JBL Audio System Gutted

[obbiera]

I'm new to this forum, but I've already found a lot of helpful advice for my 2005 Sport. I got a steal on it so I couldn't pass it up, but I'm finding some issues as I go along.

When I bought it it had no HU, just an open hole in the dash--they told me it would take 2 weeks and cost another 1000 to restore the factory JBL System--so I took it as is. I had a car stereo dealer install a middle of the line aftermarket HU and it sounded ok so I didn't see much of an issue. As I have looked more into it, I see more and more problems.

• Only the door speakers are working
• No sound in the center dash speaker or door tweeters
• The sub and amp were removed from the cargo area

I need some advice as to what to do to get the system working as it's intended. Am I going to have to gut it and restart or can I salvage what I have. All of the speakers other than the sub and amp are still installed, just not working. The previous owner did some random stuff with the electronics so I'm hoping there isn't more problems when I dig into it.

Thanks

 

[97BlackAckCL]

If the amp has been removed, then that is why the other channels aren't running, my guess is they ran a set of wires to the door speakers and nowhere else, and are powering off the head unit. I would take it back and tell them that you want an amped setup with all speakers working

 

[jimithing]

Your options are to reconstruct the JBL system or create a new system. Neither one will be cheap if you want the front center channel and sub channel working. Did you buy it from a dealer or individual?

If you bought it from a dealer and they're willing to get you a fully working JBL system for $1000 it might not be a bad idea unless you're a real audiophile and know you'll want to upgrade to a higher quality system. The JBL system requires an amp like 97BlackAckCL says. There are all kinds of special wiring harnesses for that system so hopefully they haven't been cut out.

If you bought it from an individual or the dealer isn't willing to work it out with you then I would just go aftermarket. It will be cheaper and easier than hunting down all the various JBL components and getting them reinstalled. You will probably end up running a lot of new speaker wire this way but if you're a DIY'er it will end up cheaper.

 

[stevec5000]

Or, just pickup an amp and install it. Crutchfield has lots of accessory kits and charts showing what you need to install different units in your vehicle.

 

[gshadow325]

i so hate the JBL system and i am about to dump it all.

I am planning on the following

Kenwood xr900.5 five channel amp
Kenwood thin sub in place of oem sub.

bass knob

front center speaker ran thru Kenwood radio
all four stock speakers powered on the amp till they blow

mount the amp in the same location as oem amp

 

[ddnww]

take it as a blessing, install new aftermarket speakers and amp(s) and sub(optional)

 

[zopperman]

i'm new to this forum, but i've already found a lot of helpful advice for my 2005 sport. I got a steal on it so i couldn't pass it up, but i'm finding some issues as i go along.

When i bought it it had no hu, just an open hole in the dash--they told me it would take 2 weeks and cost another 1000 to restore the factory jbl system--so i took it as is. I had a car stereo dealer install a middle of the line aftermarket hu and it sounded ok so i didn't see much of an issue. As i have looked more into it, i see more and more problems.

• only the door speakers are working
• no sound in the center dash speaker or door tweeters
• the sub and amp were removed from the cargo area

i need some advice as to what to do to get the system working as it's intended. Am i going to have to gut it and restart or can i salvage what i have. All of the speakers other than the sub and amp are still installed, just not working. The previous owner did some random stuff with the electronics so i'm hoping there isn't more problems when i dig into it.

Thanks

buy my old jbl components!!!

 

[obbiera]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice, I will be able to do a more thorough search when I can take the cargo area apart this weekend. From peeking behind the panel it looks like the former owner tore out all the components and did some crazy rigging to make the door speakers even work. There are cut harnesses and spliced wires running all different directions and not seeming to connect to anything. I will post the pictures this weekend and maybe that will help.

If all the harnesses and such are still intact for the original amp and sub, I would be interested in picking up someone's that has upgraded--my wife is expecting so I might get killed if I bought a new system.

Thanks