Originally Posted by demian33

I did replace mine, and it fixed the problem of screeching radio and Bluetooth audio. Here is a step-by-step pictorial. Hope it helps.

This is where I started. View is from the rear of the car, with hatch open. Two tips: 1) Take pictures at each stage so you can retrace your steps during reassembly. 2) Bag and tag the various screws and bolts so you can remember what goes where.

Flip over this carpet-covered wooden piece and remove the screws/bolts that hold it down.

The end goal is to remove that black metal grill. The amp lies beneath it. You'll need a 10mm socket (IIRC), ratchet wrench, and articulating extension arm to reach the bolts (see following photos).


A tool like this, made for removing upholstery pins, is useful.


Remove and set aside.

Lift out this tool tray.

See that unit in bottom right of photo, with "CMO15" written on it? That's not the amplifier. It's a CD navigation system. Leave it alone. You're only halfway thru the job :-)

See those metal fins peeking out from below the black grill? That's the amp. From here, it's just a matter of removing all the bolts securing the grille.

This is where you'll end up to access the amp. The grill is halfway removed. Upholstered piece covering the wheel well must also be partially removed. For that, you'll want some soft tools made for this sort of job. $10-15 on Amazon. Use them to pry off the plastic sill and weather stripping along the rear passenger door. The sill pops off and on, an easy task that I feared would be complex. You can also buy a box of assorted upholstery pins from Amazon.to replace pins you'll break.

Use a screwdriver to remove and replace the amp its mounting bracket. The wiring is plug-and-play. The easiest part of the job. Reassemble everything according to the photos you took along the way.