JohnC12
Full Access Member
John, amazing write-up (and love your vehicle!), very well done! Quick question if you don't mind: During your install did you ever come across an easy way to pick up the speaker wires for the two front speakers (on the dash)? I poked around but without a solid wiring diagram for a '16 Yukon Denali it's pretty useless. I'm just not that comfortable removing the dash trim. I saw a bunch of wires in the kick panel leading up to that general area but again, not sure which pairs I'm looking for. I added two tweeters to the sail panels and originally tied in to the door speakers, but they just don't drive the tweeters very well and I'm thinking the front speakers would be a better option. I'm not the best trim remover but kick panels and the dash ends were easy enough. Thanks in advance!
Thanks Denada... I appreciate that!
I didn't touch my speakers when upgrading my head unit. A lot of people will think I'm crazy, but I'm not one who can really tell the difference between a factory speaker and a good quality speaker. <don't shot me for that comment> I'm more concerned with the functionality of the controls and integration with my needs - i.e. Apple CarPlay, Pandora, etc.
I also have the LS model with the iO3 radio system so my setup is very different from yours. For example, my HMI unit is located in an entirely different spot. This all being said, I can point you to two references that may be helpful for you.
The first is a wiring diagram PDF that I found on GMUPFITTER.com. It's an amazing document that covers every wiring diagram in our vehicles. Here's the wiring diagrams for your 2016 Yukon. Do a search for the speakers you're looking for and you should be able to find the wiring diagrams and harnesses for your setup. (I believe your HMI, where the speaker wiring harness is, is located behind the glovebox.
The second place is iDatalinks website. Specifically, take a look at their iDatalink Maestro RR instruction manual. Scroll down to the Suburban/Tahoe sections and take a look at the vehicle wire reference chart - for example, page 36 within the manual. This guide will also tell you the what and where for each speaker wire. While this manual is for a 2015, I'm pretty sure the 15's and 16's are the same.
Oh... and removing the trim pieces on our trucks is super easy - just use the right trim removal tools and take your time. I hope this information helps.