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For any Jeep Grand Cherokee driver, there is nothing more pleasant than the sound of the engine of his iron horse and the whistling of the wind outside the windows when you drive along the track at high speed. However, sometimes you want to enjoy pleasant, light music when you go on business.

It becomes particularly problematic when you’re going on a long road - for hundreds and thousands of kilometers. In this case, a favorite playlist is simply necessary. If there is a family with a child, it should be entertained on a long journey, for example, by turning on cartoons on the Jeep Grand Cherokee's multimedia system.

However, the stock audio system of the Grand Cherokee often does not satisfy all the user's needs. It may not be loud enough, and the music will be interrupted by the surrounding noise, or some sound won't be at the highest level - with wheezing, extraneous noises, interruptions during the sound, etc.
If you're not satisfied with your Jeep’s sound system, don't tolerate any compromises. You can improve your sound system and make every trip even more enjoyable. This article will guide you on this topic.

Evaluate all the risks - perhaps you should entrust your Jeep to professionals?

Improving the Jeep Grand Cherokee's audio system is a rather long process that requires knowledge and skills in working with electricity. It is necessary not only to be able to connect the system but also to know the wiring diagram of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Incorrectly connected wires can lead not only to interruptions in the operation of the system but also to short circuits and significant problems with the car.

Therefore, if you aren't confident in your efforts - perhaps you should entrust this matter to professionals - you won't have to waste time, and you'll be sure that everything will be done qualitatively and the new sound in the Grand Cherokee will please your ears.

Don’t forget to disconnect the negative battery terminal



Before starting any work on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, do not forget to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. De-energize the car - this is necessary both for your safety, so as not to get electrocuted, and for the safety of your Jeep - to prevent a short circuit.

What tools do you need to upgrade Jeep Grand Cherokee's stereo?

Depending on what exactly you decide to install in your vehicle, you may additionally need certain tools. We provide a list of tools that you will need in any case.

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These are:

• A set of wrenches;
  
• Insulating tape;
  
• Screwdrivers (cross and flathead);
  
• Pliers;
  
• Soldering iron;
  
• Set of wires (they are individual for each system);
  
• Scheme/diagram of the electrical system of the Grand Cherokee;
  
• Multimeter.
  

Speakers Setup


70% of the quality of music depends on the speakers because the sound is transmitted through them. In most cases, cheap speakers tend to creak and crackle, and over time, they will sound quieter.

If this happens, you need to choose a better sound option. Look for speakers from proven acoustic manufacturers, and check the reviews. The average price for speakers is $100-$200 per unit. For $200 or more, you can buy more expensive speaker options with crystal sound quality.

How to choose speakers for your Jeep Grand Cherokee

In addition to selecting high-quality speakers, it is important to choose a product that will fit your Jeep Grand Cherokee model year. Each vehicle has a standard place for speakers - it is selected separately for each Grand Cherokee model  and differs in diameter.

That's why you need to choose the same size speakers - otherwise, they simply won't stay in place (if they're too big) or they'll dangle (if they're too small).

You can see the dimensions and number of speakers installed in your Jeep Grand Cherokee here.

How to install speakers in your Jeep Grand Cherokee?



If you have chosen the product correctly, there should be no issues with installing the speakers. The process is based on the Plug and Play principle. In order to replace the speakers, you need to do the following:

Locate your speakers (Their position varies depending on the make and model of the car);

Dismantle the paneling that prevents the speakers from being removed (remove door panels or other interior elements);

Remove the speakers from the seat (they can be fixed with self-tapping screws or bolts);

Disconnect the wires going to the speakers. Mark plus and minus cables so that there are no problems with their identification while assembling back;

Remove the speaker and install a new one in its place. If you have chosen everything correctly, there will be no problems with this. If the size is slightly off, you may need to trim the plastic a bit;

Connect the wires to the speaker. It is important to connect the right wires to the right connectors, so read the diagram again for reassurance!;

Insert the speakers into their place - check that they stand straight, don't move, and don't "jump" in their seating position;

Assemble the trim and panels back in their places;

Repeat the operation with all the speakers you want to replace.

In addition to installing the speakers in their regular place, you can place them wherever you want: in the car door, in the trunk, at the feet, under the rear window, and even in the glove compartment.

