How to: 2007 stereo removal and dash speaker install.

[2007]

.

I'm not sure if this has been covered anywhere yet or not, but anyway...

My '07 base model had no dash speakers. I bought some kicker KS350 speakers to install in the dash. I bought them on sale for $30 and they really helped out a lot.



It was cold out, so the first thing to do is get the heater out and warm the car up.





Then it was time to gather some tools. I use a #2 phillips screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, T20 torx driver, T20 torx in my 1/4" ratchet (for the dash speakers), wire strippers, and terminal crimpers. I also used a dremel (not pictured)





You can start by removing these plastic covers on the pillars. Grab them at the top and pull them toward the center of the car. They are just held on with a couple clips.








Next is removing the dash. I grabbed it in the hole where the VIN is and pulled it toward the rear of the car. Then went to the other side. There are some clips on the front of the dash that hold it in place.

[2007]

.

Mine had some cardboard covers where the dash speakers would go.





Here's what I'm putting in there. I also used some 200 uf capacitors to help keep some of the lower bass out.




I needed to use my dremel to grind down some raised plastic things near the screw holes. I can't remember if I needed to enlarge the holes or not... it's been a while since I've done this. New wires need ran to the stereo, but you can wait until later after we take the stereo out.





And here's the new speaker installed. I needed to use the t20 torx bit in the ratchet to get to the screws.

[2007]

.

The dash just snaps back into place. Make sure to pull the rubber door gasket from behind the plastic dash after you install it.







Be sure to get these tabs into the dash properly, then snap the pillar cover back into place.





Now on the stereo removal.





There are two screws that need removed, one in the bottom of each vent. Rotate the vents until you can see the screws. Don't let them drop into the duct work!






The panel is held to the dash with clips. Just pull the panel from the dash and remove the wiring connectors for the clock and power windows.


There is a tab that you need to squeeze to remove the connector for the clock.





This is the connector for the window switches. First you need to use a screwdriver and lift up on the red tab to unlock it. Then squeeze the black tab and pull the connector out.

[2007]

.


The panel can just rest in this position as you remove the stereo.





There are four T20 torx screws that hold the radio in.





Here are the new speaker wires connected to the factory harness. These connectors aren't the best route, but they're good enough for me.

[Hooligan]

Very clear and concise, thanks!!!

[2007]

No problem, and thanks for the compliment! Hopefully this will help someone someday

[MickRC3]

I replaced my stereo in my 2006 Limited G this summer. In mid-October we hit major snowstorm while on a trip to Idaho and I found out that my heater control had jammed. Re-opened the dash and found that one cable tie had managed to get wedged between the choke cable and the temperature control. Took a second to clear the blockage but with my cold hands managed to lose one screw into the duct. Oh well, at least we had heat again.

[lakersfan1]

Good write-up. I was too lazy to do a full write-up when I did mine. I had to not only enlarge the speaker holes, but melt the vent ducts below them with a pen torch to reshape them to allow enough speaker clearance. After a time, I realized that with no amount of attenuation, a real set of speakers in the factory spot was just too overwhelming for my ears. Had to rip them out and just put a set of tweets in the kickpanels. Much more pleasing, and for some reason the sound dynamics of the car still makes it appear there are speakers in the dash. Sounds much more relaxed to the ear as well.