DS 40 - JBL Car Audio User Guide / Operation Manual. Page 2

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for purchasing a JBL

Decade™ Series multi-element speaker
system. We’ve organized this manual to
make your installation as simple and
trouble-free as possible. Please read it
thoroughly before proceeding.
Remember to keep your sales receipt
with this manual in a safe place so both
are available for future reference.

Installation of automotive stereo compo-
nents can require extensive experience
with a variety of mechanical and electri-
cal procedures. Although these instruc-
tions explain how to install a JBL
Decade Series multi-element speaker
system in a general sense, they do not
show the exact installation methods for
your particular vehicle. In many cases,
removing door or rear deck panels 
is necessary to gain access to the
mounting location. This procedure may
require specialized tools and a skilled
installer. If you do not feel you have the
tools or experience necessary, do not
attempt the installation yourself, but
instead ask your authorized JBL dealer
about professional installation options.

Playing loud music in an automotive
environment can permanently damage
your hearing, as well as hinder your
ability to hear traffic. The maximum 
volume levels achievable with JBL
speakers, combined with high power
amplification, may exceed safe levels 
for extended listening. We recommend
using low volume levels when driving.
JBL accepts no liability for hearing loss,
bodily injury or property damage as a
result of use or misuse of this product.

• Always wear protective eyewear when

using any tools.

• Turn off all audio systems and other

electrical devices before you start.
Disconnect the (–) negative lead from
your vehicle’s battery.

• Keep speakers in their package until

final installation. When moving a 
speaker, always rest it with the cone or
dome facing up. Never use force to
install any speaker.

• Check clearances on both sides of a

planned mounting surface before
drilling any holes or installing any
screws. Remember that the screws can
extend behind the surface.

• At the installation sites, locate and

make a note of all fuel lines, hydraulic
brake lines, vacuum lines and electrical
wiring. Use extreme caution when cut-
ting or drilling in and around these
areas.

Caution: In some cars, fuel tanks may be
located directly beneath the rear deck.
Check for adequate speaker basket clear-
ance before considering this location!
• Before drilling or cutting holes, use a

utility knife to remove unwanted fabric
or vinyl in order to keep material from
snagging in a drill bit or saw.

• For door installations, check the clear-

ance with the windows throughout the
range of the window’s travel, and verify
that a mounted speaker will not inter-
fere with the window crank or power
window mechanism. 

• If mounting speakers elsewhere, check

for clearance around rear deck torsion
bars, glove box or other structural 
elements.

• Do not mount speakers where they will

get wet.

Grille 
Screen

Trim Ring

Car Door

Note: The DS75 speakers are designed
for direct replacement of factory speak-
ers. Therefore, they do not contain the
grilles and trim ring shown in Fig 1.
Installation of these models simply
entails reversing the steps taken to
remove the original speakers.

Figure 1

Typical installation of the DS40, DS50,
DS60, DS96.

DS40, 50, 60, 75, 96 OM  7/14/98 1:37 PM  Page 2