How to fix Door Speakers on Jeep Cherokee - Fixing Broken Wires in Door Jamb

This How-To video will show you how to fix non-working door speakers on the Jeep Cherokee. The problem lies in the door jamb wiring between the door and the body of the vehicle. This is most commonly an issue on 1997-2001 Jeep Cherokees.
Also check out the second part of this video where I show you how to fix the passenger window problems on the Cherokee as well. The RIGHT way. • Fix Jeep Cherokee Powe...

[@c45275]

One thing I like about KZbin and dudes like you are you save the working man time and money. Mucho appreciated keep the video coming.

[@TheOceanX]

Hands down the best write up for this particular issue. Well done and thank you for sharing the knowledge!

[@TheAmpLab]

You're very welcome.

[@ageingungracefullypushingt7135]

Just repaired a speaker wire yesterday. Never undertook a project like this before and no videos I searched on YT provided the exact info I needed so I reinvented the wheel from step one. If I had only been able to find this video it would have saved me tons of time!

[@byronmitchell9305]

Just bought a 2001 Cherokee. The driver side speaker wasn't working. I had never had to do anything handy, especially on a car. After soldering the wrong wires and then losing the passenger speaker, I finally fixed both speakers all thanks to your video! If it wasn't for this video I would have had absolutely no idea what to do. Thanks!!

[@TheAmpLab]

Awesome! love the feedback!

[@erichimes3062]

Great video and very helpful. Some other things to do while you’re in there is to apply some fluid film to the door skin and spot weldsAnd get some silicone spray on the window tracks. It would also be a good opportunity to lubricate the pushrods for the door lock and handle mechanisms

[@dondercole4249]

Just wanted to let you know your video was a great help in disassembling diagnosing and repairing left front door speaker wiring many thanks!

[@SuperRamcharger]

Well done Mr. Amp Lab! I have the power window and speaker issue in the left door panel, and although I am a professional mechanic, this will save me hours in regards to the door bellows and circuit board re-soldering (your other vid). I found that if I press the door lock button down and to the right just right, the buttons for the windows would illuminate and function, leading me to a circuit board problem, but you pinned it down. You have saved me hours of troubleshooting and I appreciate it. I also successfully pulled off an early engine ('92) I built into this 2000 and damn, it runs great, just high Nox issues but I know what the problem is. High combustion temps due to lean OBDII parameters and also aftermarket Bosch O2 sensors, ATK (NGK) are much faster responding and OE spec.

[@masterjakeway]

I just came here to say, the tip to push the boot into the door makes it way easier! thanks man

[@danrowe79]

Common Jeep problem: GREAT video, good details, lighting and tips. Clear and comprehensive. Appreciate it.

[@Silkforge]

You can also use heatshrink butt connectors if you can't solder. This fix also sometimes can fix your power windows, passengers switches, and power locks depending on the wires that are broken in the door. Good video!

[@ncognitod.460]

'99 XJ Limited here. Very glad I watched your video. People told me about the wires in the door jamb, but I didn't believe because my bundle was perfectly intact. Wire loom all sealed up & undisturbed from the factory. It was hard for me to believe that I had broken wires until I saw what yours looked like. Well, I guess I better get to work! Thank you so much for this video.

[@DarinCates]

I made a continuity tester with sharp heavy wig pins, a light bulb and a 9volt battery. The wires that are not visualy broken can be tested by poking the pins in far ends of the wire insulation. Bless you brother for making this very helpful video.

[@atpmusic1]

I owe this guy!! (and I had like 9 busted wires...)

[@wesleyseigneur6692]

Wire broke in the same spot, had no issues soldering and putting everything back together. So good to finally hear my speakers again!

[@jeffgreen8842]

Your video was perfect. Driver's side door speaker wasn't working when we bought a used Cherokee. Followed your directions to a tee, and the wires we the problem just as you stated. Thanks a ton for the info.

