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JBL Full System Plug and Play Installation Guide '18- '23 JL Wrangler/ '20-'23 JT Gladiator
Please follow these installation tips when you're ready to install your new Kicker Bundle into your 2018-2023 Jeep JL Wrangler/ 2020-2023 Jeep JT Gladiator.
Installation guide applies to all Kicker speakers.
NOTE- See below for Standard pods installation and explanation. Standard (non-factory amplified), Premium (factory amplified)
These tips are intended to be used in conjunction with our full installation video below:
Dash Speakers and Sound Bar Pods:
Knee Speakers only:
'18-'23 JL Wrangler/ '20-'23 JT Gladiator
STANDARD (non factory amplified)- ALL Jeeps '18- current JL's and JT's have 4 speakers in the sound bar (2 on each side). If you have the Standard pods (Jeeps without the Premium Alpine system with the amplifier and subwoofer in the rear), you will have 1 single coax speaker in your pod. You will remove BOTH speakers from each side of the sound bar. You will connect the new coax speaker pod to the 1 large matching connector and you will tuck the smaller un-used connector into the sound bar. It's recommended to wrap some tape around the plastic connector to avoid rattling.
1. Dash Tweeters-
- Remove and install per the video.
- Will come with the cross over and connector soldered on.
- Use existing factory screws.
2. Knee Panels-
- Remove and install per the video- Separate video available for the knee panel speakers. Give yourself plenty of time for this install and we recommend laying the pieces out on a table to avoid misplacing anything.
- Use provided self-tapping screws to mount brackets. The provided trim piece will mount to the speaker pod first, then the speaker will screw to the pod over the bracket piece.
- Note- If installing the 6.5" pods, you will need to completely remove both pods and install the new pods. Each pod includes the require connector attached to the pod for an easy installation.
3. Soundbar-
- Remove and install per the video.
- Both Premium and Standard will require the same installation, however due to the power output in the Jeep, only the Premium systems will include the separate 1" tweeter in the Pod.
- Remove OEM port tube prior to Pod installation for best sound quality.
- Same as above, however speakers are labeled “Soundbar”.
Amplifier Installation
This guide will walk you through installing a dual-amplifier setup in your Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT, including a 4-channel amplifier under the driver seat and a mono amplifier under the passenger seat. This installation uses a 4-gauge dual amp power kit, with both amps grounded to the factory grounding locations under each seat (near the transmission tunnel and center console).
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 and Passenger Seats
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Use an 18mm socket to remove the four seat bolts.
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Use a T45 Torx to remove the seatbelt bolt (if needed).
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Tilt or fully remove both seats for easier access.
Step 2: Route Power and Ground Wires
Power Wire: Route the 4-gauge power wire from the battery through the firewall (driver-side footwell).
Distribution Block: Mount the block near the center console beneath the carpet, splitting power to both amplifiers.
Ground Wires:
- 4-Channel Amp Ground: Use the factory ground point under the driver seat (near the transmission tunnel).
- Mono Amp Ground: Use the factory ground point under the passenger seat (same location on the opposite side).
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Secure all ground connections tightly to avoid noise issues.
Step 3: Remove Radio & Access Signal Wiring
Factory Radio Installation (Using PAC Module)
If connecting to the factory radio, install the PAC AP4-CH41 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 the PAC module.
Connect the 9-wire harness from the PAC module:
- Match speaker wires color to color.
- Connect the blue remote turn-on wire from the PAC module to the blue amp remote wire (pre-terminated with a bullet connector).
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Run RCA cables from the PAC module to both amplifiers:
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Front & Rear RCA → to the 4-channel amp under the driver seat.
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Subwoofer RCA → to the mono amp under the passenger seat.
Aftermarket Radio Installation
If using an aftermarket radio, connect the RCA cables from the radio’s front, rear, and subwoofer pre-outs to the amplifiers. Connect the blue remote turn-on wire from the radio harness to both amplifiers using a Y-splitter or distribution block.
Step 4: Install the 4-Channel Amplifier (Under Driver Seat)
Mounting Position: Set amp sideways with RCA and controls facing the door for easy access.
Connections:
Power Wire: Connect to the distribution block output.
- Ground Wire: Secure to the driver seat factory ground point.
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Remote Turn-On Wire: Connect to the blue wire from the PAC module or radio.
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Speaker Wires:
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Front speakers → Channels 1 & 2
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Rear speakers → Channels 3 & 4
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All speaker wires are pre-terminated ferrule connectors make wiring easy.
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RCA Connections:
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Front & Rear RCA cables from PAC module or radio.
OEM Amplified Bundle
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Non OEM Amplified Bundle
Step 5: Install the Mono Amplifier (Under Passenger Seat)
Mounting Position: Place amp with RCA and controls facing the door for access.
Connections:
Power Wire: Connect to the distribution block output.
Ground Wire: Secure to the passenger seat factory ground point.
Remote Turn-On Wire: Connect to the blue remote wire from the 4-channel amp or PAC module.
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Subwoofer Speaker Wire:
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Yellow (Positive) → Subwoofer Positive
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Black (Negative) → Subwoofer
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Negative
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Subwoofer RCA:
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Connect from the PAC module (or aftermarket radio subwoofer pre-out) to the mono amp’s input.
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Step 6: Adjust Amplifier Settings
4-Channel Amp Settings:
- Gain: Start at 0, then increase gradually until you hear distortion, then back down slightly.
- Crossover: High-pass filter (HPF) ON for front and rear speakers, set around 3 o’clock (80–100Hz).
- Bass Boost: OFF (use radio EQ instead).
- Fader/Input Level: Set to Low (pushed out).
Mono Amp Settings:
- Gain: Start at 0, increase until the subwoofer reaches desired level without distortion.
- Low-Pass Filter (LPF): Set between 80–100Hz (around 9 o’clock).
- Bass Boost: Minimal (9–12 o’clock max).
- Subsonic Filter (if available): Set at 25–30Hz to protect the sub.
6) 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"
- Crossover adjustments can be set to just below half
- 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: