disconnect Wiring: Find the connectors for the power window switch, door lock, and any other controls. Press the tab on each connector and pull them apart. Now you can set the door panel aside in a safe place.

Dealing with the Moisture Barrier

Behind the panel, you’ll see a large plastic sheet or foam barrier sealed with black goop or tape. Carefully peel this back to access the speaker. Try to keep it as intact as possible so you can re-seal it later. A bit of new butyl rope sealant can help if the old stuff loses its stickiness.

Step 3: Remove the Old Factory Speaker

Now you can see the speaker mounted in the door. It will be held in by either screws or rivets.

If it’s screwed in: Simply remove the screws and lift the speaker out.
If it’s riveted in (common in newer models): You’ll need to drill out the rivets. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the hole in the center of the rivet. Drill straight into the center until the rivet head pops off. You can then push the remaining piece out with a punch or small screwdriver.

Once the speaker is loose, disconnect the wiring plug. If it’s a simple clip, press the tab and pull. If the wires are soldered, you’ll need to carefully desolder them.

Step 4: Prepare for the New Speaker Installation

Don’t just slap the new speaker in the old hole. Preparation ensures a clean, secure, and good-sounding install.

Test Fit the Speaker: Hold the new speaker or its mounting bracket up to the door. See if the existing screw holes line up. Often, they won’t.
Use or Make an Adapter: You can buy pre-made plastic or wooden adapter rings for your specific Accord. If not, you can trace the old speaker’s outline and the new speaker’s mounting pattern onto a piece of MDF or high-quality plywood to make your own.
Connect the Wires: Attach your new wire connectors or harness adapter to the speaker terminals. Remember to observe polarity: the Honda wire with a stripe is usually positive (+). Match this to the positive terminal on your new speaker.

Step 5: Mount the New Speaker and Reassemble

You’re on the home stretch! Now it’s time to put everything back together.

Secure the Speaker: If using an adapter, screw or bolt it to the door first. Then, mount the speaker to the adapter. Use proper screws that are the right length—too long and they could hit the window mechanism.
Re-seal the Moisture Barrier: Carefully press the plastic barrier back into place. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep water out of your door cavity.
Reconnect the Door Panel Wires: Plug all the electrical connectors for the switches back into the door panel harness.
Hang and Secure the Panel: Align the door panel with the window channel and slide it down into place. Then, starting at the top, press firmly around the edges to snap all the plastic clips back into their holes.
Replace All Screws: Don’t forget to put back every screw you removed in the first step.

Step 6: Reconnect the Battery and Test

Go back to the battery and reconnect the negative terminal. Turn on your car and test the new speakers immediately. Play a variety of music at different volumes to check for clear sound, proper balance, and to ensure no wires are rattling. Also, test all the door functions: power windows, locks, and mirrors.

Common Issues and Pro Tips

Even with a good guide, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here’s how to handle them:

Speaker Doesn’t Fit Depth: Some speakers are too deep and hit the window when it rolls down. Always check the mounting depth specification before buying. A spacer ring can sometimes solve minor depth issues.
Sound is Tinny or Weak: This often means the speaker polarity is reversed on one side. Double-check that all positive wires are connected to positive terminals.
Door Panel Rattles: This is common after an install. It usually means a clip isn’t fully seated or a screw is missing. Also, adding sound deadening material to the inner door skin can virtually eliminate rattles.
No Sound From One Speaker: First, check the wiring connection at the speaker. If that’s good, use a multimeter to check for continuity in the wire running from the head unit to the door.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What size speakers are in a Honda Accord?

Speaker sizes vary by year. For many 8th, 9th, and 10th generation models (2008-present), the front doors typically use 6×9 inch speakers and the rear deck or doors use 6.5 inch speakers. However, you must verify for your specific model year using a fit guide.

Can I replace Honda Accord speakers without removing the door panel?

In most cases, no. The speaker is mounted behind the metal frame of the door, and the panel must be removed to access it. Trying to bypass this step will likely cause damage.

Do I need an amplifier for new speakers?

While not strictly necessary, aftermarket speakers will perform significantly better with more power. Your factory head unit provides minimal wattage. Adding even a small, dedicated amplifier will allow your new speakers to reach their full potential with cleaner and louder sound.

How much does it cost to replace Honda Accord speakers?

If you do it yourself, cost is primarily the speakers. You can find decent pairs starting around $50, with high-end models reaching several hundred. Professional installation typically adds $100-$200 in labor per pair of doors.

Will replacing my speakers void my Honda warranty?

Generally, no. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that a dealer must prove your aftermarket part caused a failure to deny a warranty claim. However, if you cut factory wires and cause an electrical short, that related damage might not be covered. Using plug-and-play harnesses is the best practice.

Are component speakers better than coaxial for my Accord?

Component speakers (separate woofer and tweeter) usually offer better sound staging and clarity because you can mount the tweeter higher on the door or sail panel. Coaxial speakers (all-in-one) are easier to install as they drop directly into the factory location. For a simple upgrade, high-quality coaxials are a great choice.

Replacing your Honda Accord’s speakers is a rewarding project that gives you better sound and the satisfaction of a job well done. By taking your time, using the right tools, and following these steps, you can achive professional-sounding results. Remember, the key is patience during the door panel removal and careful attention to your wiring connections. Once you hear the crisp, clear audio from your new speakers, you’ll know the effort was worth it.