Jeep Gladiator JT (20 - 23) | Amplified | Installation Instructions

Vehicle Applications

→ Jeep Gladiator JT | (2020-2023) | OE Amplified Systems

→ Installation Time

The estimated installation time for this guide is between six (6) to eight (8) hours with a single experienced technician.

Introduction

These instructions will guide you through replacing the Front, Rear, and Top Dash Speakers in their factory locations and adding amplifiers and a subwoofer to your Jeep.

TIP Before you begin, review these instructions thoroughly and ensure that all parts are present and tools are available.

WARNING Metra Electronics does not assume any responsibility for damage resulting from incorrect Installation.

→ Parts List

Number	Component	Quantity
1	6” Midbass Speaker	2
2	1” Component Tweeter	2
3	6-CH DSP Amplifier (80Wx6)	1
4	650W Mono Block Amplifier	1
5	6” Lower Dash Speaker Pods (JP-1014) (Pair)	1
6	Jeep Gladiator JT 12” Subwoofer Enclosure	1
7	Soundbar Speaker Kit (JP-1015) (Pair)	1
8	Dash Speaker Accent Grilles (JP-1017) (Pair)	1
9	Lower Dash Accent Grilles (JP-1018) (Pair)	1
10	Tweeter Speaker Plate Adapter (82-3016) (Pair)	1
11	6” Speaker Grille (BC-SPG) (Pair)	1
12	Jeep Under Seat Amp Rack	2
13	4GA Amp Kit	1
14	6ft RCA Cables	2
15	3ft RCA Cables	1
17	Amp Bypass Harness	1
18	AXAMP-CH5 Axxess Interface	1

→ Required Tools

Drill
Drill Bits: ½”, ¼”, 12/32”, Step BIt
Hook Tool
Panel Tool
Permanent Marker
Hole Saw: 1 ½”
Ratchet
Sockets:

7mm
8mm
10mm
12mm
13mm

Allan Bit: 3/16”, 5mm
Torx: T20, T25, T30, T40, T50, E12 (Some models)
Utility Knife
Wire Cutter/Crimper Tool
Oscillating Saw or other cutting device
USB C Cable
Windows Based Computer (Program DSP Amp)

Tweeters & JP-1017 Installation

This guide will walk you through installing dash-mounted tweeters and replacing accent grilles in your Jeep.

Removing the OE Speakers

Use the following instructions to remove the OE speakers from the vehicle.

Using a panel tool, pry the grille from the dash.

Remove the grille.

Remove the two (2) Philips screws from the speaker.

Remove the OE speaker by unclipping the harness.

NOTE Metra recommends safely securing the speaker adapter plate to a scrap piece of wood to drill them out.

The 82-3016 speaker adapter plate has a center mark for reference.
Drill out the speaker plate adapter using a 1 ½ in hole saw.

Install the tweeter into the speaker adapter plate with the included hardware.

Connect the tweeter in the dash with the included speaker harness (72-6517) and install the plate with two (2) Philips screws.
Install the plate with two (2) Philips screws.

10. Attach the included clips to the new accent covers.

11. Snap the new accent grille covers into place.

JP-1014 Speaker Pod Installation

Use the following instructions to install the JP-1014 speaker pod.

Dash & Radio Removal

Use the following instructions to remove the Driver and Passenger dash panels to have access to replace the speaker pods.

→ Dash Disassembly

Unclip and remove the panel below the steering column.

Remove the two (2) Phillips screws exposed (highlighted below).

Unclip, unplug, and remove the climate control panel (highlighted below).

Remove the two (2) Phillips screws securing the radio trim panel, then unclip and remove the panel (highlighted below).

Remove the four (4) Philips screws from the radio (highlighted below).

Remove the radio from the dash and disconnect the attached harnesses.
Set the radio aside. It will not be needed again until Source Signal section of this manual.
Remove the one (1) Phillips screw securing the dash pad, then unclip and remove it by pulling towards you (highlighted below).

Remove the four (4) Phillips screws securing the instrument panel on the left side and the four (4) Phillips screws securing the airbag panel on the right side (highlighted below).

