How to Install 3 ½” Front Speakers in the Magnum *

[DMAG]

How to Install 3 ½” Front Speakers in the Magnum

Recommended 3 ½” Speakers include but are not limited to:
Boston Acoustic FX3 ( My choice)
Infinity Reference / Kappa
Advent 3.5”
Others 3 1/2" Premium Brand Speakers

Time: 1 Hour

Tools Needed
Towels – to lay on the padded dash and keep tools on
Stubby Phillips screwdriver
Flat bladed screwdriver
Wire Cutters
Wire Stripper & Crimper with small gauge (6-8/8-10) crimp connectors
Or
Portable soldering iron with shrink tubing

Disassembly Instructions (Please be sure radio/NAV system is TURNED OFF)

Remove left and right windshield (vertical) pillar covers.
These plastic covers are held in place via a slot at the bottom, a snap in middle, and a long plastic pin near the top. Remove it by grabbing the lip closest to the windshield and gently pulling it out at a 45-degree angle from the door jam. After it is loose, you will find a little more force is needed to complete remove the single snap pin/post nearest the roof. Once that is out, simply lift it up and away from the dash plastic panel.

Now you can gently pry up the dash black plastic (non-padded) dash cover that is located closest to the windshield. There are a number of small alignment tabs located at each edge, and across the middle. Very little force is needed to lift up and remove this piece. I placed mine upside down on the back seat until I was ready to re-install it.

With the under dash exposed, use the stubby Phillips screwdriver remove the 2 screws and lift the speaker straight up and place it on the towel. Repeat this for both sides.

Disconnect the white quick release speaker connectors and remove speakers. You will need to cut off the white speaker connector using the wire cutters. Be careful to not let the source side speaker wire fall back into the dash.

Cut back the black tape and expose 2”-3” of the source speaker wire.

Strip each wire ½” and connect to the new speakers wire via soldering with shrink tubing or by using crimp connectors. Note that the polarity +=+ and -=- must be maintained for your new speakers to work correctly.

Left Speaker Wire
+ Dark Green with Tan stripe
- Dark Green with gray stripe

Right Speaker Wire
+ Gray with Violet stripe
- Gray with Yellow stripe

Install the speakers into the dash. Test the sound for clarity. If it sounds weak, or distorted, double-check that your speakers are wired (polarity) correctly. Correct if needed.

Reinstall speakers, tighten screws, realign and install the plastic dash cover, and finally, install the vertical pillar covers.

Enjoy your new and improved audio performance!

[jasonr_01]

My magnum didn't come with the six speaker system will the wires for the dash speakers still be there and working even though there not used?

[CoolVanilla]

Everything went as planned as per the instructions above, but I noticed something I thought might help someone else out:

When the dash cover comes off, you'll notice there are several tabs that insert vertically into the sub dash plate. When I pulled mine, the metal clips that attach to the tabs actually came off and remained in the slots, in the sub dash plate. I didn't notice this initially and I reinstalled everything as normal. Well after a few days of crazy rattling up there, I took it apart again and discovered the clips thing; the dash was not seating into the slots because the clips were preventing it. I pulled the clips out of the sub dash, and reattached them to the tabs (they literally clip right back on). I then reinstalled the dash and got that solid click sound as each tab snapped into place. That completely took care of the rattle.

Sorry, I was so excited to see if this fixed the rattle, I completely forgot to take a pic or two.

[boggart]

Any responses to the question about speaker wiring being present on the non BA system? I really don't want to take the dash apart if there is no speaker wire there. Where would we tie in to if the wiring is not present?

Also, if the wiring is there, can't we just use the $3 wiring harness' to convert the stock wiring harness to the aftermarket speaker?

[Fred]

I am a fan of the speaker harnesses for that back to stock mental comfort.

[boggart]

ACTUAL WIRING FOR THIS INSTALL:

Front Left:
+ Grey/Violet Stripe
- Grey/Yellow Stripe

Front Right:
+ Dark Green/Violet Stripe
- Dark Green/Yellow Stripe

I'll throw in the rears too while I'm here

Left Rear:
+ Dark Green/Tan Stripe
- Dark Green/Grey Stripe

Right Rear:
+ Dark Green/Brown Stripe
- Yellow/Grey Stripe

Corrected info found in section 8W-47-4 of the service manual

[Rockadile]

Supplemental Wiring Guide:

I have the Boston Acoustic 6-speaker setup and I just got done the dash speakers. My left (driver) side was the same as above, but my right (passenger) side was different. Here's what I found:

Dash Left:
+ Grey/Violet Stripe
- Grey/Yellow Stripe

Dash Right:
+ Grey/Dark Green Stripe
- Grey/Light Green Stripe

[Red Zeppelin]

I was wondering if anyone knew about the question above - whether the wires exist in the dash spots in a 4 speaker system? I was considering adding them as well, but also don't want to tear into the dash just to find out I don't have the wiring there. Thanks.

