2001 Jeep Cherokee - For a while now the A/C only works out the defrost. Now the stereo only works in the rear. We were told the A/C fix requires removing the entire dash - and possibly the windshield. Is it possible that the stereo problem can be repaired without removing the dash ? Thanks.

 

yes, putting a stereo in an XJ is about an hour long job at most

 

Thanks - it is the original stereo (with cassette tape) - is it possible that there are independent cables at the rear of the stereo for front/rear speakers or do you think the problem is with the stereo itself ? (or maybe the front speakers - but then again, if there are more than one speaker in the front neither work).

 

id suggest a short before the wiring splits off for each door..

 

when you open each door theres a rubber boot that contains wires for the speakers and all the switches on the door. Its common for those wires to crack and break over time. Check there first

 

I'm assuming that you do NOT have the Infinity system, correct? The Infinity sound system came stock on the Limited trim level and had two speakers in each door, one 5.25" speaker at the bottom and a 1" tweeter at the front of each window, next to the side mirrors. It also had an amp mounted under the rear seat on the driver's side. Please clarify which system you have, because they have different system components.

Before you go crazy checking wires, pull one of the door speakers out and look at it. The OEM front speakers in these trucks like to rot away. Without the diaphragms, the speakers can't produce sound. People pull their hair out trying to trace down wiring problems that don't exist, only to find that their speakers were dead all along. If the diaphragms look intact, THEN start looking for other problems.

If the diaphragms have disintegrated, you have to decide whether to replace the speakers alone or replace the entire system. The stock stereo is a 2-ohm system. Most current systems are 4 ohms. As a result, there are not as many 2-ohm replacement speaker options. They are out there, but not as abundant. If you end up converting over to 4-ohm, you'll not only need new front speakers and new head unit, but also new rear speakers and (if you have the Infinity system) a new amp.

If you don't have any wiring issues, you may be able to reuse your existing wiring harness. Crutchfield even provides plug-and-play harnesses if you order your system from them. However, that depends entirely on what kind of system you build, whether you have to add an amp, whether you use crossovers (the stock system doesn't use them), etc.

In other words, if it's just a speaker replacement, it's a simple 20-minute job. If you build a new system, you have some research ahead of you.

 

Thank you for the replies. Went out to the Jeep this morning armed with all your info - and the front speakers are working. So I guess the good news is that the speakers (and radio) are ok. I guess the bad news is that the next pothole I hit it will probably stop working.