electrical
Speaker - Dash
for 2021 Honda Civic 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
4
Steps
10
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the dashboard-mounted tweeter speakers in a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.
Warnings
⚠Dashboard trim pieces are plastic and can crack easily if excessive force is applied during removal
ℹ️The speaker grille is integrated with the tweeter assembly on most trim levels
Tools required
Panel removal tool set (plastic trim tools)Essential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Small flathead screwdriver
Torx T20 driverEssential
Parts
- Dashboard tweeter speaker × 1 — Honda OEM 39120-TBA-A01 or aftermarket equivalent
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Allow interior to cool if vehicle has been in direct sunlight to prevent trim damage
- Identify which dashboard speaker requires replacement (driver side or passenger side)
- Ensure ignition is off and key fob is outside the vehicle
Procedure
- 1Locate the dashboard speaker grilleThe tweeter speaker is located at the forward corner of the dashboard near the A-pillar on each side. The speaker grille is a small triangular or rounded trim piece visible at the top edge of the dashboard.
- 2Release the speaker grilleInsert a plastic trim tool at the rear edge of the speaker grille (closest to the windshield). Gently pry upward to release the retaining clips. The grille is held by 2-3 plastic clips. Work carefully around the perimeter until all clips are released.
- 3Remove the speaker grille assemblyOnce clips are released, lift the grille upward and away from the dashboard. You may need to angle it slightly to clear the surrounding trim. Set the grille aside in a safe location.
- 4Access the speaker mountingWith the grille removed, you will see the tweeter speaker assembly secured to the dashboard frame. On most models, the speaker is held by two or three Torx T20 screws visible around the perimeter of the speaker housing.
- 5Remove speaker mounting screwsUsing a Torx T20 driver, remove the screws securing the speaker assembly to the dashboard. Keep these screws in a safe location as they will be reused during installation. The speaker assembly will now be loose but still connected by the wiring harness.
- 6Disconnect the speaker wiring harnessCarefully pull the speaker assembly away from the dashboard opening to access the electrical connector on the back. Press the locking tab on the connector and gently pull the connector apart to disconnect the speaker. Remove the old speaker completely.
- 7Install the new speakerConnect the wiring harness to the new speaker by aligning the connector and pressing firmly until you hear or feel a click. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector.
- 8Secure the new speakerPosition the new speaker assembly into the dashboard opening, aligning the mounting holes. Insert and hand-tighten the Torx T20 screws, then tighten them in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Torque to approximately finger-tight plus 1/4 turn - these are self-tapping into plastic and do not require high torque.
- 9Test speaker functionBefore reinstalling the grille, turn the ignition to ON (engine does not need to start) and test the speaker by selecting radio or media playback. Adjust the balance and fader settings to isolate the replaced speaker and verify proper operation at various volume levels.
- 10Reinstall the speaker grilleAlign the speaker grille over the speaker assembly, ensuring any alignment tabs are properly positioned. Press firmly around the perimeter of the grille until all retaining clips snap into place. Verify the grille is flush with the surrounding dashboard trim.
Reassembly
- Ensure all speaker grille clips are fully seated and the grille is flush with the dashboard surface
- Check that no gaps exist around the grille perimeter that could cause rattles
Verification
- Turn on the vehicle audio system and verify sound output from the replaced speaker
- Test across multiple volume levels to ensure no distortion or rattling
- Use balance and fader controls to isolate the speaker and confirm proper operation
- Verify the speaker grille is securely attached and does not rattle during test drive