How To Tell If Your Car Speakers Are Blown With Pictures

Adjust the treble and bass, if necessary. Make sure that their levels are equal in the twelve o’clock position. When you hear a lack of range, it might just mean your system isn’t equalized properly. [1] X Research source

Listen for rattling. If the speaker is blown, you will likely hear a shaking, rattling sound. [2] X Research source

Use the pan function to switch the sound from left to right. When panning, go 100% to either the left or right side to fully isolate it. Use the fade settings the same as the pan setting. Go 100% to the rear or front of your car.

This might require you to unscrew the speaker out of its holder. Only remove the wires if you’re comfortable handling electronics.

You can also use an ohmmeter.

If you get a reading of 1. 0 ohms, then that speaker is not blown and the problem is somewhere else. If the device reads infinite ohms, then your speaker is blown. [8] X Research source

If you hear a beep, consider replacing the amp first. They are usually less expensive, and don’t require soldering irons and desoldering pumps like new capacitors do.

Gently run your hand along the cone to make sure there isn’t any scrapes you can’t see. Dust or dirt shouldn’t affect the quality of the speaker, but it might be a good idea to clean them out.

If the problem persists in multiple speakers, consider replacing the entire system. Follow the above steps to test any other suspicious speakers.