How To Replace the Speakers in a MK3 Peugeot Expert

In this blog post, I'll be walking through the process of installing new speakers into a Gen 3 Peugeot Expert (2016-onwards). This process will also be the same in the other PSA group vans, including the Citroën Dispatch, Vauxhall Vivaro, and Toyota Proace.

For this example, I'll be installing a pair of JBL Stage 1 6.5-inch side door speakers.

Item List:

• JBL 621 Stage 1: Link

• Trim removal set: Link

• Screwdriver with six-lobe Torx screw heads: Link

• Cable adapter: Link

• Drill with a small drill bit (around 3mm)

• Pen or marker

• Electrical tape: Link

• Wire cutter/stripper (if needed): Link

• Optional: additional mounting hardware and sound deadening

Step 1: Removing the Door Panel

To begin, you'll need the trim removal set, which makes the process much easier, and a screwdriver with a six-lobe Torx head.

The first step is removing the trim so you can access the screws that hold the panel in place. Carefully remove the trim around the door handle, the window switch, and the wing mirror. (See the video for more detail)

Once the trim is removed, there are six screws to undo. These are located:

• Under the window switches

• Opposite the wing mirror

• Next to the door handle

• Further left of the door handle

• Next to the speaker

• At the bottom of the door panel

Remove all the screws and save them for reinstallation later.

Step 2: Removing the Old Speaker and Preparing the Wires

Unclip the speaker cable and unscrew the four screws securing the old speaker. Use a trim remover to pry off the speaker, which is also secured with glue.

Once the old speaker is out, cut a small hole in the rubber entry point so the cable can pass through into the door, following the other preexisting wires. This is necessary because the connector for the new speaker will be on the inside of the door.

Before moving on to installing the new speaker, check that the cable adapter connects securely. If not, compress the clip to eliminate any play.

Step 3: Installing the New Speaker

Tools needed:

• Drill

• Pen

• Screwdriver

• Electrical tape

• Adapter cable

Optional:

• Adapter bracket

• Sound damping mats or pads

Note: I initially ordered an adapter bracket, but only two of its screw holes matched the new speaker. It was easier to reuse two of the original holes in the door and make an additional one to ensure the speaker would be secure. This method made the adapter bracket redundant.

Position the new speaker and identify the reusable holes. Mark the spot for the new hole. Also, mark the original holes and the points you will be screwing into on the speaker itself to make lining everything up easier later.

Use a thin drill bit to create the new hole. Take care not to damage the wires or window behind the panel.

Note: I placed electrical tape around the points where the speaker will be fastened to the door as a simple, cost-effective sound-damping method. This worked well for me, but if you're planning to play loud, bass-heavy music or install a more powerful speaker, consider investing in proper sound-damping materials.

Place the speaker into position, noting which side the cable's inside the door will need to be on, and use tape to secure them. This will prevent the cables from getting caught or pinched by the window.

Once everything is aligned, connect the adapter cable. Screw the speaker into place using two of the original screws in their original holes, and one of the new screws included with the speaker in the newly drilled hole. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can pull on the rubber of the speaker.

Tip: Test the speaker before fully tightening all screws—this simplifies troubleshooting if there's an issue.

Step 4: Reinstalling the Door Panel

Make sure all the plastic clips are properly aligned and in the door panel, not in the metal door itself. Use a trim remover if needed. The clips must face the correct direction; otherwise, the panel won't fit onto the door.

Lift the top of the door panel over the rubber trim along the window. It should hang in place, making it easier to push the clips back in.

Finally, screw in the screws you saved earlier. The last step is to reinstall the plastic trim pieces.

Note: If you're not using an amplifier, don't expect a huge increase in volume; the new speakers may even sound quieter because they require more power to drive. However, you should notice improved clarity. Also, if your new side door speakers include tweeters, you might need to adjust the EQ settings on your head unit to reduce harshness, as you'll have more high frequencies than before.

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