Replacing Speakers and Radio in an SL

The following instructions are for 1995 SL. After reading many threads here and at other forums, I deceided to try this my way. and I was pleased with the ease with which I was able to replace the radio and the speakers in my car.

I replaced all four speakers and radio with Pioneer products. Lets start with the radio. I recommend using the factory mounting hardware since the aftermarket installation kits only hold the radio in place by the bezel, not very secure. Another reason why I recommend Pioneer, it made my swap a snap. here is a list of stuff you will need

1. flat screw driver
2. 7mm socket
3. socket screwdriver
4. Metra wiring harness $9.99 at autozone. (much better made then the over priced crap at Best Buy)
5. electrical tape.
6. torx screw driver.
7. utility knive

With all the tools ready lets begin

1. Removed the two plastic self locking pins holding the console cover. These pins are at the sides of the cover near the A/C foot outlets.

2. With the flat screw driver hold the edge of the pin. With the other hand get behind the console and push the tip of of the self locking pin in. You will hear a pop and the center of the pin will protrude outward. Repeat this step on the other side.

3. With the two pins out the console should come loose. The only thing holding it in the way will be the connection of the defroster switch. Undo this connection don't worry about putting back the wrong way, because it can only be hooked back in place one way.

4. Use the socket driver and the 7mm socket and take out the two bolts on top. with the flat screw driver push in the holding tabs at the side of the mounting brackets. Jerking the radio side to side it will come loose.

5. Disconnect the wiring harness and the radio is out. Undo the mounting brakets by removing the 4 torx screws with the torx screw driver.

6. To install the new radio do the reverse of these instructions. Don't forget to tie the wires with electrical tape in several places once you have hooked the wiring harness to eliminate the cables dangling around.

** One side note I had a cassette radio in my car to begin with so if you have the much bigger cd player radio, you might need to buy the installation kit. I didn't use it because after fitting it it still left a gap so I just went with out it. I just coverd the edges of the radio with electrical tape. It doesn't look great but it is not bad.**

Now the front speakers
1. Remove the speaker covers by using the flat screwdriver. Be careful not to break the guide tabs.

2. With the torx screwdriver loosen the plastic pins. Don't apply too much pressure when unscrewing the center screw of pin because otherwise the center screw won't come out.

3. Once the center screw has been removed pry out the pin with the screwdriver. Be careful not to allow one of these pins fall inside the door, you will need them to put speaker back in.

4. Since I was going with aftermarket speakers I just cut the speaker wire from he GM speaker harness. These Pioneer speakers came with speaker wire. All I did was connected to the end of the car speaker wire and connected the new speakers. REMEMBER "A" MEANS POSITIVE "B" MEANS NEGATIVE.

5 To install reverse the instruction that I just gave you.

Rear speakers!

1. Fold down the rear bench backrest.

2. Pry out the two pins that are holding the carpet speaker panel.

3. Pop out the trims ring around the safety belts, don't worry ,apply some pressure pulling them out and it should come out without much force.

4. With the pins and trim rings out, slide the safety belts off the carpeted speaker panel. Pull the panel from under the plastic trim around the pillars and once this has been done pull on the whole thing. The carpet and plastic speakers rear panel will come out as a whole. Now you have all access to the speakers from the top.

5 Remove the pins holding the speakers and replicate the steps we took when connecting the front speakers.

6. Reverse the instructions to put the panel back in place once speakers are connected.

you are done!! Enjoy the tunes! Let me know if this helped.

Tacuvito

that will only work for 95 and older. the newer ones need an installition kit.

Yeah I know, that is why the first sentence makes it clear that the instruction are specific for a 95 SL. Thank you for your comment.

Here is the color schematic for the speaker cables.

brown = left rear +
yellow = left rear -

Dark green = Right front -
Light green = Right front +

Tan = Left Front +
Gray = Left Front -

Light Blue = Right Rear -
dark Blue = Right Rear +

These directions also went fine for rear speakers of a 1998 SL2. Didn't try fronts yet or mess w/ head unit. TY for contributing!