[@robertmcdowell489]

I love KZbin and guys like you that have done all the brain work and put it on youtube to make it easy for us grunts. The driver side speaker was not working on my 2001 Jeep Cherokee also the passenger side window would not work using the passenger switch. I fixed both of these in a couple hours thanks to your video. I found the green wire broke just like yours on the radio, and the bad solder joints on the window switches. Thanks for your service.

[@LsdLsp]

Great video. You just saved me 400+ dollars at cartoys. Had to fix both doors on my 98 2 door. Thanks for the info.

[@Vinny2142]

For the longest time my front speakers didn't work - I just figured they were blown out and the previous owner disconnected them. Took apart the doors and inspected the wires - SNAPPED at the connection in the boot. Problem's fixed now - really awesome and helpful video, thank you!

[@Timk0810]

Just did this work on my '99 XJ. The wire in both driver and passenger side was broken. Exactly like you said, those are the only wires with some sort of hardened material around the connection which actually causes the wire to break off towards the end of that material. cut, spliced, soldered, wrapped. Stock speakers work great! Thanks for the video!

[@ljdavecolorado534]

Excellent set of videos! Thanks for posting! I fixed a friends 2000 XJ today. None of the power windows worked and the power locks didn't work. Found 5 broken wires in the door jam along with another 4 that were getting cut through. After fixing the wires, I needed to repair the solder joints on the arm rest controller circuit board. You two videos rocked and made it an easy job. I have a theory about the broken wires in the door jam. I believe they were caused by that 2 inch piece of rigid shrink tubing covering the speaker wires. After the wires for it broke, it pushed the end into the other wires causing the damage.

[@TheAmpLab]

I agree about the shrink tubing

[@evanmiddlemas9961]

This video just helped me fix my speaker. This whole time I thought it was a bad speaker. It was a single wire right there in that door junction. Thank you!

[@deandeibler8363]

Absolutely great video Bro. In the process of fixing my 2000 Cherokee as we speak. One of the best How-To vids on KZbin. Thank you Sir.

[@rogerball2495]

Thanks for this video! Have a 2001Cherokee and I figured this had to be the cause of that speaker not working. Seeing the steps made such a difference! Couple of suggestions that worked well for me. Didn't pull that rubber boot all the way into the door. Close but left some out. Made it easier putting back. I'm not the best at soldering so instead, picked up some 22-18 weatherproof Butt Connectors. Don't plan on installing a tweeter and don't have the infinity System, so just cut and stripped the dark green speaker wire coming from the door, did the same with the one coming from Jeep body, stuck each stripped end into the different ends to the connector, crimped solidly and then heat treated the connector. Nice solid connection and no soldering! Finished off like you did and all is good. That rubber boot is fun getting to properly sit right but eventually did. Thanks again!

[@gabegreenhalge3455]

I just bought a 2001 Cherokee limited xj and the driver side speaker was working but the passenger wasn't, so i opened the door panel and tested the wires not thinking about the boot, hooked up the new speakers and wasn't getting any sound, watched your video went out saw the broken wire, connected them and got sound!!! Surprising but anyways your vid helped me save alot of time, Thank You!

[@SavedByFaithInJesus]

Had same problems, speakers and locks/windows. 2001 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4WD. I ran new wire for speakers, was more convenient. I also saved the fiberglass fabric and reused it. Watch when you pop the switch buttons, one of mine went flying and I didn't see where it landed... found it much, much later.... Fixed these issues in a few hours total, would have taken less if I hadn't been goofing off. Thank you very much!!!!

[@RacerJames76]

You did a good job of explaining the issue, but since you followed a design flaw and did it the same way it will likely fail again. It is always better to pull the connector out of the kick panel and pull the harness into the door. Make your solder connections where they will be inside the door and in the kick panel so there is only fresh flexible wire in the boot area. Remember solder makes the surrounding wire stiff.

