Installing aftermarket speakers in a 2011 Honda Accord Coupe can significantly improve your car’s audio quality. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, from choosing the right speakers to fine-tuning the sound after installation.
Choosing the Right Speakers
To choose the right speakers for your 2011 Honda Accord Coupe, consider the size, power handling, and sound quality. The factory speaker sizes are 6.5 inches for the front and rear doors.
When selecting new speakers, look for:
- 6.5-inch speakers to fit the existing openings
- Power handling that matches or exceeds your head unit’s output
- Frequency response range that covers lows, mids, and highs
- Sensitivity rating of 88 dB or higher for better efficiency
- Durability features like rubber surrounds and polypropylene cones
Some recommended speaker brands for the Accord include Kenwood, JBL, Infinity, and Rockford Fosgate. Be sure to check speaker dimensions, as some 6.5-inch speakers may have a slightly larger overall diameter that could require modifications to fit.
Tools and Materials Needed
To install aftermarket speakers in your 2011 Honda Accord Coupe, gather the following tools and materials:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Panel removal tool
- Wire strippers/crimpers
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties
- Speaker wire (if not included with new speakers)
- Speaker adapters (if needed)
- New speakers
- Screws (if not included with speakers)
Having all these items ready before you start will make the installation process smoother and more efficient.
Removing Door Panels
To remove the door panels on your 2011 Honda Accord Coupe:
- Start by disconnecting the negative terminal of the car battery for safety.
- Remove the door handle trim using a flathead screwdriver. Gently pry it off to expose the screw underneath.
- Unscrew the exposed Phillips head screw behind the door handle.
- Remove the power window/lock control panel by prying it up from the rear edge. Disconnect the wiring harness.
- Locate and remove the screws at the bottom of the door panel. There are usually 2-3 screws.
- Use a panel removal tool to carefully pry around the edges of the door panel, starting from the bottom. Work your way up the sides and across the top.
- Once all clips are loose, lift the panel up and off the door frame. Be careful of any remaining wires connected to the panel.
- Disconnect the door latch cable and any other wiring harnesses still attached to the panel.
Take care not to damage the clips or the panel itself during removal. Place the panel in a safe location to avoid scratches or dents.
Removing Factory Speakers
After removing the door panels, you can access the factory speakers. Here’s how to remove them:
- Locate the factory speakers in the door. They are typically held in place by 3-4 Phillips head screws.
- Remove the screws securing the speaker to the door panel.
- Carefully pull the speaker away from the door, but don’t force it if there’s resistance.
- Disconnect the wiring harness from the back of the speaker. You may need to squeeze tabs or press a release button to disconnect it.
- Remove the speaker from the door cavity.
- Repeat this process for all speakers you plan to replace (front doors, rear doors, and possibly rear deck).
Keep the factory mounting screws if they’re in good condition, as you may need them for the new speakers. If the factory speakers have a mounting bracket, you might need to transfer it to the new speakers or use adapter brackets.
Preparing New Speakers
Before installing your new aftermarket speakers, you need to prepare them:
- If your new speakers came with mounting brackets, attach them now following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you’re using universal speaker adapters, attach them to the new speakers. These adapters help the aftermarket speakers fit into the factory mounting locations.
- Connect the speaker wires to the new speakers. Most aftermarket speakers use spade connectors or screw terminals. Make sure to match the positive (+) and negative (-) connections correctly.
- If your new speakers didn’t come with screws, find screws that fit both the speaker mounting holes and the door panel mounting points. The screws should be long enough to secure the speaker but not so long that they damage the door.
- If your speakers came with separate tweeters for a component system, decide where you’ll mount them. The Accord’s sail panels or A-pillars are common locations.
Taking the time to properly prepare your new speakers will make the installation process much smoother and help ensure optimal performance.
Installing New Speakers
Now that you’ve prepared your new speakers, it’s time to install them in your 2011 Honda Accord Coupe:
- Hold the new speaker up to the mounting location to ensure it fits properly. If using an adapter bracket, make sure it aligns with the factory mounting holes.
- Connect the vehicle’s speaker wiring to the new speaker. If the connectors don’t match, you may need to splice the wires or use a vehicle-specific wiring harness adapter.
- Carefully place the speaker into the mounting location, making sure not to pinch or damage any wires.
- Secure the speaker using the mounting screws. Start with hand-tightening to ensure proper alignment before fully tightening with a screwdriver.
