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Amplifier/ Subwoofer Installation Guide | '18- '23 JL Wrangler/ '20- '23 JT Gladiator

Amplifier/ Subwoofer Installation Guide | '18- '23 JL Wrangler/ '20- '23 JT Gladiator

The following guide will walk you through the entire installation which includes a step by step catalog. Our installation video is in the works but this guide will get you over the finish line in the meantime.

If you have any questions, or need anything during the installation, we're only a phone call away. We're available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm est. for any support needed, or you can shoot us an email at support@trailseven.com.

These installation notes are intended to be used in conjunction with the installation videos based on the your bundle.

support.

Tech Tips

Tools You Will Need for Amplifier Install:

  • Panel Removal Tool
  • 7mm Socket
  • 10mm Socket
  • Zip Ties
  • Allen Key Set
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Wire Snips
  • Retractable Magnet Stick
  • 18mm socket (for seat removal)
  • Small Flathead Screwdriver

Section 1 - Amplifier Installation:

    This guide will walk you through installing a dual amplifier setup in your Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT.

    A detailed installation video is provided at the bottom of this guide to assist with the process. If you have any questions or need support during installation, we’re just a call away Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST.

    Before beginning, we suggest checking all parts and calling in or emailing if you are missing any parts for your system! We want to make sure you have everything to make the system work, below is a " What's In The Box" diagram pointing out all parts you will need for the install to work smoothly! "

    Step 1: Remove Driver Seat

    • Use an 18mm socket to remove the four seat bolts.

    • Use a T45 Torx to remove the seatbelt bolt (if needed).

    • Tilt or fully remove the seat for better access to the amp location.

    Step 2: Route Power and Ground Wires

    • Power Wire:

      • Route the 4-gauge power wire from the battery through the driver-side firewall (use the factory grommet or drill a small hole if necessary).

      • Run the power wire along the driver-side trim panels to the amplifier under the seat.

    • Ground Wire:

      • The 5-Channel Amp Ground: Use the factory ground point under the driver seat (near the transmission tunnel).
      • Ensure a solid connection by removing any paint at the contact point.

    Amp Wiring Schematic (Factory Amplified): LINK

    '18-'23 JL/JT single-amp wiring map, factory amplified, using the Trail Seven amp bypass harness

    Amp Wiring Schematic (Non-Amplified): LINK

    '18-'23 JL/JT single-amp wiring map, non-amplified, using the 9-wire harness to the radio / PAC T-harness

    • Remote Turn-On Wire:

      • Route the blue remote wire from the PAC module (if using a factory radio) or from the remote wire of an aftermarket radio.


    Step 3: Remove Radio & Access Signal Wiring

    Factory Radio Installation (Using PAC Module)

    If connecting to the factory radio, install the PAC AP4-CH41( or PAC AP4-CH42) module behind the glove box. Use the provided T-harness to connect the PAC module to the radio harness. If your Jeep isn’t factory amplified, make sure DIP switch #4 is DOWN (On Position) on the PAC module.

    • Connecting the 9-wire harness:
      • Connect the "bare-ends" or Ferrules to the Amp to the corresponding wires and channels
      • Connect the PAC proprietary plug into the T harness of the PAC AP4-CH41 that located behind the head unit.
    • Connecting the Bypass harness:
      • Connect the "bare-ends" or Ferrules to the Amp to the corresponding wires and channels
      • Unplug the harness plugs from your OEM amplifier, located behind the OBD2 port under the steering wheel, and connect the matching plugs from the Bypass harness to the plugs you removed from the Amplifier (there is one plug you will leave in the amplifier, due to canbus validation for the Jeep.
    • Connect the blue remote turn-on wire from the PAC module to the blue amp remote wire (pre-terminated with a bullet connector).
    • Run RCA cables from the PAC module to both amplifiers:

    • RCA's from PAC → routed to the 5-channel amp under the driver seat.

    • Amplifier Speaker Wires:

      • Front speakers → Channels 1 & 2

      • Rear speakers → Channels 3 & 4

        • All speaker wires are pre-terminated ferrule connectors make wiring easy.

