Over time, automotive speakers on the 1997 Ford Escort will begin to degrade due to the moisture changes to which they are subjected. Installing new, original equipment-sized speakers offer a simple solution to this problem; installing larger, aftermarket speakers may involve some cutting of the door panel to allow enough room for their installation -- the speaker grill will need to be placed on the outside of the door panel. The replacement task for the former type of speakers is an easy job though, involving a minimum of tools; installation of larger type of speakers is not difficult either, but a bit more time-consuming.
Instructions
- 1
Proceed with this step for installation of a similar-sized replacement speaker; or skip to Step 5 for installation of an aftermarket, larger-sized speaker. Remove the Phillips screws from the armrest -- the one in the plastic cover located in front of the door handle, and the one located in the side view mirror cover. Remove the Phillips screws located around the sides and bottom of the door panel.
2Lift the panel straight up and detach it from the door. Move it far enough away from the door to detach the wiring connector from the power-window switch.
3Remove the screws located around the speaker, using the proper socket. Pull the speaker out and detach the two wire connectors from the back of the speaker.
4Plug the wires into the back of the replacement speaker. Install the speaker and tighten the screws snugly. Install the door panel by aligning the hooks on the back of the panel with the holes in the door. Push the panel on the door and pull it down to lock the hooks in the door. Install all the removed Phillips screws.
5Make sure that the aftermarket replacement speaker has the exact same depth and ohm rating as the old speaker. If the new speaker is oval in shape, or larger in diameter, but still fits the bill with respect to depth, consider whether or not there is enough door material to cut away to fit the speaker without making contact with the window regulator. Place the window all the way down and measure the distance from the door surface to the window regulator in the area to be cut. If sufficient room is available, face the speaker toward the door and mark the area to be cut. Use the metal shears to cut the excess material away. Install the self-tapping screws, using the drill.
6Remove the original speaker cover, using a Phillips screwdriver. Cut the excess material away to completely expose the speaker. Install the new speaker cover on the door panel, using a Phillips screwdriver.
7Install the door panel by aligning the hooks on the back of the panel with the holes in the door. Push the panel on the door and pull it down to lock the hooks in the door. Install all of the removed Phillips screws.