Unclip the steering column shroud and move toward the steering wheel (highlighted below).

→ Driver's Side Speaker Removal

The following steps will guide you through removing the driver dash panel to remove the driver speaker pod.

Open the driver's door, then unclip and remove the panel on the side of the dash.
Remove (5) Phillips screws exposed (highlighted below).

Unclip the kick panel cover.
Remove one (1) Philips screw from the lower left dash (highlighted below).

Remove two (2) Phillips screws near the steering column (highlighted below).

Remove two (2) Philips screws on the top of the left dash, then unclip and disconnect the wire harness in the headlight switch. R
Remove the panel (highlighted below).

Remove (4) 10mm screws below the steering column. One of the bolts is hidden behind the cross brace behind the left down support (highlighted below).

Remove (1) 8mm bolt securing the dashboard brace. The brace must only be loosened to remove the speaker pod in the following step (highlighted below).

Remove three (3) Phillips screws securing the speaker pod, then unclip, unplug, and remove (highlighted below).

→ Passenger Side Speaker Removal

The following steps will guide you through removing the passenger dash panel to remove the driver speaker pod. Once removed, set the panel aside to install the JP-1018 Speaker Grille.

Open the passenger door, then unclip and remove the panel on the side of the dash.
Remove five (5) Phillips screws exposed (highlighted below).

Starting from the right, unclip and remove the trim panel from the grab bar.

Remove the two (2) 10mm screws securing the grab bar, then remove (highlighted below).

Unclip and remove the airbag trim panel.
Remove the two (2) Phillips screws exposed (highlighted below).

Open the glove box.
Unclip the hinge, drop the glovebox, and remove it.
Remove three (3) Phillips screws (highlighted below).

Looking in the glovebox cavity (up high), remove two (2) 13mm screws securing the back of the passenger side airbag (highlighted below).

Unclip and slightly release the airbag panel just enough to expose the three (3) Phillips screws securing the passenger side dash panel (highlighted below).

Remove the three (3) screws.
Remove the two (2) Philips screws exposed after removing the grab handle on the left side (highlighted below).

Carefully unclip and pull out on the dashboard panel just enough to expose the speaker pod.
Remove the three (3) Phillips screws securing the pod.
Unclip, unplug and remove the pod (highlighted below).

JP-1014 Speaker Pod Kit Assembly

Use the following instructions to assemble the JP-1014 speaker pod kit.

Remove the factory speakers from the speaker pods.

Disconnect the speaker and remove the grommet and factory wiring harness from the factory speaker pods.

Insert the grommets into the JP-1014 speaker pods.

Remove the tabs from the speaker pod to allow the new speaker to fit correctly into the pod (highlighted below).

Attach the speaker harnesses provided to the factory harness inside the pods and then to the aftermarket speaker.

Secure the aftermarket speakers to the pods using hardware supplied with the speakers.

Attach the control module on the back of the driver-side speaker pod with the (3) factory 7mm screws.

Install the pods back into the dash in reverse removal order.

JP-1018 Lower Dash Speaker Grille Installation

Installation of this speaker grille kit will widen the factory 4-inch opening to accommodate the upgraded 6.5-inch speaker installed in the JP-1014 Speaker Pods. This will allow for a more vivid sound while adding a bold style with black gloss metal grilles and silver accents.

→ Driver Dash Panel

With the left panel removed, using one (1) dash screw, secure the template to the dash panel.
Using the mounting screws supplied with the kit, mount the template to the panel (highlighted below).

Using a cutting tool, following the channel in the template, cut a hole into the dash panel and the template.

Using a 1/4” drill bit, drill out the center holes to allow the locating pins to be inserted into the dash pad (highlighted below).

Remove the template screws and, using a 12/32nd" drill bit, make four outer holes in the template large enough to pass the backing plate throughout (highlighted below).

Place the front grill into the dash panel.
Push the locating pins through to the back side of the dash panel.
Using the locating pins, place the backing plate.
Using the Phillips machine screw, tighten the grill to the dash panel.

→ Passenger Dash Panel

Using two (2) OE screws, install the cut template to the dash panel.
Using the kit screws, complete securing the cut template to the dash panel.

Utilize assistance from a third party to hold the dash panel, ensuring the speaker pod's clearance.
Cut out the template.

Remove the screws holding the template to the panel.
Using a 12/32nd” drill bit, drill four outer holes of the template large enough to pass the backing plate throughout.
Using a 1/4” drill bit, drill out the center holes to allow the locating pins to be inserted into the dash panel.

Place the front grill into the dash panel, pushing the locating pins through to the back side.
Using the locating pins, place the backing plate.
Using the Phillips machine screws, tighten the grille to the dash panel.

Reassemble the lower dash panels. The radio should still be disassembled during this stage.

Seat Disassembly

Use the following instructions to disassemble the seats.

Front Seats Disassembly

Use the following instructions to disassemble the front seats.

1. Using a T50 Torx, unbolt the four (4) bolts on the front passenger seat.

Recline the front seats and disconnect the two connectors from the bottom of the seats.

Remove the seats from the vehicle and set aside.

Fuse Installation and Wire Routing

Use the following instructions to install the amplifier fuse and properly route the wires.

Remove Red power wire from the amp kit bag.

Install the fuse into the fuse holder and install the shorter 4ga power wire into one side of the fuse holder using a T-20 Torx.

Using a T20 Torx, install the longer Red power wire into the opposite end of the fuse holder.
Run the Red power wire behind the fuse box and down the engine bay side of the firewall.

Secure the wire with the included zip ties.
Pull the carpet back and locate the floor grommet under the seat.
Remove the grommet.

Using a 1/2-inch drill bit, drill a hole in the grommet

Route the power wire toward the center console.

Signal Source Installation

Use the following instructions to install the signal source.

Install the AXAMP-CH5 T-Harness onto the main radio harness behind the radio and route the interface harness behind the glove box.

Plug the harness into the Axxess AXAMP-CH5 interface behind the glove box (highlighted below).

Insert the two (2) six-foot RCAs into the front and rear channels of the interface.

Route the two (2) sets of RCAs and the REMOTE Wire from the interface to under the passenger seat, running along the center console.

Chime Volume Adjustment

The AXAMP allows volume adjustment for FRONT & BACKUP sensors tones.

Use a small screwdriver to adjust the chime level (located next to the UPDATE PORT of the AXAMP Interface).

Final LED Feedback

At the end of programming, the LED will turn Solid Green, which indicates programming was successful.

If the LED does not turn Solid Green, reference the list below to under which program section the problem may stem from.

Reassemble the OE radio and Dash Bezels.

Reassemble the OE Radio and Dash Bezels

Use the following instructions to bypass the OE Amplifier:

OE Amplifier Bypass

Locate the factory amp in the driver's side kick panel behind the OBD II Data Port.

Unplug the harness from the factory amplifier and plug it into the bypass harness.

Route the harness down along the driver's door and under the driver's seat, then under the center console to under the passenger’s seat.

6-Channel DSP Amplifier Installation

Use the following instructions to install the 6-Channel DSP Amplifier.

Mount the 6-Channel DSP Amplifier to the amplifier rack using hook and loop tape.
Route the Amp Bypass Harness to the speaker terminal side of the amplifier.
Secure the harness to the amp rack with zip ties through the available cable tie slots for wire management.

Install the speaker lines into the proper channels.

Connect the 8ga power cable from the distribution block to the amp's 12V POWER terminal.

Install the 8ga ground wire from the amp to the ground point near the distribution block.

Plug the 6ft RCAs from the AXAMP interface into the 6CH DSP amp.

Install the REMOTE (BLU/WHT) wire from the Axxess interface to the REM IN (BLUE) wire on the amplifier's 2-pin connector.

Use the available cable tie slots on the amp rack and the included zip ties for cable management.

Subwoofer Amplifier Installation

Use the following instructions to install the subwoofer amplifier.

Mount the subwoofer amp to the amp rack using hook and loop tape.

Install the 8ga power wire into the distribution block on the vehicle's passenger side.