[boggart]

They are not there on the 4 speaker system. But it is relatively easy to run the wire yourself and T-Tap into the door speaker wire just behind the head unit. That's what I did. Install the speakers, you won't be sorry you did.

[Red Zeppelin]

Will the stock head unit (i have the single cd option, though i am considering upgrading to the 6 changer) support the extra set of speakers? Do I need another amp or an upgrade? Sorry, I have lots of questions!

I am good with engines, and computers, but A/V in a car is not really my thing! Willing to try though....

[boggart]

It will work just fine. That is exactly what I did. Big, HUGE, improvement in sound by adding the 3.5's without adding an amp. Later I followed up by installing the 6 disc MP3 player, which has the exact same audio output as the single CD unit. (Not sure if all of this belongs in a KB thread, I apologize if not).

[stv9000]

Correct me if I am wrong here but buy T' ing off the door speakers aren't you connecting the dash speakers in parallel? Doing this will change the speakers impedance.

[boggart]

What you're saying is probably correct. But what choice do you have with a 4 speaker stereo? Regardless, I stand by my opinion that it sounds much better with the dash speakers added and splicing them off the door speakers.

[stv9000]

You run the risk of overheating the amp. There is much more current draw with 2 or more speakers in parallel. You would be dropping the impedance to 2 ohms. The head unit is designed for 4 ohms. It may work but I am going to try and come up with a different way.

[SKINNI]

The Original Setup Has The Door And Rear 6x9' S Runing On The Rear Channel And Dash 3.5' S On The Front Channel. Im Sure The 6x9' S Are 8 Ohm Speakers So If U Wire Them Together And Run The 3.5' S Alone On The Front Channelu Should Be Ok. I Would Verify This With A Professional But Im Sure This Is The Case

[Todd RT]

All other threads state our BA Premium Stereo w/ 6 speakers runs all 6 @ 2 ohms. I don't know how to determine this, but others have made this real clear.

[SKINNI]

All other threads state our BA Premium Stereo w/ 6 speakers runs all 6 @ 2 ohms. I don't know how to determine this, but others have made this real clear.
GOOD INFO FOR INSTALLERS. MINE DIDNT KNOW THAT. PROPS

[JamminWagon]

Wiring Color chart
http://www.geocities.com/mag_hl_swap/stereo-wiring/ColorCode.jpg
Here are the actual wiring diagrams for the 3 different audio systems,
1)base 4 speaker
http://www.geocities.com/mag_hl_swap/stereo-wiring/4-speaker.jpg

2) 6 speaker non-amplified (notice that the dash speakers are in parallel with the front doors.
http://www.geocities.com/mag_hl_swap/stereo-wiring/6-speaker.jpg

3) 8 Speaker (dash,center,door,rear,sub) amplified

http://www.geocities.com/mag_hl_swap/stereo-wiring/8-speaker.jpg

[SKINNI]

Good Info. What Squadron Are U?

[Todd RT]

356Magnum,

Not sure what you do for a living, but we keep crossing paths on these forums. My tech @ the dealer and I were looking at these layouts the other day wondering if the "amplified subwoofer" output on pin 5/13 is functional in my 05 magnum with the BA 6 speaker system. There is another member that was working on it to see if StarScan could activate this sub output.

You got any input on this subject?

[JamminWagon]

Good Info. What Squadron Are U?

My career field is satellite communications (2E1X1). I used to fly on the E4-B, the plane that in the movie Sum of All Fears that they scooted the president to after his limo got blown over, nickname "The Flying Whitehouse".

Now I am in a mobile comm squadron, enough said on that.


Not sure what you do for a living, but we keep crossing paths on these forums. My tech @ the dealer and I were looking at these layouts the other day wondering if the "amplified subwoofer" output on pin 5/13 is functional in my 05 magnum with the BA 6 speaker system. There is another member that was working on it to see if StarScan could activate this sub output.

