Toyota Avalon rear speaker not working?

Answer 1

I assume you're referring to the subwoofer mounted right above the center brake light, right? I've had this exact same problem -- I thought I could get a replacement speaker without any problem. Not true -- there's something about the JBL audio system that makes it impossible to find a replacement speaker (except for going to Toyota Parts and buying one for $260!). The best way to fix this is to remove the subwoofer (a fairly easy job) and send it to the people at simplyspeakers.com. They will repair the speaker for about $50 -- and they do it very quickly. (Repair involves reconing and refoaming the speaker -- nothing I'd recommend for someone to do themselves). This solved my problem.

While I appreciate that the word "easy" is a subjective term for the author above, for me there was nothing easy about getting this speaker out of the car so let me offer some advise. I'm sure this will make it easier for you.

The "cover plate" needs to be removed from within the car. Since you don't want to snap anything or leave scrape marks behind, I removed it using a plastic spatula.

Turn the spatula upside down.

Wiggle it underneath either of the front corners, gently lift and it will pop up

Do the same for the next corner.

Note that the back of this cover plate is also the "eye level" brake light.

Be careful - There is a brake light cable attached to the back which I found difficult to remove so I chose not to.

I just moved the whole cover to one side.

There are four gold bolts you will need to remove with a ratchet.

Do so - don't lose them.

You'll need a real ratchet not the "magic" ratchet that will slip over any bolt to remove.

There's just no room to use it.

As I noticed the design of how the car was assembled, it appears the speaker was installed first, then the nice covering to the back "window sill" and then they installed the back windshield. This makes it impossible to remove the speaker without a little "etching" on your part.

Pull out a razor knife with a VERY sharp blade.

DON'T TRY THIS IS IT'S NOT SHARP.

I noticed that the speaker cover left an indent into the window sill that I used for a guide for my knife cut.

You will be cutting into a thin piece of plywood but its going to take strength, patience and coordination to stay within the indentation.

Place your knife with blade side towards you down against the upper LEFT hand side of the cutout.

Now bring the knife towards you cutting away everything just to the RIGHT of the indented line.

Bring that knife towards you until you make it to the lower left hand corner close to you.

I didn't use a up-and-down hacking motion - I just inserted t the blade and pulled it towards me.

This goes without saying but BE VERY CAREFUL as you are directing a sharp razor to cut in the direction of your chest.

Once you cut this strip away AND the bolts are removed you will find this easy to remove.

From the back seat, you can open up the compartment entering the trunk, slip your hand in and up.

Push the speaker up at an angle towards the cut you just made and out it starts to go.

HOWEVER -

In the LOWER RIGHT, you'll notice the white speaker wire connector that need to be uncoupled.

I used a pair of pliers

On YOUR side of the coupling, there is a (for lack of a better term) an "arm" attached to the coupling that needs to be depressed to release it.

Squeeze, pull back and out it goes.

Pull out the speaker.

I hope this helps in your "surgery"!!!

Trowerr