[@petesreviews15]

Thanks so much! A++++ video and it cured my problem. We just bought a 2000 Cherokee Sport and only the rear speakers worked. I found the exact issue in the video in both door boots. Repaired the broken section (it indeed was the stiff heat-shrinked union that cracked out in both doors) and now the stereo sounds great. Thanks again for the fix and the video! Pete in Connecticut

[@thomremington27]

wow...pushing the boot back into the DOOR ...!!... a lifesaver ..!!!...tks . ...!!!..

[@SavedByFaithInJesus]

Well done!! Thank you. I have been wondering about the speaker problem and window switch problem for a few years now. Turns out to be a REALLY quick and inexpensive fix. Thanks again! P.S. If you have any other fix-it videos for the Jeep Cherokee please upload them!!!

[@FireEater]

Great video thanks for sharing I went through the same procedure you mentioned because my car alarm stopped and doorlock stopped working I guess it’s on the alarm circuit but the way jeep has those wires going through that rubber boot are way too short had to add additional wire so it wouldn’t just pull apart. I didn’t cut the boot but to be honest it was a little tough getting the rubber flange behind the sheet metal and into the door jam thanks again it’s people like you that make the world a better place. 👌🏻

[@beefcake3131]

You sir are the man. Thank you, I would have never figured this out.

[@MrDkaljouw]

Thanks a million!! you saved me a fault search and made the fix fast and easy 😀😀 full sound system is back working in my 00 xj.

[@blacksheep25251]

I know... 6 months later... this video rocks! Thank you, especially the part of the 6 1/2 speakers can fit in the doors. So many options now to drill a 1 3/4 hole just to the top right of the speaker and go to a cross over/tweeter woof combo! AWESOME!

[@JPike223]

Thank you so godamn much my dude, all of the speakers on mine went kaput, and i absolutely require music on drives so this absolutely saved my ass❤

[@OrlandoCRamos]

Thanks for making this video. Had a speaker go out and I went out and bought new speakers. Turned out to be the same problem. Broken wire in the door jam. Was on a Dodge Ram, but same fix.

[@oilyfingers]

Thanks, nice video - used it years ago. just wanted to add: Please guys dont forget to put back the boot where it belongs. Friend of mine did not and went through carwash afterwards- real nice aquarium in the paasanger floor area. ☺

[@joshthompson5686]

Awesome! Was able to fix the speaker problem and the power window issue in just a couple hours. Thanks for posting! Though I did get a little gung ho and popped the power window toggle d-pad and cant get it to work... looking back at your video you left it in place. Oh well, I can pull one pretty cheap hopefully, but as for now if I do need to adjust the mirror I can always do it manually. Thanks again!

[@p.murray9767]

fixed mine today thanks to your video, don't know why I waited so long.

[@rickyg.3012]

good video! going through this stuff with the Cherokee i just got, my old 89 never had any issues..even while beating on it and it's a plow vehicle too! i did catch enough when you played with speaker to figure out 105.1 WTOS FM!

[@Mattmazz77]

Thanks, I totally didn't think about the rubber boot trick.

[@albertom.juarez6876]

Awesome video man. Cheers 🍻

[@harrygatto]

I had similar problems on my RHD 1996 XJ where the electric windows would only operate with the driver's door in a certain position, obviously a problem in the wiring harness to the door. I took the whole harness out of the car, the biggest problem being disconnecting the plugs in the A post, not very much room there. The quality of the wiring in the door harness is terrible, some of the connections were just twisted together and taped so I replaced the broken wires and some of the others which felt very crusty. Like you I soldered all connections before taping everything well to keep the water out. It took a couple of hours or more to do but fixed the problems. Jeep wiring is generally poor quality so expect problems in headlight wiring for sure and it's probably best to replace all the cables connecting battery, alternator and starter plus ground cables too.

[@dbzsuperfan711]

Fixed my XJ, didn't even need a speaker, thanks man

[@nateshelden6095]

Thank you so much! Miles above other car repair videos.

