Door Speaker - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

sheureka · 09-17-2009, 06:01 PM

Does anyone have an OEM door speaker? I know a lot of you have replaced your speakers and am hoping someone still has one of the originals. I was coming home this afternoon and the speaker on the drivers side started making really loud cracking noises. I imagine it's probably a warranty issue, but since I'm a day away from the nearest dealer I'd rather just see if I can replace it myself (or get someone to do it

). If I can't find an original I may end up just replacing the door speakers, although I suspect that would be a little more involved (and more expensive). Thanks for any help - sheureka

John_H · 09-17-2009, 07:20 PM

Replacing a speaker with OEM is the same as replacing a speaker with something ever so much better. And speakers aren't outrageously expensive.

If you seriously have your heart set on OEM - I'm hesitant because I'd like to see you upgrade - I have an OEM speaker I could send.

NCC1701 · 09-17-2009, 07:28 PM

Is it possible you've blown the speaker by playing it really loud? If not, there is a slight chance the noise has another source besides the speaker itself. Or, as you suggest, it is also possible the speaker was just defective.

But, if you're going to replace the speakers, I'm with John on this ... might as well upgrade. It doesn't cost a lot to improve on the OEM speakers. I've still got my originals. I have thought about tossing them in the trash. But, I'll hold off on that action for now.

sheureka · 09-17-2009, 09:35 PM

No, I wasn't playing it really loud (just listening to the met on xm radio). It started suddenly, and then seemed to get worse. It's a very loud cracking sound, and is clearly coming from the speaker in the door. It is impossible to listen to the radio at all now.

Maybe the radio is just having a bad day (god know, I am). Maybe it will heal itself over night (yeah, right).

So if I decide to get the Polks do I buy the slim ones or the regular ones? Thanks a lot guys. - sheureka

John_H · 09-17-2009, 09:40 PM

Sheureka - do you have a radio 10 that you hook your xm up to?

Given the trouble at least two owners have had with "crackling sounds" with their OEM radios, I'm wondering if your problem isn't your speaker.

sheureka · 09-17-2009, 09:49 PM

Yes, it's hooked up to the radio 10. But I've had the car for about 18 months. If it were the radio wouldn't it have happened before now?

I really don't know what is going on with the other speakers. I just heard that awful sound coming from the door while I was driving. But now that you say that, I first thought the sound was coming through the tweeter. And then it got louder and louder and that's when I decided it was the door speaker.

Looking at the instructions at Evilution I know I wouldn't be able to remove the door myself, so if I'm going to have to hire someone to do this I may as well add new speakers at the same time. But I'll call the dealer tomorrow anyway.

Does the warranty expire 24 months from manufacturer or 24 months from first sale? If it's manufacturer date I have to get this soon. - sheureka

John_H · 09-17-2009, 11:21 PM

The warranty is 24 months from first sale.

The radio10 is pretty easy to swap though there is some finger strength to get under the radio frame to pull it out. If you look at this pdf I did long ago you'll see a radio swap isn't extreme (just ignore the tweeter and subwoofer stuff).

Could I send you a radio10? I've had a radio9, radio10, and speakers sitting in my garage for too long. It might be a little dusty but I'd expect it would clean up well. If the radio swap works, PayPal me the cost of shipping (under $15) and if the problem is still there, pass the radio10 along to someone else who can use it.

Failures can happen in time with electronics just as easy as with speakers. Given the "crackling" problems noted recently, I'd tend to think it's the radio.

SubSlr88 · 09-18-2009, 03:18 PM

I found that the crackling sound from my speakers was caused by the radio itself. It did it even with the radio OFF~! I pulled the fuse until I could get a replacement radio 9 from a generous soul on this forum. When time allows I'll run it down to the dealer for a replacement, but for now it's great to have tunes again.
So the problems may NOT be the speakers . . . I personally think it has something to do with the soft switch that can turn the radio off and on without the key being on. . . mine first happened after sitting out in the sun all afternoon with the windows up. Was about 98 that day.
GOOD LUCK~!

Wdhitch · 09-18-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheureka

So if I decide to get the Polks do I buy the slim ones or the regular ones? Thanks a lot guys. - sheureka

Easy answer... you don't.

Infinity 6022i - That's what you want. I had the polks and switched up to these. They're the same price if not cheaper (mine were $99 at bestbuy) and the sound is really that much better (bigger magnet). They also have rotatable tweeters and really nice grills. Installation was a snap!!

install tip... you don't have to use the clips that come with the new speakers... the plastic the door is made of is plenty strong to hold the screws... just don't over tighten.

mrc59 · 09-18-2009, 04:38 PM

sheureka,

I'm pulling my stock OEM speakers soon. You're welcome to them for P&H to you.