You got any input on this subject?


Im not sure what type of signal it is looking for, ask one of the tekies here like FunyChicken. Sorry couldnt help. Sorry to take so long to answer.

[BlackCharger06]

So you can take out the single disc radio and swap it out with the 6 disc head unit? This would be great because the single disc won't play mp3's If I swap out the radio's though, will it hook up with the amp ok, and will all the audio controls on the wheel, and my climate control and all that still work the same?

[mikoazca]

I changed out the single disc unit for the RAK 6 disc/cassette - took five minutes - plug and play. It sounds great! Sounds better than original. Maybe that's because it is made by Alpine and the single disc is made by Visteon.

[mikoazca]

Oh and yes it is compatible with steering wheel controls and amps and will not conflict with climate control. Got mine on eBay for $200 + shipping -they are $568 through Mopar parts.

[BlackCharger06]

Thanx man, i Know alot of people gut there systems I'm sure I can find one on here, or on ebay.

[ASU_Magnum]

Thanx man, i Know alot of people gut there systems I'm sure I can find one on here, or on ebay.

and if you want to step it up. the nav is completely plug and play also. all you need is the nav radio bezel.

[BlackCharger06]

So if I plug in the new 6 disc, don't i still need the sirius reciever or is that built into it. I've seen pics of them in some of the magnums on here, in the rear right? If that is the case, will anyone do, or do i need a certain one?

[ASU_Magnum]

if u already have sirius it is a straight swap. no receiver or anything is needed. when i put my nav in I didnt even have to call sirius to turn anything on. all i did was plug the antenna cable into the unit and it worked

[BlackCharger06]

I don't have it now, but the radio I am getting, will have it. I know I have ta call them to set it up once i install it, from following the directions on channel 184. I just hope I don't have get an aftermarket receiver, and an antenna for my car. I'm lazy and I just want to plug the damn thing in :)

[JamminWagon]

Here are the actual wiring diagrams from the 05 LX Manual

Notice on the 6 speaker NON amp system the dash and door speakers are paralleled.
If you use stock and aftermarket speakers you have to be careful of the ohmage.
If you take a Aftermarket 4 ohm and a stock 2 ohm and parallel you will get 1.333333 ohms. This will make the amp run hotter.
http://www.geocities.com/mag_hl_swap/stereo-wiring/colorcode.jpg


http://www.geocities.com/mag_hl_swap/stereo-wiring/6-speaker.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/mag_hl_swap/stereo-wiring/4-speaker.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/mag_hl_swap/stereo-wiring/8-speaker.jpg

[JamminWagon]

I don't have it now, but the radio I am getting, will have it. I know I have ta call them to set it up once i install it, from following the directions on channel 184. I just hope I don't have get an aftermarket receiver, and an antenna for my car. I'm lazy and I just want to plug the damn thing in :)

The stock sirius has a sepearate receiver in the left rear area and the matching antenna(s). Here is the wiring diagram for the SAT system.

http://members.cox.net/05magnum/wiring/ColorCode.jpg

http://members.cox.net/05magnum/wiring/SatRadio.jpg

[BuckeyeRT]

OK, I have a question!
I just got the 3.5 Kappa's and I opened the box and the speakers are in there with a siliver box with wires for each speaker. What is this thing? Do I need it? Where would I put it? Thanks!
Turns out it is an inline crossover. Do I need it?

[Cdn_Magnum]

OK, I have a question!
I just got the 3.5 Kappa's and I opened the box and the speakers are in there with a siliver box with wires for each speaker. What is this thing? Do I need it? Where would I put it? Thanks!
Turns out it is an inline crossover. Do I need it?


Technically, you dont need it, but i would for the tweeter (assuming thats what its for)... but if you want to direct more of your cut off frequencies to the dash speakers then use it.

[BuckeyeRT]

Technically, you dont need it, but i would for the tweeter (assuming thats what its for)... but if you want to direct more of your cut off frequencies to the dash speakers then use it.

Looks like their is a ton of room under the speaker so I think I will put it in. I wondering if I should just let it lay in there or attach with velcro or something...?

[bcubed]

For those that want to try this and have 4 stock speakers, here is how I tied my new dash speakers into the door speakers. You can see the 4 blue wire taps, these were purchased at the local auto parts store. The passenger side wire was easy to run, the drivers side I ended up running it over the top of the instrument cluster.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/bcubed/Charger/ChargerSpeakerInstall008.jpg

And the speakers installed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/bcubed/Charger/ChargerUpgrades036.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/bcubed/Charger/ChargerUpgrades035.jpg

[MR. J]

Does anyone know if a 4" woofer would fit, or if any modifications could be made to make it fit?

