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Kicker Full System Plug and Play Installation Guide '24-Current JL Wrangler/ '24-Current JT Gladiator

Kicker Full System Plug and Play Installation Guide '24-Current JL Wrangler/ '24-Current 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.

Tech Tips

Tools You Will Need for Speaker Install: 

  • Panel Removal Tool
  • 7mm Socket
  • 10mm Socket 
  • Zip Ties
  • 90 Degree Socket Drill
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • T-20 Torx Bit
  • T-25 Torx Bit

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
  • T-50 Torx Socket (for seat removal)
  • Small Flathead Screwdriver

SECTION 1 - Speaker Upgrade:

Speaker Installation Guide: LINK

Section 2 - Amplifier Installation: 

    This guide will walk you through installing a 5-ch 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 T50 Torx to remove the four seat bolts. (Remove seat belt as well if needed_

    • Tilt or fully remove both seats for easier access.

    Step 2: Route Power and Ground Wires

    Power Wire: Route the power wire from the battery through the firewall (driver-side footwell).

    Ground Wires:

    • 5-Channel Amp Ground: Use the factory ground point under the driver seat (near the transmission tunnel).
    • Secure all ground connections tightly to avoid noise issues.

    Amp Wiring Schematic (Factory Amplified): LINK

    '24+ JL/JT Kicker amp wiring map, factory amplified, using the Trail Seven amp bypass harness

    Amp Wiring Schematic (Non-Amplified): LINK

    '24+ JL/JT Kicker amp wiring map, non-amplified, using the 9-wire harness to the radio / PAC T-harness

    Step 3: Remove Radio & Access Signal Wiring

    Factory Radio Installation (Using PAC Module)

    If connecting to the factory radio, install the 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

      Amp Settings Instructions & Diagram (PDF): LINK

      Download this before you start. It covers every setting, shows a diagram of the amp panel, and includes 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.

      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 CX660.5 5-Channel (Kicker Full System Bundle and 5-Channel CX Amp Bundle)

      • 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
      • Subs: the 10" / 12" down-firing or Gladiator dual 8" ship wired for the amp. Don't rewire.
      • Amp bundle with factory speakers: set AMP 1 and AMP 2 to HI 100 Hz.

      Have the LX Amp Kit or Dual LX Amp Kit? Use the LX Amp Installation & Set Up Guide: LINK

         

        Section 3 - 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 Step 4 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.
        ENJOY YOUR NEW SYSTEM!!

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

        2024 Amplifier Installation Video: 


        2024 Speaker Installation Video: 

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