However, for this, you will need to make changes to the design - cut out new places for the speakers (new ones), as well as conduct new wiring for the new speakers.

In general, you can install an unlimited number of speakers, it all depends on your imagination and how much you are willing to make changes to the design of the interior of your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Try to make sure that all the speakers are of the same brand - otherwise, it may affect the sound quality.

Keep in mind that the large number of speakers in the door increases their weight and vibrations (especially at low frequencies). Because of this, the door panel can vibrate strongly and even peel off.

Subwoofer Setup



The purpose of a subwoofer in a Jeep Grand Cherokee stereo ecosystem is to reproduce low-frequency sounds, especially deep bass.

Subwoofers are designed to reproduce the lower end of the audio frequency spectrum, typically between 20 Hz and 200 Hz, although some models can operate even lower. These frequencies are often difficult to accurately reproduce with conventional car speakers due to their size and limitations.

By adding a subwoofer to your Grand Cherokee’s stereo, you can improve the overall sound quality and listening experience. Subwoofers are capable of reproducing deep, powerful bass that you can feel and enjoy, adding a sense of depth and richness to your music.

They can greatly improve the impact and realism of movie soundtracks and other audio content that contains low-frequency effects.
The average price of a normal subwoofer is 250-300 dollars.

How to choose a subwoofer for Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Choosing a subwoofer is a bit more difficult. More factors need to be considered. The first thing to choose is the type of subwoofer - active or passive.

Active subwoofer advantages

Built-in Amplifier. If you buy an active subwoofer, it comes with a built-in amplifier, so you won't have to buy it separately. It also eases the process of installation while saving space in your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Compact Design. In most cases, active car subwoofers are designed to be compact and roomy, which makes their installation in smaller vehicles possible.


Easy Installation. Due to the fact that the amplifier is built into the subwoofer's construction, installation is simple. After connecting the power and audio inputs, the subwoofer is set to boost your Grand Cherokee's audio system.

Control & Adjustability. Active Jeep Grand Cherokee subwoofers allow you to control a wider variety of settings, including gain, frequency, and phase. Thanks to it, you can adjust and fine-tune the bass response according to the Jeep Grand Cherokee's acoustics and other speakers.

Active subwoofer disadvantages

Higher cost. Because of the built-in amplifier, active car subwoofers are typically more costly than passive versions.

Placement Limitations. Active subwoofers should be placed close to a power source (car's battery or additional ones), which limits options for their location in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Passive subwoofer - comes without an amplifier. For its operation, you need to purchase an amplifier separately.

Passive subwoofer advantages

External Amplification Flexibility. Passive Jeep Grand Cherokee subwoofers let you select an external amplifier that fits your preferences and budget. It allows you to opt for a high-quality solution to power the subwoofer, boosting the overall audio quality.

Lower cost. Passive car subwoofers are considered to be more affordable than active ones due to the fact that they don't have a built-in amplifier.

Placement flexibility. While passive subwoofers don't include a passive amplifier, they have a wider variety of placements. You can install the subwoofer separately from the amplifier to optimize the space in your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Passive subwoofer disadvantages

Additional Equipment. A passive Jeep Grand Cherokee subwoofer needs an external power amplifier, so one may need extra wiring and equipment, which together can make the installation process more complicated and expensive.

Less control. Passive subwoofers offer fewer control and adjustment options in comparison to active subwoofers. External amplifier adjustments may be required to improve the bass response and fine-tune it.

More Space. In addition to an external amplifier, your Jeep Grand Cherokee may require extra space in comparison to compact active systems.

Power is far from the last parameter to consider when choosing a subwoofer. When choosing this type of acoustic, consider the following power indicators:

• Nominal (RMS - Rated Maximum Sinusoidal) power - characterizes the speaker's ability to play for a long time, with high quality, without sound distortion;
  
• Maximum (peak) power - assumes the operation of the subwoofer for a short time (up to 2 seconds) without significant sound distortions and the absence of mechanical damage.
  

Sensitivity. This is the parameter that tells about the output of the subwoofer - power characterizes only the level of consumption. It is about the ratio of the area of the diffuser to the characteristics of its course (remember the previously mentioned  "big" and "small" subwoofers).

