Upgrading an audio system is an easy way to improve the sound in a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The audio system has a head unit as well as six speakers--one in each front door, one in each rear door and two on the top of the instrument cluster. All of the speakers can be easily removed and replaced. The head unit, also easily accessible, can be replaced by most novice mechanics. However, if installing an aftermarket unit, you'll need an appropriate stereo harness, antenna adapter and mounting kit.
Remove the instrument cluster trim piece. Using a screwdriver, remove the four screws along the bottom of the piece and five screws along the top.
Remove the radio. Remove the mounting screws holding the radio in place with a screwdriver and pull the radio slightly out and disconnect the stereo harness connection and antenna connection.
Install the new radio. A stock stereo will use the same existing stereo harness and antenna connection. Connect the harness and antenna and replace the mounting screws with a screwdriver. An aftermarket stereo will require a mounting kit, stereo harness and antenna adapter specific to a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Connect the stereo harness to the existing wiring, push the antenna adapter onto the antenna connection and install the mounting kit onto the aftermarket stereo according to the directions included with the kit. Install the stereo and mounting kit and replace the mounting screws with a screwdriver.
Replace the instrument cluster trim piece. Using a screwdriver, replace the four screws along the bottom of the piece and five screws along the top.
Remove the door trim panel screws with a screwdriver.
Remove the screw holding in the door handle trim with a screwdriver and pull the door handle trim from the door.
Remove the window crank if equipped with manual windows. Pull the crank away from the door to remove it.
Remove the door trim panel. Place a small pry bar between the trim panel and the door and pry outward, detaching the retaining clips from the door. Work the entire way around the door trim to detach all the clips. Pull the trim panel away from the door and disconnect the electrical connections to remove the panel completely.
Remove the screws with a screwdriver and disconnect the electrical harness.
Install the new speakers. Stock speakers will have the appropriate electrical harness included. Connect the wiring harness and replace the mounting screws. Aftermarket speakers do not have this harness. Cut the end of the speaker wires with wire cutters just before the harness and remove the harness. Strip the end of both wires. Connect the positive and negative wires to the appropriate posts on the aftermarket speaker. Replace the speaker mounting screws.
Replace the door trim panel. Connect the electrical connections to the door and push the retaining clips on the back of the panel onto the appropriate holes on the door, locking the panel in place.
Replace the window crank if equipped with manual windows. Push the crank back into place.
Push the door handle trim back into place and replace the screw, holding the panel in position with a screwdriver.
Replace the door panel trim screws with a screwdriver.
Remove the upper cowl top trim panel. Use a small pry bar or screwdriver to pry the cowl away from the dashboard.
Remove the screws with a screwdriver and disconnect the electrical harness.
Install the new speakers. Stock speakers will have the appropriate electrical harness included. Connect the wiring harness and replace the mounting screws. Aftermarket speakers do not have this harness. Cut the end of the speaker wires with wire cutters just before the harness and remove the harness. Strip the end of both wires. Connect the positive and negative wires to the appropriate posts on the aftermarket speaker. Replace the speaker mounting screws.
Replace the upper cowl top trim panel.
