Upgrade Your 2017 Nissan Sentra Speakers: A DIY Guide

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 54 views

Hey car audio enthusiasts! Are your factory speakers in your 2017 Nissan Sentra sounding a little… blah? Do you crave a richer, more immersive audio experience? If so, you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the process of 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement, transforming your daily commute into a concert on wheels. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting, this guide offers easy-to-follow steps, helpful tips, and everything you need to know about upgrading your car's audio system.

Why Replace Your Nissan Sentra Speakers?

So, why bother with a 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement anyway? Well, the stock speakers that come with your Sentra, while functional, often leave much to be desired. They're typically designed with cost-effectiveness in mind, meaning they might lack the clarity, depth, and overall sound quality you deserve. Replacing your speakers can dramatically improve your listening experience, offering a range of benefits:

Enhanced Sound Quality: New speakers with better components deliver clearer highs, richer mids, and deeper bass, bringing your music to life.
Improved Clarity: Say goodbye to muddy sound. Upgraded speakers offer better definition, allowing you to hear every instrument and vocal nuance.
Increased Volume: Crank up the tunes without distortion. Quality speakers handle higher volumes with ease.
Personalized Sound: Choose speakers that match your listening preferences. Whether you love thumping bass or crystal-clear vocals, there's a speaker for you.
Boost Your Car's Value: Upgrading your audio system can be a selling point if you ever decide to sell your Sentra.

Upgrading your 2017 Nissan Sentra speakers is a worthy investment, guys. It significantly improves your driving experience. The difference between stock and aftermarket speakers is like night and day. You'll wonder why you waited so long!

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before you dive into the 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement, gather your tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here's a checklist:

Replacement Speakers: Choose speakers that fit your budget and sound preferences. Make sure they are the correct size (more on this later!).
Screwdrivers: A set of Phillips head and flathead screwdrivers is essential.
Panel Removal Tools: These plastic tools prevent damage to your door panels.
Socket Set: You might need a socket set for some bolts.
Wiring Harness Adapters: These adapters let you connect your new speakers to the factory wiring without cutting any wires. This makes it easier to reverse the process if you want to go back to the original speakers.
Speaker Wire: You might need extra speaker wire if your new speakers come with short wires.
Wire Strippers/Crimpers: For preparing and connecting speaker wires.
Electrical Tape: To secure connections and prevent shorts.
Work Light: A good work light will help you see what you're doing inside the car.
Gloves: Protect your hands while working.
Optional Sound Deadening Material: Consider adding sound deadening material to the door panels for improved sound quality.

Gathering all the necessary tools and materials upfront prevents frustrating trips to the store mid-project. It's best to be over-prepared than under-prepared, right?

Speaker Size and Compatibility for Your 2017 Nissan Sentra

One of the most crucial steps in 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement is ensuring you get the right size speakers. Incorrect speaker size will make the installation impossible, so take your time and do it right, folks!

Front Speakers: The front speakers in your 2017 Nissan Sentra are typically 6.5-inch speakers. However, it's always best to double-check by removing the door panel and measuring the existing speaker.
Rear Speakers: The rear speakers are also usually 6.5-inch speakers. Again, verify the size before purchasing new speakers.
Tweeters: Some Sentra models have separate tweeters in the front doors. These are usually smaller, around 1-inch in size.

Important Note: Always measure your existing speakers or consult your car's manual to confirm the exact sizes. Speaker sizes can sometimes vary based on trim levels and factory options. Websites like Crutchfield are great resources for finding compatible speakers because they specify which speakers fit your car model. They also often provide installation guides. Guys, don't just assume the sizes, confirm them! Incorrect size is one of the most common mistakes in 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement, and it's easily avoided with a little research.

Step-by-Step Speaker Replacement Guide

Alright, let's get down to business! Here's a detailed guide on how to replace your speakers in your 2017 Nissan Sentra: Remember to disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any electrical work.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

Safety First: Disconnect the negative (black) battery terminal using a wrench. This prevents any electrical shorts.
Protect Your Car: Park your Sentra on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Cover your car's interior with a clean sheet or towels to prevent scratches.

