Audio System - Rear Speaker Retrofitting
Boxster0301 9142
Binder - 8/9, A/C & Electrics
This bulletin replaces bulletin Group 9, # 0001, dated 9-29-00.
Date: 8-22-03
Vehicle Type:
Boxster/Boxster S
Model Year:
As of 1997 (V)
Concern:
Installation of the rear speaker kit.
Filing:
Remove bulletin Group 9, # 0001, dated 9-29-00 from the Boxster Technical Manual and file this bulletin. Affix supersession decal across page 323 of Technical Bulletin Book Q.
Information:
On vehicles without rear speakers, a retrofit kit is now available to install them. They are installed in the hard plastic storage compartment behind the seats. The addition of rear speakers will enhance stereo imaging and add the fader function to the radio. The kit can be installed in Boxsters with either the base radio system M 441 (dashboard speakers) or optional M490 system (Harman Amplifier). The hard plastic storage compartment must be ordered if the vehicle is not equipped with one.
On Model Years 1997-2002 the speakers are connected directly to the radio outputs regardless of options M441 or M490
On Model Years 2003 and up the speakers are connected to the radio outputs (M441) without external amplifier, or connected to the amplifier outputs if M490 is present.
Note:
This kit will work with the Becker 210, 220, CDR 23 series radio or PCM 1 or 2.
Parts Information:
Tools:
Torx screwdriver # 20
Flat tip and Phillips screwdrivers
Diagonal cutters
Hot glue gun
Rotary tool with cut-off and drum sander attachments
Safety knife
Work Procedure:
Installation of the rear speakers and wiring harness.
1. Installing the speakers in the rear storage compartment.
1.1 Disconnect the battery. Remove the rear storage compartment and place it upside down on a work bench
1.2 Remove the 6 mounting screws (J-20 Torx) for the side storage bins.
Note:
These will be used later to mount the speakers.
1.3 Using the rotary tool with the cutoff bit, cut the epoxy holding the front of the storage bin to the storage compartment. A safety knife can be used to cut any remaining glue away.
Caution!
The front of the storage compartment is made of very thin plastic. It is very easy to break it while removing the storage bin if all the glue is not cut away
1.4 While depressing the side tabs, carefully move the storage bin to the rear and lift out of the storage compartment. (Figure 2)
1.5 Remove all remaining glue from the storage compartment using the rotary tool with the drum sander attachment. Install the speaker grilles making sure that they are snapped in on both side tabs.
1.6 Glue the bottom edge of the speaker grille using the hot glue gun. Apply the glue also behind the side mounting tabs. This will keep the tabs from spreading preventing the grille popping out.
1.7 Plug the speakers into the speaker harness. The speaker harness exits on the right side of the storage compartment. Install the speakers in the storage compartment using 8 Torx screws (6 saved plus 2 supplied with the kit). Secure the harness with the cable clips. (Figure 3)
1.8 The storage compartment is now complete. Install it in the vehicle.
Note: If you are updating to the later style storage compartment, the old style compartment or hold down must be removed first. Install the mounting hardware and rose in the new storage compartment before installing in the vehicle.
2. Installing the wiring harness from the radio to the speakers.
2.1 Remove the r/s rear panel, which covers the seatbelt retractor and roll bar mounting.
2.2 Remove the r/s rocker panel storage compartment and the plastic carpet support that's under it.
Caution!
The airbag side impact sensor is mounted in this area. Make sure the battery was disconnected in step 1.1.
2.3 Remove the foam covering and r/s duct to the side vent from the underside of the dash. Remove the radio using the provided keys.
2.4 Run the wiring harness from the r/s of the storage compartment following the vehicle harness up to the radio. It will be necessary to pull the kick panel carpeting back a little to follow the main harness. Tie wrap the speaker harness to the main harness. Loop the extra wire and tie under the dash. Speaker plug is attached to the roll bar in the square hole that is stamped in the cross brace.
Caution!
Tie-wrap harness away from the seatbelt retractor or it could become entangled in it.
2.5 Model Year 1997 to 2002, go to step 2.5.1. Model Year 2003 and up, go to step 2.5.2.
2.5.1 On a basic radio setup (M 441) insert the wires on plug B in the following order. Green/Black in position 1 and its ground (-) in position 2. Red/Black in position 7 and its ground (-) in position 8. With M 490, use the brown plug provided and install the wires in the plug in the same positions. Install plug in position B on the back of the radio. See figure 5. Go to step 3.
2.5.2 On a basic radio setup (M 441) insert the wires on plug B in the following order (see figure 5). Right rear speaker positive (+) in position 1 and ground (-) in position 2. Left rear speaker posi4ive (+) in position 7 and ground (-) in position 8. Install plug in position B on the back of the radio.
With the M 490 option, the speaker wires must be routed to the amplifier before installing the brown connector (plug B). Once this is completed, insert the wires into plug B in the following order (see figure 5):
Green/Black in position 1 and its ground (-) in position 2. Red/Black in position 7 and its ground (-) in position 8.
Plug in the amplifier adapter cable into the brown plug and insert the wire connectors to the amplifier plug housing in the following order (see figure 6):
Right rear speaker positive (+) Green/Black in position A4 and its ground (-) in position A13. Left rear speaker positive (+) Red/Black in position A12 and its ground (-) in position A3.
3. Reinstall all removed components, recode radio and test speaker operation. You should be able to balance and fade to all the speakers.
Working Time:
Disclaimer