1989-1997 Cougar/T-Bird Radio/Speaker Location 'How-To'
 
Sound Systems

The standard radio chassis on the Cougar/Thunderbird is the Electronic Search Cassette (ESC)
The radio system is equipped with conventional radio speakers mounted in the doors and in the rear quarter trim panels.

 

 

Premium

The premium sound system includes:

Available as an option is the compact disc player / radio.
Also available is the trunk-mounted digital audio compact disc player.

JBL System

JBL sound system is available as an option and includes the following:

Refer to Audio System Operating Guide for complete operating instructions.

Radio removal 1989-1993/1994-1997

(1989-1993 max reciever depth 6.5 in)

(1994-1997 max reciever depth 7.5 in)

  1. Set parking brake and disconnect negative battery cable to prevent any electrical short.
  2. Insert DIN tools through the four small holes in face of factory radio. (see diagram)
  3. Press DIN tools in as straight as possible until a click is heard from each side of the radio.
  4. Pull DIN tools slightly apart and pull them toward the rear of the vehicle to remove radio.
  5. Disconnect power, speaker, & antenna connectors from the rear of the radio & remove.
Note: If vehicle is equipped with "Premium Sound" system, amplifier will be located in the trunk, on a black plastic shelf below the rear deck.

Speaker removal

Front Door Speaker 1989-1993/1994-1997

(Front speaker size 5x7in, depth 3 in)

  1. Remove single phillips screw in upper portion of power options switch panel (if equiped) and slid panel toward front of vehicle to remove.
Note: On later models, this screw will not be present. Carefully pry outward on upper portion of switch panel to release retaining clip, then slide panel toward front of vehicle to remove.
  1. Remove phillips screws from rear side of switch panel and pry off connectors.
  2. Remove one (1) phillips screw from door "sail panel" and remove panel.
  3. Remove one (1) phillips-head screw from front of armrest.
  4. Pry outward on upper portion of door release trim to release retaining clips, then slide upward and forward to remove.
  5. Remove one (1) phillps screw from carpeted portion of door panel, behind courtesy light.
  6. Lift door panel off window channel. Disconnect courtesy light connector and remove panel.
  7. Remove four (4) phillips screws securing speaker. Pull out speaker, disconnect and remove.
  8. Re-install door panel by reversing removal steps.

(Front speaker size 5x7/6x8 in, depth 3.9 in)

  1. Unsnap courtesy light lens by prying out at slot in bottom and remove single phillips-head screw from upper front corner of courtesy light frame.
  2. Pry outward to release retaining clips along front, top, and bottom edges of door release handle trim, then slide trim forward to remove.
  3. Remove five (5) phillips screws securing power window and lock switch connectors to rear of panel and pry connectors off.
  4. Pry connector off rear of power mirror switch and remove panel. Remove single phillips-head screw from bracket in front of door release handle. Lift door panel upward, off of window channel and off of door. Disconnect courtesy light connector behind door panel and remove panel.
  5. Remove four (4) phillips-head screws securing speaker to factory mounting location, pull speaker out of mounting cavity, and disconnect speaker connector.
  6. Door panel installation is the reverse of installation.

Rear Quarter Speaker 1989-1993/1994-1997

(Rear side speaker size 5x7in, depth 4 in)

(Rear speaker size 5x7/6x8 in, depth 3.5 in)

  1. Pry outward on lower front and rear corners of speaker grille panel above armrest to release retaining clips. Pull downward on speaker grille panel to remove.
  2. Remove four (4) phillips-head screws securing speaker to rear seat panel, remove speaker, and disconnect speaker connector.
  3. Speaker grille installation is the reverse of installation.