Step 2: Remove the Door Panel

Locate the Screws: Find and remove all screws holding the door panel in place. These screws are usually hidden behind plastic covers or trim pieces.
Remove Trim Pieces: Carefully remove any trim pieces or covers using a trim removal tool. Pry them gently to avoid breaking them.
Unclip the Door Panel: Once all screws are removed, use a trim removal tool to gently pry the door panel away from the door. Start at the bottom and work your way around, releasing the clips.
Disconnect the Wiring: Once the panel is loose, disconnect any electrical connectors, such as those for the power windows, door locks, and tweeters. There may be a light in the door panel. Unplug it as well.
Remove the Door Panel Completely: Lift the door panel up and away from the door, being careful not to damage any wires or connectors.

Step 3: Remove the Old Speakers

Unscrew the Speaker: Locate the screws that hold the speaker in place. Remove these screws. Often they are Phillips head screws.
Disconnect the Wiring: Disconnect the speaker wiring from the speaker terminals. You might need to use a small screwdriver to release the connectors.
Remove the Old Speaker: Carefully remove the old speaker from the door.

Step 4: Install the New Speakers

Install Speaker Adapters (If Needed): If your new speakers require adapters, install them now. These adapters often come with the speaker.
Connect the Wiring Harness Adapters: Connect the wiring harness adapters to the factory wiring and to the terminals on your new speakers. This simplifies the wiring process and prevents cutting your factory wiring.
Mount the New Speaker: Align the new speaker with the screw holes and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.

Step 5: Reassemble the Door Panel

Reconnect the Wiring: Reconnect all electrical connectors you disconnected earlier, including those for power windows, door locks, and any lights in the door panel.
Align the Door Panel: Carefully align the door panel with the door and make sure all the clips line up.
Snap the Panel Back into Place: Press the door panel firmly to snap the clips back into place.
Reinstall the Screws and Trim Pieces: Replace all screws and trim pieces you removed earlier.

Step 6: Test the Speakers and Repeat

Test the Speakers: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn on your car and test the new speakers to ensure they are working correctly.
Repeat for Other Speakers: Repeat the entire process for the remaining speakers in your Sentra.

Tips for a Successful Speaker Replacement

Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement: Remember, guys, patience is a virtue!

Take Your Time: Don't rush the process. Rushing can lead to mistakes and damage.
Work in a Well-Lit Area: Good lighting is essential for seeing what you're doing.
Use the Right Tools: Using the correct tools makes the job easier and reduces the risk of damage.
Protect Your Car: Use protective covers to prevent scratches.
Read the Instructions: Always read the instructions that come with your new speakers.
Watch Videos: There are many helpful videos online that demonstrate the speaker replacement process. YouTube is your friend!
Don't Force Anything: If something doesn't fit, don't force it. Double-check your work and make sure you have the right components.
Sound Deadening: Consider adding sound deadening material to the door panels for improved sound quality and reduced road noise.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems you might encounter during your 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement:

Speaker Doesn't Work: Double-check your wiring connections. Make sure the speaker wires are connected correctly and securely. Verify that the negative battery terminal is properly connected.
Sound is Distorted: Check for loose connections or incorrect wiring. Make sure the speaker is properly mounted and not vibrating against the door panel. The speaker may be blown.
Speaker Doesn't Fit: Ensure you have the correct size speakers. If necessary, order the correct size of adapters.
Door Panel Won't Go Back On: Make sure all the clips are aligned and that you haven't forgotten to reconnect any wiring harnesses. Check for any obstructions.

If you're still having trouble, consider consulting a professional car audio installer. Sometimes, a little professional help can save you a lot of frustration.

Conclusion

Congratulations, guys! You've successfully completed your 2017 Nissan Sentra speaker replacement! Now, enjoy your upgraded audio experience. You’ve brought your music to life and made your daily commutes more enjoyable. Remember to always prioritize safety and take your time. If you run into any snags, don't hesitate to seek help from online forums, video tutorials, or professional installers. Happy listening!