1. Safety First:
* Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery. This is crucial to prevent short circuits and electrical shocks.
2. Accessing the Speakers:
* Locate the speakers: The rear speakers in a Cutlass Supreme are usually located in the rear side panels, in the package tray (behind the rear seats), or a combination of both. You may need to remove some interior panels to access them.
* Remove the rear panels: This often involves prying gently with plastic trim tools around the edges of the panels. Start in one corner and work your way around. There are usually clips holding the panels in place, and you don't want to break them. Be careful and gentle! Consult online forums or repair manuals specific to your Cutlass Supreme's year and model for precise instructions on panel removal. You might find diagrams showing the locations of the clips.
3. Speaker Removal:
* Disconnect the wiring harness: Once you have access to the speakers, you'll need to disconnect the wiring harness connected to each speaker. There may be a connector that simply unplugs. Take a picture before disconnecting to make sure you know how to reconnect them later.
* Remove the speaker: Most speakers are held in place by screws. Remove these screws and carefully pull the speaker out of the panel.
4. Speaker Installation:
* Install the new speakers: Carefully connect the wiring harness to the new speakers, matching the positive (+) and negative (-) wires correctly. If the new speaker wires don't match the existing harness, you may need to use some crimp connectors or solder and heat shrink tubing.
* Mount the new speakers: Secure the new speakers in place using the existing screws or appropriate mounting hardware that came with your new speakers.
* Reconnect the wiring harness: Make sure all connections are secure.
* Reinstall the rear panels: Carefully snap the panels back into place, ensuring all the clips are properly engaged.
5. Testing:
* Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
* Test the speakers: Turn on your car stereo and play some audio to test the new speakers.
Important Considerations:
* Speaker Size: Before buying new speakers, measure the diameter of your existing speakers to ensure you buy replacements of the correct size. Common sizes are 4", 5.25", and 6.5".
* Wiring: If you're upgrading to speakers with higher power handling, you may need to upgrade the wiring to handle the increased current. Using heavier-gauge speaker wire will improve sound quality and prevent overheating.
* Depth: Ensure the new speakers will fit in the mounting depth of the existing speaker locations. Some aftermarket speakers are deeper than factory ones.
* Tools: You'll need plastic trim removal tools to avoid scratching the interior panels.
* Online Resources: Search online forums like car forums dedicated to Oldsmobile Cutlass Supremes. Searching for "1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme rear speaker replacement" will likely yield helpful threads with pictures and advice. YouTube videos might also be useful.
This is a general guide, and the specific steps may differ slightly depending on your vehicle's configuration. If you're not comfortable working on your car, it's best to take it to a professional car audio installer. Remember safety first!
