It’s a shame to face sound issues when using Tesla cars that offer premium speakers. To increase the audio, one has to put additional sound system.
But can you put a sound system in a Tesla? Yes, you can put sound systems or subwoofers in the Tesla with the UHFS system. The procedure is a little confusing that would be ideal if you do it after knowing the instruction in detail and then attempt it in real life.
Don’t worry, I’ll show you if you can use the sound system and how to do it in the right way. Plus, you’ll learn other related info here. Let’s Go!
You Can Put a Sound System in A Tesla, But It’s Hard!
Yep, it’s true that you can install a new sound system to your Tesla (no matter what series you have including MS, M3, MX, & MY). However, you should know that it’s accessible for aftermarket speakers.
That doesn’t mean you can’t insert a sound system directly into your Tesla as long as you have a UHFS (Ultra High Fidelity Sound) system. This system uses the base amp to power the tweeters, 3 front dash mids, and rear door speakers.
When Putting a Sound System What to Consider?
In total, you might need to look for 4 things that you need stock speakers for the car with the UHFS system (for subwoofers). These includes:
1. Impedance
Match the electrical resistance in the ohms rating of the speakers to understand the right sound system. Most speakers for car subwoofers offer 1 ohm (front door 1 ohm, rear door 2 ohms, mid 2 ohms, and tweeters 4 ohms).
The golden rule is speaker’s ohm rating close to the amp channel rated ohm will grant the best sound quality.
- Speaker ohm > Amp channel rated ohms = Less volume
- Speaker ohm < Amp channel rated ohms = Loud volume
2. Power
Next, note the power ratings for speakers by measuring them in watts. From most viewpoints, the speakers need to be rated to control the amp channel-rated output power in order to power them properly.
3. Frequency
Keep in mind that the human hearing frequency is around 20Hz – 20,000Hz which can vary based on the individual. The sound systems like subwoofers in the Tesla can have around 40Hz – 400Hz frequency depending on model and brand.
Then, the tweeters start from 3,000Hz to 4,000Hz which can go to 20,000Hz or 25,000Hz sometimes. So, it’s wise to consider the frequency stuff.
4. Sensitivity
Sound systems contain different levels of sensitivity which can be measured in decibels. This can indicate the volume level of the speakers which they can control with good clarity.
Tesla speakers are rated 90db which seems standard to me for a human to get a good sensitivity level that supports hearing the sound better.
How Does Music Drain Tesla Battery?
YES, tuning the music in the Tesla will drain the battery which can be more and less based on the duration of playtime.
The radio system of Tesla will draw energy from the battery that causes it to drain a lot even if the car is turned off.
To understand the effect, I’ll explain it in an imaginary scenario so that you can relate in a better way.
Suppose your car uses 40 kWh per 100 miles. If you run the stereo at full volume for 1 hour, it will cause the Tesla’s battery to spend 1 kWh or about 3 miles of range of the car.
In short, playing music in the car will take a lot of battery power which a 5,000 lbs. car needs to go to 3 miles. Since the Tesla has a 12V system for electronics and accessories, music in the stereo will drain the energy from the battery.
Exactly How Can You Add Subs to A Tesla!
1. In the rear trunk, take out the parcel shelf or any carpet.
2. Detach the plastic parcel shelf holder by removing the T-25 bolt using a screwdriver or screw gun. Pull it towards to driver’s side of the car to pull out the part.
3. Locate the plastic trim which is in between the parcel shelf holder bracket and trunk ledge. Then, pull it out using slight force. Just be sure to pull the ledge trim while pressing down on the side trim about 1/4″ to remove the part.
4. Remove the side panel.
5. Take out the white headliner trim.
6. If your Tesla contains a side trunk LED light system, then remove it by pulling it out (after taking out the carpet molding). Be sure to depress the tiny latch to slide it out from the LED assembly part.
7. Insert the wires back through the hole so it stays still and won’t hang up.
8. Look at the carpet which is held to the parcel shelf holder bracket using a black plastic flat-head fastener. You have to detach it.
9. Unbolt 3 bolts to remove the parcel shelf holder bracket.
10. Detach the front passenger side sill panel by lifting it up from the rear of the panel. If possible, twist it to get max grip.
11. Lift up from the panel to the front of the car on the back passenger panel. If you locate one or more bolts, remove them.
12. Locate the wire bundle under the sill spot. In the B-pillar cover, you have to remove 2 T-25 bolts that hold the cover (this is optional).
13. Insert the fish tape into the rear passenger sill and pull it up to the end to measure the estimated length.
14. Then, add the 8 feet or more based on the distance of the solid wire (16-gauge speaker wire) at the end of the fish tape in order to reach the spot.
15. In the front sill, pull the fish tape back with the wire. Remove the wire from the fish tape back. Joint both speaker wires onto the solid wire and solder it temporarily using solder.
16. Wrap the connection with electrical tape.
17. In the rear (back) sill, pull the solid wire until it comes out through the area where the speaker wire is. Pull it enough so that you can touch it from the back trunk area.
18. Pry the side sill panel and use a wood stick or thick stuff like a torchlight to hide the wire. Do it until the wire is hidden.
19. Go to the rear side carpet then locate the wire. Connect the unused loose solid wire to the fish tape.
20. Take the tape back out and the solid wire so that it can go through the area. Connect the wire to the speaker wire.
21. Now, connect the remaining speaker cable along with the large wire bundle near the rear trunk floor.
22. Insert the wire under the bottom of the carpet panel. You can use tie wraps in order to hold the speaker wire side by side with the main wire bundle in the trunk. Be sure it isn’t trapped in the seat belt reel.
23. In the front sill, put the wire alongside the wire bundle and up to the dashboard area.
24. Insert all the panels and bolts to re-install them by doing the opposite of removal. Just don’t touch the front sill.
25. Then, lightly pull the rubber seal to overlap each plastic part.
26. Don’t touch the extra 3 feet of the wire. Connect the wires to the speaker by attaching the grey/Black conductor to the minus terminal and the blue conductor to the positive terminal.
27. Inflate a bag under the speaker if you don’t want to drill it and place on the surface properly.
28. Then, run the wire through the security system and attach the amplifier.
29. Test it out and enjoy!
Read Also, if your Tesla speakers not working!
Ending Note
No matter whether can you put a sound system in a Tesla or not, it’s best to know the roots before making any changes to the car. Just ask yourself if the sound is good or not.
If the sound system seems terrible, then you are free to add subs to your car. It might cost a little but the overall changes in sound will change your mind. The DIY procedure will take 90 minutes to complete.
Hope this guide is able to deliver the needed details and help you to fix the audio system of your car. See You Soon!