It is important to take into account the area of the diffuser (cone). When increasing the sensitivity by 3 decibels, we double the volume.

Resistance (impedance) - is measured in ohms. This characteristic informs us about the power with which the amplifier will work - the lower this indicator, the greater return can be expected from the amplifier.

At the same time, there will be more sound distortion. A resistance of 4 ohms is the most common for Jeep Grand Cherokee subwoofers and can be considered optimal.

Also, think about the size of the future subwoofer. Of course, larger models are usually more powerful and are able to produce better sound quality, but don't forget that you will have to install this same subwoofer somewhere, and a very large box will be more of an obstacle for you.

Consider in advance where you will install the subwoofer - choose a place, measure it, and then proceed to the selection of the product.

How to install a subwoofer in Jeep Grand Cherokee



When you have chosen a place and tried on the subwoofer, you can proceed with the installation.

This algorithm is practically universal and is suitable for any Grand Cherokee model, but please note that there may be some installation difficulties that we cannot foresee now but that you may encounter in the process.

If you face any issues, contact us; we will be happy to help you.

Choose a place for the amplifier. It is often installed in the trunk or under the seat. It should be located close enough to the battery that the power cord can reach it but far enough away from any potential sources of heat or moisture.

Secure the amplifier in place with the fasteners. Route the power wire from the positive battery terminal to the amplifier. For safety measures, this wire should be protected by a fuse near the battery.

If you've chosen an active subwoofer, skip this step and connect the subwoofer directly to the speakers because the amplifier is already built in.

Then run a ground wire from the amplifier to a clean, bare metal point on the Jeep Grand Cherokee's chassis. It should be as short as possible.

Route the RCA cables from the head unit (stereo) to the amplifier. They will transmit an audio signal. Make sure they are routed on the opposite side of the Jeep Grand Cherokee from the power wire to avoid possible interference.

Connect one end of the speaker wire to the amplifier and the other end to the subwoofer. Make sure the positive wire is connected to the positive terminal and the negative wire is connected to the negative terminal at both ends.

Install the subwoofer in a specially designed box or enclosure. The size and type of box will affect the sound that the subwoofer will produce, so it is important to choose carefully.

After the subwoofer is installed, secure the box in the car. Generally, the trunk is a good place, but it may depend on the specific Jeep model and your preferences.

Connect the Jeep Grand Cherokee battery and turn on the car stereo. Adjust the gain and crossover on the amplifier to properly balance your new subwoofer with your Grand Cherokee's available speakers. You may also want to adjust the equalizer settings on your stereo system.

Finally, once everything is set up, test all connections to make sure they are secure. Loose or poorly connected wires can degrade sound quality and potentially damage your equipment.

How to choose an amplifier for Jeep Grand Cherokee



When choosing an amplifier for your Grand Cherokee, pay attention to the following parameters.

According to its characteristics, the amplifier must correspond to the parameters of the speaker. If the power and resistance of the speakers do not correspond to the capabilities of the amplifier, then the latter can quickly fail, and the sound quality will only deteriorate.

Remember! The input impedance of the speakers should not be lower than that supported by the amplifier.

Class - Class: A, B, C, D, AB. The most common are classes AB and D.

AB - characterized by high output quality, but low efficiency. Due to the latter, we also get other disadvantages: low output power and large dimensions. For example, at 100 W, we will only get 50.

D amplifiers do not use powerful transistors. So, if we take two models of class AB and D, then in the second option we will get a large output power and small dimensions. The efficiency in this case reaches 95%.

Monoblocks are designed for connecting a subwoofer to an already installed audio system. It is not necessary to have a high-pass filter, so there is no point in connecting high-frequency devices.

But the presence of a low-pass filter is mandatory. To connect powerful subwoofers, you need an ultra-low frequency filter: it will remove frequencies below 20 Hz, which are inaudible to us, but harmful to the devices themselves.

Two-channel amplifiers are more versatile. They can be used to connect two speakers or a subwoofer using a bridge circuit. They are equipped with LF and HF filters.

Three-channel amplifiers are required to connect 2 speakers and 1 subwoofer. Most often, additional functions are provided, for example, a particularly low-pass filter and bass control.