[BrothazKepaSXT]

I just installed some Infinity 3.5" referance speakers i my 05 SXT tapped into the door speakers and let me tell you the sound quality is amazing. Thanks for the input on this mod. Time to put some base in the back now.:beerchug:

[MAGNUMSE]

Actually the stock head unit is designed to run @ 8 ohms and with the speakers connected you will be running the unit @4 ohms which is a safe range for a factory head unit.

[Reeg]

Well I'm gonna give it a go tomorrow and see if it doesn't take me all damn day considering I don't have 6 speaker setup. I'll let you all know how it went on sunday. Wish me luck! Lol!

[pigpen]

All you guys that haven't done this with a basic 4 speaker system. Do it now because it sounds ten times better then stock.

[36 chambers]

on boston acoustic 3.5's how can you tell on speaker terminal which one is neg or positive???\
installed kickers in my car no prob and pioneers in the wifes car...installed bostons in my freinds car and its popping like its hot..i know one wire is backards..but need to know correct terminal

[36 chambers]

Anyone Cant Figure Out Polarity On The Speakers

[pigpen]

You know I was wonder about this my self.

But the bostons I was stump on when I installed them in my car. I tried to switch the wires around and they both sounded great any way I wired them up.

[36 chambers]

Bump Still Dont Know Fryed A Stereo Already .luclily I Had A Back Up For My Friend ..installed Kickers In My Car No Probs And Pioneer In The Mag...this Is Urking Me My Buddy Cant Go With Out Those 3.5!!! Chime In Please!!!

[36 chambers]

Bump Again?????

[xxlmagnum]

will I be able to put some 4 inch speakers in the dash

[snailtek]

For those that want to try this and have 4 stock speakers, here is how I tied my new dash speakers into the door speakers. You can see the 4 blue wire taps, these were purchased at the local auto parts store. The passenger side wire was easy to run, the drivers side I ended up running it over the top of the instrument cluster.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/bcubed/Charger/ChargerSpeakerInstall008.jpg

And the speakers installed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/bcubed/Charger/ChargerUpgrades036.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/bcubed/Charger/ChargerUpgrades035.jpg


are those BA 3.5"'s.. so whats the polarity on those?

let me know
thanks

[eGo]

Ok.. Dragging up a moldy oldie here, but I have a question.. I've picked up a set of 3.5s for the dash and I'm planning on hooking them up. But exactly which wires need to be hooked up where? I know that they are supposed to be run in parallel, but not sure how to accomplish that correctly. When I install the 3.5"s in the dash and run my wires into the area behind the stereo, how do I hook up the new wires to the front speaker wires? Do I just run them like this :

Front Left:
+ Grey/Violet Stripe and the + for the Front Left 3.5"
- Grey/Yellow Stripe and the - for the Front Left 3.5"

Front Right:
+ Dark Green/Violet Stripe and the + for the Front Right 3.5"
- Dark Green/Yellow Stripe and the - for the Front Right 3.5"

Does that make it a parallel or is that a series? Just need to make 100% sure so that I know how to wire things up when I come to that stage in the game. Also, could I just do the same thing on the aftermarket wiring harness side? i.e. solder all three positives for one side and all three negatives for one side together and accomplish the same thing?

TIA!

eGo

[Zoban]

I would have to double check the colours but yep sounds right on for connections..

[eGo]

Ok, that's what I needed to know.. Thanks Zoban.. I'm just going to solder all three positives together on the aftermarket harness side then isntead of fooling with cutting up the stock harness. I appreciate it. :)

eGo

[Zoban]

Personally I would rather T-tap them on the Factory side of the OEM/AF adaptor pigtails.

That if you change your Stereo down the road the double pigtails unclip for easy re-wire to the next HU..

But that's me and either location will work of course.

[eGo]

Hmm... I like the sound of what you're saying lol But I'm not 100% sure exactly what I'd need to accomplish this.. I sent my dad an email today asking him for a little bit of clarity/best route to take. He's an electronics engineer so he should be able to clear the mud a little for me. But I'm down for some links to the T-tap thing you're talking about. I'm handy with the soldering iron, just don't want to fudge anything up :)

Thanks!

eGo

[Zoban]

http://www.radioshack.com/sm-wire-tap-in-squeeze-connectors10-pack--pi-2104093.html

Is a quick link for a visual..

