How to Identify the Polarity of Speaker Wires in a 1997 Dodge Intrepid

Use a 9-volt battery to identify speaker wire polarity in your 1997 Dodge Intrepid.

Home speaker wire is often color-coded for convenient identification of the positive and negative wires. Automotive speaker wire in the 1997 Dodge Intrepid does not have this color-coding. When you install a new stereo in your car, you must attach the speaker wires correctly. Failing to do so could damage the speakers and require that they be replaced. You can do a simple test during the stereo installation to identify the polarity of the speaker wires.

Things You'll Need

• 9-volt battery
• Small flat-head screwdriver
• Red tape

Instructions

1. Remove the grill from the door speaker in the 1997 Intrepid. Insert the edge of a flat-head screwdriver between the door molding and the speaker grill and gently pry the speaker grill away from the door.

2. Disconnect the speaker wires from the back of the car radio feeding to the speaker for which you just removed the grill.

3. Connect one wire to the positive terminal of a 9-volt battery. Connect the second wire to the other battery terminal. Observe the speaker -- if it protrudes, the polarity is correct. Mark the positive wire with a piece of red tape to identify the wire. If the speaker appears to be sucked in, the polarity is reversed. Switch the two wires and then check the speaker again for the desired effect.

4. Install the new stereo. Connect the speaker wire to the stereo, ensuring that the positive and negative wires are attached correctly. Reinstall the speaker grill and the new stereo in your 1997 Dodge Intrepid is ready to go.

References

• Omega: Speaker Wire Installation Guide
• CarStereo.com: Check Speaker Polarity