[@eastbalkan]

That was my other problem in my car. Thank you this video too!

[@VideoNOLA]

Oddly, my 1999 Grand Cherokee had a big plastic grommet where the wire harness enters the door frame, which (a) made it impossible to "shove the rubber boot" inside the door, and (b) was really hard (impossible for me) to disconnect. Also no sheath around the wiring bundle, so nothing to "cut." So I had to work with all the wires while the boot kept trying to get in my way. And, oh yeah, there was like ZERO SLACK in the wire coming from the kick panel, so I wound up having to solder in extra wire to reconnect the ground (which was broken exactly like you said it was!). Just a warning for others attempting this maneuver; it was a pain in the butt in my case. (I even accidentally CUT one of the other wires, so had to fix it!)

[@DuBxPS3]

Good video. I had the same problem. I bought new speakers and haven’t checked the wires yet, I am getting a dim light on the wire though, I hope it’s just a breaking wire.

[@knplwp2]

This worked for me...Thanks for the great video. You resolved an issue that I've had for years!!!

[@jeepguy95]

The 1644Rs are pretty decent speakers... I paired four of 'em up with a Sony CDX-GT360MP receiver in my '94 ZJ Grand Cherokee, and I was on a budget, so these worked out well, I would've kept the non-premium factory speakers but they were on their way out.

[@confederate8]

My son said his 99 XJ windows have been flakey. When he comes home from Christmas I know what we will be doing. Great video!

[@scottbrown6289]

Thank you for taking the time for these videos!

[@rrcoster]

Thanks for sharing this be very helpful start as my front speakers are not working on my 2000 Grand Cherokee

[@LZDEN]

good how too guide...im replacing my door speakers soon and at the same time im looking at the wiring under the rubber boot as i have unlocking issues in my jeep.thanks for the guide ;-)

[@loveyourenergy4165]

Dude this was so helpful. Thanks. Same exact issue with my cherokee.

[@NursStace]

Perfect! You helped us fix the front driver side front speaker! Your other video helped us fix the power window lockout switch! Any advice for the rear speaker on the driver side in a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Limited? It’s dead too 🙄

[@highwayxj9397]

Thanks for the fix. I’m just confused as to why the door panel has to come off. Seems like the wires are easy enough to access

[@IMPAXSK8]

Thank you so much. This is exactly what happened on my cherokee.

[@vidmag362]

Thanks. I can see my Jeep working properly again, in the very near future.

[@seanneal552]

Thanks for the video. Exactly the same issue on my 2000 XJ. Easy fix.

[@ianpalmer186]

Great video mate. Hopefully this will be the fix needed on my 2005 Grand Cherokee 👍

[@suncityhotshot5546]

Great video thank you

[@SgtStickyTits]

It always happens with the new ones. All of the older XJ's I've owned never have problems. I have an 01, and I've dealt with all of the common problems pretty much, but I was also unfortunate enough to get one with an Aluminum head. Heat soak is real. However, it's a good daily now that I chased all the gremlins away.

[@cobrathomas5492]

Outstanding video. Thank you.

[@timphillips9564]

Awesome video. Thank you very much for saving me a lot of time and money.

[@samparks9443]

thanks for your video it was very helpfull and you explaned everything great

[@pittman82-usmc16]

lol what's that song on the radio at the end?

[@jasonm1690]

Thanks for posting this! I just picked up a 2000 Sport same color blue, and the driver side speaker is out. I have a 14.5 hour shift tomorrow with a lot of down time...so you know what I will be doing lol.

[@TheAmpLab]

Hopefully it doesnt take you the whole 14.5 hours. lol Hour job at most

[@TheAmpLab]

Soo...did it work after? :)

[@sunsetmemories8262]

This is a big help to my issue! Thanks !!

