How to Put Speakers in a Pontiac Sunfire
By Nichole Liandi
The Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with two pairs of factory-installed speakers. The first pair -- 4-by-6-inch oval speakers -- are mounted in the front doors. The second pair --6-by-9-inch oval speakers -- are mounted in the rear deck. Both pairs can be replaced, using hand tools and with a moderate investment of time. Replacing the existing speakers is a good idea if you have a malfunctioning speaker or want to improve upon the sound quality of the original equipment speakers.
Front Door Speakers
Remove a Phillips screw from the "sail panel" at the upper front edge of the driver's side door, and then pull off the sail panel.
Remove four Phillips screws from the perimeter of the door panel, using a Phillips screwdriver. Three are located along the bottom, one on the back edge.
Remove two 9/32-inch screws from below the door panel, using a 9/32-inch screwdriver.
Pry around the bottom and side edges of the door panel with a panel tool. Lift the panel off of the door and disconnect the wiring harness connected to the back side of the door.
Remove four Torx T10 screws from the edge of the speaker with a Torx T10 driver. Pull the speaker out of the door and unplug the wiring harness connected to the back. Plug the wiring harness into your new speaker and test operation. Place the new speaker into the door and secure with the Torx T10 screws. Replace the door panel and trim.
Repeat the previous steps to replace the speaker on the passenger's side door.
Rear Deck Speakers
Fold down the rear seat back. Pry the "C" pillar trim on both sides with a panel tool. The "C" pillar trim is the trim panel that extends up from the rear deck along the sides of the interior. Pry out the wheel well trim on both sides with a panel tool.
Pry out four press-in clips on the front edge of the rear deck with your panel tool. Pull the rear deck panel toward the front of the car to expose the speakers.
Remove four 9/32-inch screws from the edge of the each speaker with a 9/32-inch screwdriver. Pull the speakers out of the deck and unplug the wiring harness connected to the back of each. Plug the wiring harness into each new speaker and test operation. Place the new speakers into the deck and secure with the 9/32-inch screws. Replace the rear deck panel and trim.
References
- "Car Stereo Cookbook"; Mark Rumreich; 2005
- " General Motors Chevrolet Cavalier & Pontiac Sunfire: 1995 thru 2004 (Haynes Repair Manual)"; John Haynes; 2005
Tips
- You can purchase a panel tool at most auto parts stores.
Writer Bio
Based in Virginia, Nichole Liandi has been a freelance writer since 2005. Her articles have appeared on various print and online publications. Liandi has traveled extensively in Europe and East Asia and incorporates her experiences into her articles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from West Virginia University.