- Test the speaker before reinstalling the door panel. Temporarily reconnect the car battery and turn on the stereo to ensure the speaker is working and there’s no distortion.
- If installing component speakers with separate tweeters, mount the tweeters in your chosen location. This may require drilling holes, so be careful and precise.
- Repeat this process for all speakers you’re replacing.
Remember to route any extra wire neatly and secure it with zip ties to prevent rattles or interference with door mechanisms.
Reconnecting Door Panels
After installing your new speakers, it’s time to put the door panels back on:
- Reconnect any wiring harnesses you disconnected from the door panel, including the door latch cable.
- Align the door panel with the door frame. Start by hooking the top edge of the panel over the top of the door frame.
- Press the panel into place, working from top to bottom. You should hear the retaining clips snap into place.
- Reinstall the screws at the bottom of the door panel.
- Reconnect and reinstall the power window/lock control panel.
- Replace the screw behind the door handle and snap the trim piece back into place.
- Test all door functions, including the window, locks, and handle, to ensure everything works correctly.
- Repeat this process for all doors where you installed new speakers.
Take your time during this process to ensure all clips are properly secured and no wires are pinched. A properly reinstalled door panel will prevent rattles and ensure all door functions work smoothly.
Tuning and Testing
After installing your new speakers and reassembling the doors, it’s time to fine-tune and test your new audio system:
- Reconnect the car battery if you haven’t already done so.
- Turn on the car and the audio system. Start with the volume low and gradually increase it, listening for any unusual sounds or distortion.
- Play a variety of music genres to test different frequency ranges. Pay attention to the clarity of highs, fullness of mids, and depth of bass.
- Adjust the balance and fader controls to ensure all speakers are working and properly balanced.
- If your head unit has an equalizer, adjust it to fine-tune the sound to your preference. Start with a flat EQ and make small adjustments as needed.
- Listen for any rattles or vibrations, especially at higher volumes. If you hear any, you may need to check the speaker mounting or add sound deadening material.
- Test all audio sources (radio, CD, aux input, etc.) to ensure they all work correctly with the new speakers.
- Take the car for a drive to see how the new speakers sound at different speeds and road conditions.
Remember, new speakers often require a “break-in” period of about 20-30 hours of play time before they reach their optimal sound quality.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might encounter some issues with your new speakers. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- No sound from one or more speakers:
- Check the wiring connections at both the speaker and the head unit
- Ensure the balance and fader settings aren’t excluding that speaker
- Test the speaker with a multimeter to ensure it’s not defective
- Distorted sound:
- Reduce the volume and bass settings
- Check for loose mounting screws or rattling parts
- Ensure the speaker isn’t damaged or defective
- Weak bass response:
- Check the polarity of the speaker connections
- Ensure the speakers are properly sealed against the door panel
- Adjust the equalizer settings on your head unit
- Rattling noises:
- Check for loose mounting screws or brackets
- Add sound deadening material to the door panel
- Ensure all wires are secured and not vibrating against metal parts
- Door functions not working properly:
- Check for pinched wires behind the door panel
- Ensure the door latch cable is properly connected
- Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated
If you encounter persistent issues that you can’t resolve, consider consulting a professional car audio installer for assistance.
Maintaining Your New Speakers
To keep your new speakers sounding great and functioning properly in your 2011 Honda Accord Coupe:
- Avoid playing music at extremely high volumes for extended periods, as this can damage the speakers.
- Clean the speaker grilles periodically with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and debris.
- If you live in a humid climate, consider using moisture-absorbing packets in your doors to prevent water damage to the speakers.
- Periodically check the mounting screws to ensure they haven’t loosened due to vibration.
- If you notice any change in sound quality, investigate promptly to prevent further damage.
- Consider applying a coat of sealant or protectant to the speaker cones if they’re exposed to direct sunlight through the windows.
- If you plan to wash your car’s interior, be careful not to spray water directly into the speaker grilles.
By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your new speakers and enjoy improved audio quality in your Accord for years to come.
Conclusion
Installing aftermarket speakers in your 2011 Honda Accord Coupe can dramatically improve your driving experience by enhancing your car’s audio system. While the process requires some time and effort, it’s a manageable DIY project for most car enthusiasts.
Remember to choose speakers that fit your car and match your audio preferences. Take your time during the installation process, paying close attention to proper mounting and wiring. After installation, spend some time tuning your system and addressing any issues that arise.
With your new speakers properly installed and maintained, you can enjoy superior sound quality on every drive in your Honda Accord Coupe. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, your favorite music will sound better than ever.