[@madcook1936]

Awesome video thanks for sharing this I will start on mine tomorrow

[@Symtrips]

Thank you for saving me an immense amount of time!

[@balsak_garage]

Nice video! I was able to get both front speakers working because of this. Putting those rubber boots back was a biatch though, any tips for that?

[@duckkiller223]

Great video, i just bought a jeep and I have a problem and have no idea how to fix it, I checked all my wires and they are all in tact and I don't believe my speakers are blown. Is there any other thing I could do to make them work. Thanks

[@ThePOWERtoRULE]

Thanks for posting this!!! Awesome helpful video!!!

[@tonyshelton8397]

I cut the boot on my 2004 JGC I got tired of having to go back into it,First Nothing worked then BOTH passenger door windows and locks stopped working!

[@laithalsabbagh2255]

Yo thanks allot man, but can you do the same thing for the rear speakers as well?!! Please

[@ASKAI1962]

VERY VERY VERY HELPFUL. EXACTLY MY ISSUE

[@brownietheking3397]

My right front is only speaker that works I opened driver side fixed all those broken wire like u instructed but it still dont work neither do backs just the damn left front any suggestions

[@dre04mach]

A lot of the fixes I see have to do with windows, yet no one touches the locks. Most people when they have issues with the locks it's the windows that are gone as well. can that be the same issue - the wires in the doors and/or solder points that you cover in the other video? My power windows work well.

[@jeremysooley2946]

Awesome vid! Do any of those wires connect to the door light? Both my driver side speaker and light are out and I'm thinking some wires broke in the door. If so please reply

[@brick1167]

It is a very good video, it is instructive. Good job man

[@mjoslyn1612]

Great video man. Thanks for the help!

[@glamcrue9271]

Wires were okay just the speaker plug was corroded. I just snipped them and soldered the wires right to the speaker. Works fine now

[@WestbustahSaucedo]

I bought 2 days ago a Jeep Cherokee XJ 2001, the passenger's speaker doesn't work. I was hyped to fix it like you did in your video but then found out there wasn't any speaker lmao. I think the previous owners thought it was the speaker, not the wiring.

[@privateproperty7337]

My 2003 jeep Cherokee has good speakers on the passengers side, but all the other speakers in the back and on the dash and on the drivers side don't work.

[@josemolina7226]

Nice! How about the rear speakers in the back? Thanks.

[@ProjectXJ]

I know I have this problem.... now to fix it. lol

[@markgabello58]

I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee driver side speakers not working looked at replacing tweeters to with the infinity gold is there a way to test that the speaker there use a ohm meter

[@Buck7388]

You rock been looking for help on this ty

[@lJUSTwanaCOMMENT]

Is the yellow and black wire for the separate tweeter? My driver's tweeter is disconnected somehow. It doesn't have the infinity system; I'm installing AM component speakers and I would really like the tweeter wiring to work. Any guidance would be so much appreciated.

[@markbuilds]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@bucs2superbowl03]

Thanks and great video I have the same problem

[@Katarinarabbit]

My problem got a 1996 Jeep xj no power going to rear passenger speaker examining under dash. Any solutions?

[@SuperUnreal2000]

Hey alright alright alright! Awesome video! I have a question though, would it make sense to, instead of resoldering the exact same weak spot, splicing in some new extra wire?

[@TheAmpLab]

You absolutely could. Chances are though this fix will outlast the Jeep.

[@chineena]

Excellent video.

[@Macsk8ing]

Why does mine have an extra brown cable and seems that the green also goes to the upper door connectors as well.

[@FernandoPerez-zh7iz]

Nice work

[@Havenator1]

awesome video. Thanks for the help!

[@andrewbruns4709]

Hey can you use the yellow with black tracer wire with the green wire if you run out of the green wire?

[@thomaspresley9225]

super helpful, bro. thanks a lot

[@ERM213]

Question, my front speakers play fine its my back doors that don't work? Would this be the same solution