      • RCA Connections:
        • Front & Rear RCA cables from PAC module or radio.

    Step 4: Adjust Amplifier Settings

    Tap your amp brand below to open its settings. Each brand has a printable Amp Settings Instructions & Diagram (PDF) with every setting, a diagram of the amp panel, and a troubleshooting page.

    Set gain the same way on every amp (5 steps): front, then rear, then sub.

    1. Turn the gain you're setting to minimum.
    2. Play a song you know. Raise the radio volume until it distorts, about 75%.
    3. Lower the radio one step, until clean. Leave it there.
    4. Slowly raise the amp gain until the speakers distort.
    5. Back the gain off slightly until it sounds clean. Done.

    Kicker LX and KXMA (Marine) amps use their MATCH LED instead. Those steps are in the Kicker section below.

    Start with the radio's bass, mid and treble at 0, sound enhancements off, and balance and fade centered. Once gain is set, use the radio's EQ for "salt and pepper" adjustments.

    KICKER amp settings (CX660.5 · CX360.4 · KXMA900.5 Marine · LX1200.5) — tap to open

    Amp Settings Instructions & Diagram (PDF): LINK

    Kicker CX660.5 5-Channel (Full System KS or CS, 5-Channel Amp & Sub Bundle, Complete 5-Channel Amp Kit)

    • INPUT LEVEL - LO (button out)
    • FADER - ON (pressed in)
    • SUB INPUT - SUB INPUT
    • AMP 1 (front) X-OVER - HI, FREQ 80 Hz
    • AMP 2 (rear) X-OVER - HI, FREQ 80 Hz
    • SUB LO-PASS - 80 Hz
    • KICKEQ (bass boost) - 0 dB to start. Add later only if needed, max +6 dB.
    • SUBSONIC - 25 Hz, built in. Nothing to set.
    • GAIN - 5 steps above (typically ends around 10 o'clock)
    • CXARC bass knob (optional) - full up while setting gain
    • Amp kit with factory speakers: set AMP 1 and AMP 2 to HI 100 Hz.

    Kicker CX360.4 4-Channel (Complete 4-Channel Amp Kit)

    • INPUT LEVEL - LO (button out)
    • FADER - ON (pressed in)
    • X-OVER (one for all 4 channels) - HI, 80 Hz. Switch only with the system off.
    • KICKEQ - 0 dB
    • GAIN (one for all 4 channels) - 5 steps above (typically ends around 10 o'clock)
    • Factory speakers: HI 100 Hz.

    Kicker KXMA900.5 Marine 5-Channel (Marine 5-Channel Amp & Sub Bundle)

    • FADER - ON (pressed in)
    • SUB INPUT - SUB INPUT
    • X-OVER RANGE - 1X
    • AMP 1 (front) X-OVER - HP, 80 Hz
    • AMP 2 (rear) X-OVER - HP, 80 Hz
    • SUB LO-PASS - 80 Hz, SUBSONIC - 25 Hz
    • KICKEQ - 0 dB to start, max +6 dB
    • GAIN - use the MATCH LED: raise gain until the LED lights, then back off until it goes out. Front, rear, then sub.
    • KMBLC bass remote - full up while setting gain

    Kicker LX1200.5 5-Channel (LX Amp Kit)

    • On the amp: FADER - ON, SUB INPUT - ON, DC OFFSET - OFF
    • Plug the LXCC into the amp's CONTROLLER port. In the LXCC:
    • Gain trims - 0 dB
    • AMP 1 & AMP 2 X-OVER - HP, 80 Hz, LR 24 dB
    • SUB LP - 80 Hz, SUB HP (subsonic) - 25 Hz
    • KICKEQ+ - 0 dB to start, max +6 dB
    • Sub phase 0°, time delay OFF
    • GAIN (AMP 1, AMP 2, SUB) - MATCH LED: gain at minimum, radio about 75%, raise gain until the LED turns on, then back down until it just turns off. Each section.
    • Unplug the LXCC when done and connect the LXRC bass remote (full up while setting gain).
    ALPINE amp settings (S2-A55V · HDA-V90) — tap to open

