Amplifier

Remove and replace the audio system amplifier located under the rear seat of the vehicle, including disconnection of battery, seat removal, and amplifier electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Audio amplifier × 1 — Use OEM specification - typically 68171593AA or 68171594AA depending on radio package
• Amplifier mounting hardware if damaged × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment
4. Document or photograph radio presets and settings if applicable
5. Ensure rear seat area is clear of personal items

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal clamp bolt. Remove the negative cable from the battery post and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove rear seat bottom cushion
   Locate the two release tabs at the front edge of the rear seat bottom cushion. Push firmly rearward on the front edge of the cushion while lifting upward to disengage the retaining clips. Pull the seat cushion forward and out of the vehicle. The cushion may require significant force to release from the floor clips.
3. 3

   Remove rear seat back
   Locate the two 13mm bolts at the base of the rear seat back on each side. Remove both bolts completely. Lift the seat back upward to disengage it from the lower pivot brackets, then remove it from the vehicle. Set aside in a safe location.
4. 4

   Locate amplifier under seat area
   The amplifier is typically mounted on the floor pan under the rear seat, passenger side area. It will be a rectangular metal box approximately 8x10 inches with multiple wire connectors attached. Use a flashlight to identify the unit and assess connector locations.
5. 5

   Disconnect amplifier electrical connectors
   Identify all electrical connectors attached to the amplifier (typically 2-4 connectors depending on system). Press the locking tab on each connector and pull straight out to disconnect. Do not pull on wires. Note the orientation and position of each connector for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove amplifier ground connection
   Locate the ground wire connection, typically a ring terminal secured by a bolt to the vehicle floor or amplifier mounting bracket. Using a 10mm socket, remove the ground bolt completely. Inspect the ground connection point and clean any corrosion with a wire brush to ensure proper ground contact during reinstallation.
   ℹ️A clean ground connection is critical for amplifier operation. Ensure metal-to-metal contact at ground point
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove amplifier mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove all amplifier mounting bolts securing the unit to the floor pan. There are typically 2-4 bolts depending on amplifier size. Support the amplifier while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove amplifier from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the amplifier out from under the rear seat area, ensuring all wiring is clear and disconnected. Inspect the mounting area for any debris or corrosion. Clean mounting surface if necessary.
9. 9

   Install new amplifier
   Position the new amplifier in the mounting location under the rear seat area. Align the mounting holes with the floor pan brackets. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect ground wire
    Install the ground wire ring terminal to the grounding point on the floor pan or amplifier bracket. Ensure the contact surface is clean and free of paint or corrosion. Install and tighten the ground bolt to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect amplifier electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the amplifier in their original positions. Push each connector firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall rear seat back and bottom
    Position the rear seat back into the vehicle and align with the lower pivot brackets. Push down to engage the pivots, then install the two 13mm mounting bolts finger-tight. Tighten bolts securely. Reinstall the seat bottom cushion by aligning with the floor clips and pushing down firmly until the front clips engage.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery negative terminal
    Clean the battery terminal and cable clamp if necessary. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative battery post. Tighten the terminal clamp bolt to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery post.
    ⚠Do not overtighten battery terminal bolt - this can crack the battery post
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before testing
2. Verify rear seat cushions are properly secured and all mounting bolts are tight
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the rear seat area

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify radio powers on without error messages
• Test all speakers to confirm proper amplifier operation - all speakers should produce clear sound
• Check for any unusual noises or distortion from the audio system
• Verify radio settings and presets are restored if necessary
• Ensure no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster related to electrical systems

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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