[lll0228]

Just finished swapping out the front speakers on the SEL (non-Bose). I found only one YouTube video in Japanese with instructions to remove the door panel and I thought some details could be useful for everyone here. I will also state some lessons learned during the process as I edit to add more details.

Tools needed (for door panel removal)

• Philips screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Panel removal tools

Difficulty: Medium

Time required: 10 minutes

Steps:

1. Using the left door as an example, the right door procedure is identical. Open the door wide.

2. Using a panel tool, pry off the tweeter cover. Reach from the location as shown below. Work your way UP and pry. It's ok, the holding clip is a springed metal clip.

Two clips hold this cover in place. The metal clip will pop out as you pry, and if you twist the plastic cover slightly clockwise, the plastic clip will detach more easily.

You can unplug the tweeter assembly by releasing the harness. Set the assembly aside.

3. Remove Phillips screw 1 (as shown in the photo below). For Phillips screw 2, use the flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the flap, then remove the screw.

4. Use the panel tool and slide it into the notched space at the bottom of the door panel (as shown above and below). Work your way to the left and right, and pry toward you to open the door panel. Wiggle and pry as you go. It can be pretty tight, and some force is needed. However, if you look at the picture below and see where the retaining clips are, you can exert force more in the right locations more accurately and it can make "popping" the clips easier.

Here are the locations of all 12 clips.

4. Once you have wiggled and pried loose all the clips, you can hold the panel and lift it to release.

5. Once you have lifted the door panel up, you will see three connections in the back: the door release cable, and two electrical harnesses. Press the lever on the yellow latch to disconnect the door release cable.

6. Release the two electrical harnesses by pressing on the respective levers as well.

With these connectors off, the door panel is completely free.

 

[TRT]

Excellent explanation!👍

 

[Thor Carlson]

Well done, thanks!

 

[vapor]

Awesome guide, thanks!

 

[sincladk]

Wow, this is a great resource! Thanks for taking the time to document it.

 

[Socalsp3]

Thanks I might do this

 

[Timujin]

Thanks.

Waiting patiently for speaker review.

 

[lll0228]

Thanks.

Waiting patiently for speaker review.

Just wrote a new thread about the speaker replacement part.

As for speaker choice, I auditioned JL Audio, Focal, JBL, Infinity, Pioneer, and Alpine and ended up with the Infinity Reference REF-6530CX for the front component. Caveat, I am a classically trained musician and I used to write for a high-end home hi fi magazine in the UK, and my criteria are balanced clarity and neutral tonality. I am not a bass head, although this system gives plenty of bass. Other people may have different preferences.

 

[Aaftab]

Just wrote a new thread about the speaker replacement part.

As for speaker choice, I auditioned JL Audio, Focal, JBL, Infinity, Pioneer, and Alpine and ended up with the Infinity Reference REF-6530CX for the front component. Caveat, I am a classically trained musician and I used to write for a high-end home hi fi magazine in the UK, and my criteria are balanced clarity and neutral tonality. I am not a bass head, although this system gives plenty of bass. Other people may have different preferences.
[/QUOTE

 

[Aaftab]

Hi. Are the replacement speakers running of the factory headunit?

The sparked thread doesn’t work.

 

[lll0228]

Hi. Are the replacement speakers running of the factory headunit?

The sparked thread doesn’t work.

Weird, that post is "waiting for approval". I've never seen that before. @Ou Boet @IONIQ Admin @bluecar1 ? I just spent 2 hours writing out that post for the community.

Yes, the speakers are running off the factory head unit.

 

[lll0228]

Hi. Are the replacement speakers running of the factory headunit?

The sparked thread doesn’t work.

The post is back alive.

 

[Socalsp3]

Just wrote a new thread about the speaker replacement part.

As for speaker choice, I auditioned JL Audio, Focal, JBL, Infinity, Pioneer, and Alpine and ended up with the Infinity Reference REF-6530CX for the front component. Caveat, I am a classically trained musician and I used to write for a high-end home hi fi magazine in the UK, and my criteria are balanced clarity and neutral tonality. I am not a bass head, although this system gives plenty of bass. Other people may have different preferences.

Are there any extra connectors needed to install the infinity?

 

[lll0228]

Are there any extra connectors needed to install the infinity?

Yes, and I just wrote a whole post about the installation. Enjoy!