Four-channel - intended for building a whole audio system. Each of them is equipped with a crossover, so you can use the amplifier to connect 4 speakers separately or 2 speakers and 1 subwoofer.

Five-channel are required to connect 4 speakers and 1 subwoofer. Power also plays an important role here. At rated output power, the amplifier can operate for a minimum of 1 hour, while at peak power, it can operate for a short time.

There is one regularity: if the resistance of the speakers increases, the power drops accordingly.

Minimum and maximum reproducible frequencies. Usually, the indicators are in the range of 20 - 20000 Hz. Sometimes the limits are increased, but this does not make any sense. In single-channel amplifiers, the maximum frequency is 250-300 Hz.

And this is enough because there is nothing to reproduce the higher frequencies of the device.

If you value sound quality, it is important to consider the distortion factor and signal-to-noise ratio.

How to install an amplifier in Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Choose a suitable place in the Jeep Grand Cherokee to install the amplifier. Make sure it is securely protected and well-ventilated, away from sources of moisture and excessive heat.

Secure the amplifier with screws or brackets, if necessary.

Connect the power wire from the battery to the amplifier. Route the wire through the Jeep Grand Cherokee's firewall to avoid damage and ensure a neat installation. Use the fuse holder near the battery and connect the appropriate fuse.

Connect the ground wire - find a metal ground point near the amplifier.

Strip the insulation from the end of the ground wire and connect it securely to a ground point.

Make sure there is a solid metal-to-metal connection for optimal grounding.

Connect the remote start wire. Locate the remote start wire behind the car radio or in the fuse box.

Strip the insulation from the end of the remote control wire and connect it to the remote start wire. This wire activates the amplifier when the Jeep Grand Cherokee stereo is turned on.

Connect the RCA cables - if the car stereo has RCA outputs, connect one end of the RCA cables to the outputs of the Grand Cherokee’s stereo and the other to the corresponding inputs of the amplifier. If your Jeep Grand Cherokee stereo does not have RCA outputs, use a line-out converter to connect the speaker wires from the vehicle stereo to the RCA inputs on the amplifier.

Follow the instructions included with the line output converter for proper connection.

Connect the speakers - run acoustic wires from the speaker outputs of the amplifier to each speaker or subwoofer. Make sure the positive (+) and negative (-) connections are connected correctly.

Check all connections, make sure they are strong and secure. Insulate any exposed wires or connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.

Head Unit



All the newest Jeep Grand Cherokee models (and even most old ones) are equipped with a standard audio system. Most often, it is presented in the form of a radio or a radio receiver mounted in the central console of the vehicle. It allows you to choose a radio wave, switch the volume, and also choose the track you want to play.

The basic set of functions, in general, satisfies standard user requests. However, if this format does not seem too informative to you or if you lack some functions, you can replace the head unit of your Jeep Grand Cherokee with one that suits your preferences.

How to choose a head unit for Jeep Grand Cherokee

In addition to standard criteria such as price, brand, and user reviews of the product, you have to take into consideration the following parameters:

Determine the type of radio installed in your Grand Cherokee model at the moment: single din, 1.5 din, and double din. This parameter (din) describes the size of the radio;

If you just want to install a new radio and don't worry about DIN sizes, simply choose a product of the same form factor that is installed on your Jeep Grand Cherokee at the moment.

If you want to install a larger or, conversely, a smaller radio, you may need to make some changes to the design of the center panel of your vehicle and relocate some wires.

How to install a new head unit in Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you have selected a model of the radio that matches the size of the one that was before, there should be no issues with the installation.

However, if you decide to install a larger unit on your Jeep Grand Cherokee, try it on first and allocate more space for the new radio. Make sure that it will normally fall into place.

Read the owner’s manual - find out where the wires you need are located and how to distinguish them. Don't forget that electricity is a dangerous phenomenon, so check several times which of the wires you connect to where so as not to injure yourself or damage the car;

Remove the original head unit. Remove the panel elements that interfere with you. Don't rush to pull the head unit, even if it seems to you that it is already a free element that can be additionally fixed with screws or bolts - inspect it again so as not to tear it out!;

Disconnect the wires from the head unit. Mark every wire - so you don't get confused later;

Conect the Jeep Grand Cherokee wiring to the radio wires. Make sure you plug everything in where it needs to go!

