Featured Highlander JBL Small Stereo Upgrade HU, Speakers, Amplifier

highlander15 said:

Hi all,

I’m beginning an audio project on my car and need some advice on the wiring that happens on the highlander JBL systems. From my research it is difficult to access and tap into the existing factory wiring. So my plan is to add new 2 way components to the front of the car doors/tweeter location and a coaxial in the rear doors. Plus a 10” sealed subwoofer in the trunk. I’ll be bypassing the JBL amp and all stock speakers.

How do I tap into the factory wiring at the doors? The molex connector doesn’t allow for speaker wiring to pass through easily. Any advice on getting wiring to the stock locations? I have the metro adapters to tap into the stock wiring, but where do I access them after that.

Thank you!


Current EQ

HU: Pioneer 5000NEX
AMP: Kicker 1200.5
SPEAKERS: Morel components and coax
SUB: Sundown SML-10
WIRE: NVX 4 gauge


Starting to map out amp location and wiring runs

Click to expand...

Accessing Factory Wiring​

1. Identify Access Points:
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2. Removing the Door Panels:
   • Start by removing any screws that may be holding the door panel in place. These are often located near the door handle, armrest, and along the bottom edge of the panel.
   • Use a trim removal tool to gently pry off the panel, being careful not to break any clips. Once you have access to the inside of the door, you can locate the factory speaker wiring.
3. Locating the Molex Connector:
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4. Tapping into the Wiring:
   • If the Molex connector doesn’t allow for easy access, you can cut the factory speaker wires leading to the stock speakers (after confirming they are not being used by the JBL amp) and use these as your connection points for your new speakers. Be sure to use wire connectors or solder the connections to ensure a solid connection.
   • Alternatively, if you want to avoid cutting factory wires, you can use the Metro adapters you mentioned. These adapters should plug into the factory harness, allowing you to run your new speaker wires from the adapter to your new components.

Wiring the Components​

1. Front Components:
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2. Rear Coaxials:
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3. Subwoofer Installation:
   • For the 10” Sundown subwoofer, you’ll need to run power and ground wires from your Kicker 1200.5 amp to the trunk. Since you’re using 4-gauge wire, ensure you have a suitable fuse holder and fuse near the battery to protect your system.
   • Connect the subwoofer output from the amp to the subwoofer using appropriate gauge speaker wire.

Additional Tips​

• Sound Deadening: Consider applying sound deadening material in the doors to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.
• Grounding: Make sure your amp is grounded securely to the chassis to avoid noise issues.
• Testing: Before reassembling the door panels, test the speakers to ensure everything is working correctly.

Final Thoughts​