Upgrade Your Sound: 2017 Nissan Sentra Speaker Replacement Guide
Hey car audio enthusiasts and Nissan Sentra lovers! Are your tunes sounding a little… blah? Does the music in your 2017 Nissan Sentra lack the crisp highs and deep lows you crave? Then, it’s time to consider a speaker replacement! This guide is your ultimate resource for upgrading your 2017 Nissan Sentra’s sound system. We'll cover everything from choosing the right speakers to the step-by-step installation process. Get ready to transform your driving experience with superior audio quality! We will explore why upgrading your speakers is essential, the factors to consider when purchasing new speakers, and a detailed guide on how to perform the replacement yourself. This DIY project can save you money and provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Let’s dive into the world of car audio and bring your music to life!
Why Replace Your Speakers?
So, why should you even bother replacing your factory speakers? The truth is, the original speakers in your 2017 Nissan Sentra, like many stock car audio systems, are often a compromise. They're designed to be cost-effective rather than to deliver premium sound quality. This means they might lack clarity, suffer from distortion at higher volumes, and fail to provide a full, rich sound experience. Upgrading your speakers offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, you'll experience a significant improvement in sound quality. New speakers can produce clearer highs, more defined mids, and richer bass. You’ll hear details in your music you never noticed before! Additionally, better speakers can handle higher volumes without distorting, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music at a louder level without sacrificing audio quality. This is particularly noticeable when listening to genres like rock, electronic, or hip-hop, where clarity and powerful bass are essential. Replacing your speakers can also enhance the overall driving experience. High-quality audio can make your daily commute more enjoyable, long road trips more entertaining, and simply make you love driving your Sentra even more! Furthermore, it's a relatively easy and cost-effective upgrade compared to replacing the entire head unit or adding a complex amplifier system. It's a great starting point for anyone looking to improve their car's audio without breaking the bank. Finally, upgraded speakers can increase the resale value of your car, as a superior sound system is a desirable feature for many potential buyers. So, if you are not satisfied with your current sound and want a more enjoyable listening experience, speaker replacement is the way to go!
Choosing the Right Speakers for Your 2017 Nissan Sentra
Alright, so you’re ready to take the plunge! But what speakers should you buy? Choosing the right speakers is crucial for achieving the desired sound quality. There are several factors to consider. First, you need to determine the speaker size. The 2017 Nissan Sentra typically uses a combination of sizes, with the front doors often holding 6.5-inch speakers, while the rear doors may also use 6.5-inch or sometimes 6x9-inch speakers. Always double-check the exact sizes for your specific Sentra model by consulting your owner's manual or doing a quick online search for your car's specifications. Secondly, consider the speaker type. There are two main types: coaxial and component speakers. Coaxial speakers, also known as full-range speakers, have all the components (woofer and tweeter) built into a single unit. They are generally easier to install and more affordable. Component speakers, on the other hand, separate the woofer and tweeter, allowing for better sound imaging and clarity. The tweeters are usually mounted higher in the door or on the dashboard. They typically offer superior sound quality but require more complex installation. The power handling of the speakers is also important. Make sure the speakers can handle the power output of your car's head unit. You don't want to buy speakers that are too powerful for your system, as they might not sound their best. Also, consider the sensitivity of the speakers. Sensitivity is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the speaker will be at a given power input. Higher sensitivity speakers will be louder at the same power level. Also, you must consider the sound quality preferences. Think about what kind of music you listen to and what sound characteristics you value most. Do you prefer a strong bass response? Do you prioritize clear highs? This will help you choose speakers that match your taste. Finally, set your budget. Speaker prices can vary widely. Determine how much you are willing to spend, and then look for speakers that offer the best value within your price range. Don't forget to factor in the cost of any installation accessories you might need. Brands like JBL, Infinity, Pioneer, and Kenwood are well-known for producing high-quality car speakers, so start by exploring their product lines. Don’t hesitate to read reviews from other Sentra owners to get an idea of which speakers work best in the car. With careful consideration of these factors, you can select speakers that will significantly improve the audio experience in your 2017 Nissan Sentra.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Before you start, gather all the necessary tools and materials. This will make the installation process much smoother and ensure you have everything you need on hand. First and foremost, you'll need your new speakers! Make sure you’ve purchased the correct size and type for your 2017 Nissan Sentra. Next, you will need speaker adapters. Sometimes, aftermarket speakers may not fit directly into the factory speaker mounts, so you may need speaker adapter rings. These are usually made of plastic or metal and are designed to fit your car's specific speaker mounting locations. You might also need wire connectors or crimp connectors to connect the speaker wires. These will allow you to securely connect the new speakers to your car's wiring harness. Consider using speaker wire. While not always necessary, replacing the factory speaker wire with higher-quality wire can sometimes improve the sound quality. Get a set of plastic trim removal tools. These are essential for removing door panels without damaging them. They prevent scratches and make it much easier to pry off panels and clips. You should also grab a screwdriver set with various heads, including Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, to remove screws. You’ll also need a ratchet set with sockets, this will help you to remove bolts and fasteners. Include a wire stripper and crimper to prepare the wires and attach connectors. Include a soldering iron and solder if you choose to solder the connections, which provides a more secure and reliable connection. If you are going to solder, then grab some electrical tape, it will help insulate and protect the soldered connections. It is a good idea to have some work gloves to protect your hands. Ensure you have a flashlight to see inside the door panel and other dark areas. A marker or pen will help you to label wires or components if necessary. Lastly, a shop towel or cleaning cloth to keep the interior clean and free of debris. Having these tools and materials ready will allow you to perform the speaker replacement efficiently and effectively. Organization and preparation are key to a successful DIY project.