Keep in mind, that some radios require an adapter to connect to the stock system. If necessary, connect the adapters;

Install the new head unit in place - make sure it is installed flat and doesn't move in its place. If necessary, fasten everything;

Start the system. Check to make sure everything is running smoothly.

You may need more power

The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s electrical system is specifically designed to withstand certain loads, providing power to essential components such as the engine, fuel supply, lighting systems, and various interior elements like the air conditioner and heaters.

All these systems rely on the battery for power. While there is some extra capacity in the electrical system, it has its limits.

If you connect too many electrical devices or accessories to the Jeep's electrical system, it can lead to power loss, as the system won't be able to handle the additional load adequately.

The audio system, in particular, consumes a significant amount of energy. If you overload the electrical system with powerful audio and play music extensively, it can cause a voltage drop in the car's network, impacting the Jeep Grand Cherokee's overall performance and functionality.

To prevent such issues, it's essential to ensure that any modifications or additions to the Grand Cherokee's electrical system are done with careful consideration of its capacity and limitations.

The following symptoms will indicate that your Jeep Grand Cherokee's electrical equipment lacks power:

• Loss of total power;
  
• Unstable engine operation;
  
• Weak headlights (much worse than usual);
  
• Dashboard flashing;
  
• Periodic sounding of the audio system (especially on the bass);
  
• Malfunction of other car systems (requiring current for their operation).
  

If you have connected a new audio system and have begun to notice similar malfunctions in your Jeep Grand Cherokee, do the following:

• Start your Jeep Grand Cherokee's engine;
  
• Turn on energy consumers: headlights, interior heating/air conditioning, glass heater, wipers. Make sure to turn on the music;
  
• Locate the battery in your Grand Cherokee. Most often, it is placed under the hood or in the trunk of your vehicle;
  
• Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at its terminals - the positive (+) terminal of the multimeter is connected to the positive of the battery, and the negative (-) terminal of the multimeter is connected to the negative of the battery. Select the voltage (V) measurement mode on the multimeter;
  
• Look at the value on the multimeter screen. It should show a value of 14.2–15 - 15 Volts.
  
• If it is less, it means that the electrical system of your Jeep Grand Cherokee cannot cope with the load placed on it. If the value is below 13.5, it means that the shortage is critical.
  

If you experience this issue, you need more power to add to the electrical system. There are two solutions for this case:

Install a more powerful alternator. Your regular Jeep Grand Cherokee alternator may not produce enough voltage to power the grid.

If this happens, you can switch to a more powerful alternator. Make sure you choose a model that fits your Jeep Grand Cherokee (while having an identical mounting system and being able to produce the required voltage).

For example, if your Jeep Grand Cherokee has a alternator that produces a voltage of 80 A,  you need to install one that will produce at least 120 A.

Install the second battery. If you don't want to change the generator, you can install a backup battery. In this case, their capacity and voltage will add up, and you will get more power at the output.

Important! Batteries must be connected in parallel to get the desired result.

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Optional improvements

Alongside sound upgrades, you can do even more, like installing a multimedia touchscreen or navigation system.

Multimedia touchscreen

If you are already upgrading the audio system of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, then why not bring everything to perfection by adding screens for the rear passengers?

They will allow you and your passengers to watch movies, work, access multimedia, and choose music. And this is also a great way to entertain children on long trips; just turn on cartoons, and they will definitely not be bored for a minute on the road.

Navigation system

Do you often travel to new places? Then you know exactly how important it is not to miss the right turn or lose your way. By installing a navigation system in your Jeep Grand Cherokee, you will definitely never get lost again and know where to go.

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To Sum It Up

Upgrading your Jeep Grand Cherokee's sound system can greatly improve your driving experience and enjoyment of the trip.  A clear and properly adjusted sound allows you to enjoy your favorite music playlist, radio, podcasts, or audiobooks.

While selecting such components as speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers, pay attention not only to quality but also to your budget. If you have difficulties with the wiring diagram or aren't sure you can do it yourself, resort to professionals who will do everything as it has to.