    Amp Settings Instructions & Diagram (PDF): LINK

    Alpine S2-A55V 5-Channel (Alpine Full System 5-Channel and S2-A55V 5-Channel Amp Bundle)

    • INPUT LEVEL - LO
    • TURN-ON - REM
    • CH-3/4 INPUT - 3/4
    • SUB INPUT - SUB
    • HP FILTER (one knob for all 4 speaker channels) - 80 Hz
    • SUB LP FILTER - 80 Hz
    • BASS EQ - 0 dB to start. Add later only if needed, max about +6 dB. No subsonic on this amp, so go easy.
    • GAIN 1/2, GAIN 3/4, SUB GAIN - 5 steps above (typically ends around 10 o'clock)
    • Bass remote (optional) - full up while setting gain
    • Amp bundle with factory speakers: set the HP FILTER to 100 Hz.

    Alpine HDA-V90 5-Channel (Alpine HDA-V90 5-Channel Amp Bundle)

    • INPUT LEVEL - LO
    • CHANNEL-3/4 - 3/4
    • SUBWOOFER - SUB
    • CH-1/2 (front) X-OVER - ON, 80 Hz
    • CH-3/4 (rear) X-OVER - ON, 80 Hz
    • SUB LP FILTER - 80 Hz
    • SUBSONIC - 25 Hz (30 Hz with the ported R2-DB8V-TRK sub)
    • BASS EQ - 0 dB to start, max about +6 dB
    • GAIN (front, rear, sub) - 5 steps above (typically ends around 10 o'clock)
    • Factory speakers: set both X-overs to 100 Hz. No sub: X-overs at 60 Hz, sub gain at minimum.
    JBL amp settings (Club A5055) — tap to open

    Amp Settings Instructions & Diagram (PDF): LINK

    JBL Club A5055 5-Channel (JBL Full Club Speaker, 5-Channel Amplifier, Subwoofer Bundle)

    • INPUT LEVEL - LO (radio pre-outs or module RCAs). Only if the factory radio's speaker wires feed the amp: HI1.
    • TURN-ON - REM
    • FRONT FILTER - HPF, 80 Hz
    • REAR FILTER - HPF, 80 Hz
    • SUB LPF - 80 Hz
    • BASS BOOST - 0 dB to start, max about +6 dB. No subsonic on this amp, so keep it low on the small dual 8" subs.
    • SUB PHASE - 0° (try 180° later if bass sounds thin up front)
    • GAIN (front, rear, sub) - 5 steps above (typically ends around 10 o'clock)
    • Remote bass knob - full up while setting gain

      Step 6: Test the System

      Before reassembling everything:

      1. Turn on the Jeep and check if the amplifier powers up.

      2. Play music at 75% volume and listen for distortion.

      3. Adjust amp settings for a balanced, clear sound.

      4. Ensure all speakers and subwoofer are functioning properly.

        Test the system

        • Prior to installing all the trim pieces and the seat, you will want to test the system. You will need to set the radio into the place and install the connections at the bottom trim piece to power on the Jeep.
        • A good measure is to start with the amplifier adjustments as recommended above.
        • Power on the Jeep and ensure that all speakers and the subwoofer (if installed), are reacting. Now is a good time to adjust the gain further if needed.
          • Adjust all of the radio EQ settings to "0
          • Lower the radio volume to "0"
          • Lower all of the gains on the amp to "0"
          • Set the switches and crossovers for your amp as shown in the amp settings step above
          • Increase the volume on the radio to 75%
          • Increase the gain knob slowly until you hear a distortion from the speakers.
          • Slightly lower the gain knob and move on the next gain knob (if applicable)
          • You can now use the radio's EQ settings to add a little bit adjustments based on sound preference.
          • Adjusting gain-
          • Bolt seat down, secure radio, replace trim pieces, etc.

        7) ENJOY YOUR NEW SYSTEM!!

        Installation video by Trail Seven, to be used with the written instructions below:


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