Step-by-Step Speaker Replacement Guide
Now for the main event! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to replacing the speakers in your 2017 Nissan Sentra. First, prepare your workspace. Park your car in a well-lit and well-ventilated area. Gather all your tools and materials, and make sure you have enough space to work comfortably around the car. Next, disconnect the negative battery terminal. This is a crucial safety step to prevent electrical shorts while you are working on the car's electrical system. Locate the negative terminal on your car's battery (usually marked with a ‘-’ sign) and use a wrench to loosen the bolt that secures the terminal clamp. Then, carefully remove the cable from the terminal. Now, remove the door panel. This is where your trim removal tools will come in handy! Locate the screws and fasteners that hold the door panel in place. These are usually hidden behind trim pieces or inside the door handle. Use your trim removal tools to carefully pry off any covers or panels that conceal the screws. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws. Once the screws are removed, carefully detach the door panel from the door. Start by gently pulling on the bottom edge of the panel to release any clips that hold it in place. Work your way around the panel, using your trim removal tools to help if necessary. Once all the clips are released, carefully lift the door panel off the door. Disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the panel, such as those for the power windows, door locks, and tweeters. Gently set the door panel aside in a safe place. Afterward, remove the old speaker. Locate the screws that hold the speaker in place. Use your screwdriver or ratchet set to remove these screws. Carefully detach the speaker from the door. Disconnect the speaker wires from the back of the speaker. You may need to use wire cutters or a screwdriver to disconnect the connectors. Next, install the new speaker. If necessary, install the speaker adapter ring onto the door's speaker mount. Connect the speaker wires to the new speaker, using wire connectors or crimp connectors. If you are using component speakers, mount the tweeter in a suitable location, such as the door panel or dashboard. Carefully position the new speaker in the speaker mount and secure it with the screws. Finally, reinstall the door panel. Reconnect any electrical connectors you disconnected earlier. Align the door panel with the door and carefully snap it back into place, ensuring that all clips are securely fastened. Reinstall the screws that hold the door panel in place. Repeat these steps for all the speakers you want to replace. Do the same process for the other doors. Finally, reconnect the negative battery terminal. Reattach the negative battery cable to the battery terminal and tighten the bolt. Test the new speakers by turning on your car's audio system and playing your favorite music. Ensure that all the speakers are working correctly and that the sound quality is improved. Clean up your workspace and dispose of any trash or old components responsibly. You’ve successfully upgraded your car's sound system! Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning and execution, you might run into some hiccups during the speaker replacement process. Don’t worry; these issues are often easily resolved! Let's troubleshoot some common problems you might encounter. If you are facing no sound after installation, double-check your connections. Make sure that all the speaker wires are securely connected to both the speakers and the wiring harness. Verify that the positive and negative terminals are connected correctly. Double-check that you have reconnected the negative battery terminal, as this is a common oversight. Also, test the head unit to ensure it is functioning. If only some speakers are working, there might be a wiring issue. Carefully inspect the speaker wires for any breaks or disconnections. Make sure that the wires are connected to the correct terminals on the head unit and the speakers. If you are experiencing distortion or poor sound quality, the speakers might be damaged or not properly matched to your head unit. Verify that the speakers are the correct impedance for your system. Ensure that the speakers are not over-powered by your head unit. If the speakers are new, they might require some break-in time to reach their full potential. If the sound is muffled or weak, the speakers might be wired out of phase. Check the wiring to ensure that all speakers have the same polarity. The positive and negative wires must be connected consistently across all speakers. If you hear rattling or buzzing sounds, the speaker might not be mounted securely. Tighten the screws that hold the speaker in place. The door panel might be vibrating against the speaker. Make sure the speaker is properly aligned with the opening in the door panel. If you are experiencing installation difficulties, refer back to the speaker’s manual or online resources. If you are unsure about any steps, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Always double-check your work and troubleshoot systematically to identify and resolve any issues. Remember to stay calm and patient during the process.
Enhancing Your Audio Further
Once you’ve replaced your speakers, you can take your car audio experience to the next level with further upgrades. Consider adding a subwoofer to enhance the bass response. A subwoofer will provide deep, powerful bass that will make your music sound fuller and more dynamic. Subwoofers come in various sizes and configurations. Choose one that fits your budget and car’s space. You can also install an amplifier. An amplifier will provide more power to your speakers, allowing them to play louder and with greater clarity. Choose an amplifier that is compatible with your speakers and head unit. You should also consider upgrading your head unit. A new head unit can offer features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and improved sound processing capabilities. Look for a head unit with the features you want and a good sound quality. Finally, you can add sound deadening material to your doors and other areas of your car. This will reduce road noise and improve the overall sound quality. Sound deadening material absorbs vibrations and reduces reflections, creating a cleaner and more immersive listening environment. With these additional upgrades, you can create a truly exceptional car audio system that will make your driving experience even more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Replacing the speakers in your 2017 Nissan Sentra is a rewarding project that can dramatically improve your car's audio quality. By following this comprehensive guide, you can successfully upgrade your sound system and enjoy a more immersive listening experience. Remember to take your time, gather all the necessary tools and materials, and carefully follow each step. Whether you are a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time car audio project, this guide provides all the information you need to transform your Sentra’s audio. With improved clarity, richer bass, and enhanced overall sound, your favorite tunes will sound better than ever. Get ready to hit the road and experience music like never before! Enjoy your upgraded sound system and happy listening!