Most hardware/automotive places will have them in stock.. I snagged mine from Canadian Tire (not that it helps you in the US) Walmart may even have them in thier auto area. Radio Shack (as per link) and anywhere else that sells electronic supplies should also have them.

[eGo]

SAWEET! I'm going to pick some of those up today! lol

[loweredtoy]

i have a great idea put in a set of 6 1/2 inch compnents in the front all you need is an adaptor plate from 6x9 to 6 1/2 and put the mini tweater up under were peaple are saying to put the 3 1/2 sounds 100 times better because it is done properly...

[falconman515]

That was my thought but know i am going with new Infinty 6.5" in the front door and am wanting to put infinity reference 3.5" in the dash (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_10435_Infinity+Reference+3022CF.html).

How will i wire this onto the aftermarket deck and will these 3.5"s fit in the dash?
Some say most of these aftermarket 3.5"s wont fit due to the space in there and that the tweeters stick up way to high for the dahs to clip back on... is this true?

Thanks for the help!!!

[socal_gordon]

OK, what do I do?? I have a 2008 Dodge Magnum with the 4 speaker system. The speaker covers pop off so I do not need to take the A pillers off. But what about the Center Speaker? And I have conflicting reports, but does the 4 speaker system in the 08 use BA speakers? And do I have an amp..

Side note, under the driers seat there is a big black plastic square piece (the wiring for the electric seat goes under it), but what is that thing for?

hmm.. This LX platform is so new compared to my old 300M LH...

[Magnum35no7]

Just wanted to say 'thanks' to the posters on here. I had a question on removing the front door panels and the info here was most helpful. You definitely need the trim piece removal tool (like a 'V' ) to remove the plastic connectors from the doors. The first door took no time to remove and replace the 6x9 speaker, but took forever for me to realize that the plastic connectors stayed stuck in the doors! DOH. Driver's door took me all of about 20min to remove, replace the speaker and button it all back up. Thanks again.

[2005MagRt]

Falconman515 asked a great question. What aftermarket 3.5" speakers will fit our cars? Crutchfield doesn't list any. Since I doubt I'm the only one that has to replace them, what was removed to make the average 3.5 fit? Thanks in advance!

[MagNite]

For those that want to try this and have 4 stock speakers, here is how I tied my new dash speakers into the door speakers. You can see the 4 blue wire taps, these were purchased at the local auto parts store. The passenger side wire was easy to run, the drivers side I ended up running it over the top of the instrument cluster.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/bcubed/Charger/ChargerSpeakerInstall008.jpg

And the speakers installed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/bcubed/Charger/ChargerUpgrades036.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/bcubed/Charger/ChargerUpgrades035.jpg

Yeah this is an old thread, but didn't see the sense of starting a new one when this one explains it so well.
Well, I had bought some 3-1/2 inch speakers last year but I put off installing them because I knew it would be a job. So they've been sitting around. Well I had an interior rattle, so I figured I'd kill 2 birds with one stone and install the speakers as well FINALLY. Well I got it all done, went to re-install the top dash panel ...... and it wouldn't go back on because the tweeter cone on the speakers I bought is a little too tall. ARRRGHH. The Bostons' tweeter cone in the above pictures looks like it stands up a bit, but it must be low enough that the dash piece will not hit it. Not so with the Kicker DS-35's I installed. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_3592_Kicker+DS35.html So anyways, just posting this to the SE and SXT owners that want to install the dash spekers to your 4 speaker system .... MAKE SURE THE TWEETER CONE ON THE DASH SPEAKERS ISN'T GOING TO BE TOO TALL! Now I have to pull the speakers and get another pair that will have a lower tweeter cone. :banghead:

[gotnofunds]

...just posting this to the SE and SXT owners that want to install the dash spekers to your 4 speaker system .... MAKE SURE THE TWEETER CONE ON THE DASH SPEAKERS ISN'T GOING TO BE TOO TALL! Now I have to pull the speakers and get another pair that will have a lower tweeter cone. :banghead:


I just found out the hard way. My Pyle PLX32 3.5's are just a wee too high for dash to snap in. I'm thinking of just installed the speakers from under the dash instead of mounting them on top of plastic...