Connect the REMOTE wire to the REM OUT (ORANGE) from the 2-pin harness on the 6-channel amplifier on the passenger side of the Jeep and route the RCAs, remote wire, and 8ga power wire under the center console to under the driver’s seat.

Plug the 3ft RCAs into Channels 7 and 8 on the 6-channel amplifier under the passenger seat.
Route them through the center console and plug into the RCA input on the subwoofer amplifier.
Install the 8ga ground wire from the amplifier to the OE ground lug near the center console.

Install the 8ga power wire, 8ga ground wire, and the remote wire into the amp's terminals.

Install the speaker wire into the terminals labeled BRIDGED on the amplifier.

Route the speaker wire.

→ Subwoofer Speaker Wire Routing (UPDATED)

Raise the rear lower seats to expose the under-seat storage bin.

Remove the four (4) 10mm bolts holding the storage bin in place.

With the bolts removed, remove the storage bin.

Remove the factory tire jack:

With the storage bin removed, route the speaker wire from the amp.
The speaker wire from the subwoofer amp should be routed to the driver door sill and routed under the rear seat.

→ → Subwoofer Amp Settings

Use the following settings for the subwoofer amplifier for optimal performance. The yellow arrows indicate the knob setting positions.

Soundbar Speaker Kit Installation

The JP-1015 will upgrade your soundbar speakers from a 4” factory speaker to a 6.5” mid-bass speaker and 1” tweeter in the factory soundbar location.

Soundbar Removal

→ T25 Bolt Removal

Use Steps 1-4 below to remove the (16) T25 bolts from the panels on the ROP (Rollover Protection System):

Remove the four (4) T25 Torx from the passenger side ROP, carefully unclip, and remove from the vehicle (highlighted below).

Remove the (3-4) T25 Torx screws from the outer rear seat passenger side ROP (highlighted below).

Remove the two (2) T25 Torx screws from the inside rear passenger ROP and carefully unclip and remove from the vehicle. Repeat these steps on the driver's side (highlighted below).

Remove the three (3) T25 Torx screws from the middle ROP cover (highlighted below).

Carefully remove the dome light, using a long flat-head screwdriver to depress the metal clips on either side of the light (highlighted below).

Unclip the connector and remove it from the vehicle.
Remove the six (6) 10mm bolts holding the soundbar to the vehicle (highlighted below).

Unplug the OE harness from the soundbar and remove it from the vehicle (highlighted below).

Remove the four (4) 5mm Allen screws holding the OEM grille in place.
Remove the five (5) T20 Torx screws from the speakers and (4) T30 Torx from the port and remove from the soundbar.

Carefully hide the harness in the soundbar. Ensure that you do not cut the wiring while cutting the interior structure of the soundbar.
Place the template and secure it with the nine (9) provided screws.

Trace the area highlighted and remove the template. This is the area where the cut will be made.

Remove the template and carefully cut the traced area. Ensure that you do not cut through to the back of the soundbar or through the wiring in the bar.

Avoid cutting the four outermost threaded holes, which will be used to secure the grille back in place.
Use a utility knife to clean up the cut by removing any remaining melted plastic.

→ Assembly

Use the following instructions to complete the assembly.

After reinstalling the metal cutting template using the nine (9) provided screws, line up the grille and check the previously made cut.

Using the center point on the underside of the grille cover as a reference, use a 1 ½” hole saw to drill out the opening for the tweeter to be mounted.

Install the tweeter and the 6.5” speaker into the grille using the included hardware.

4. When you have completed the above step, attach the grill using the provided screws.

Use (4) screws in a cross pattern to mount the speaker into the grille plate first (BLUE DOT), then (4) more screws in the remaining holes to mount the speaker grille (YELLOW DOT) to the speaker for a total of (8) screws.

→ Installation

With the tweeter and midrange installed in the grille, flip the grille over to wire the speakers into the speaker harness.
Cut the speaker harness, strip back both ends, and attach the tweeter's leads to the speaker harness's proper leads.

Tweeter Positive: Black/White Tweeter Negative: Black

Install butt connectors onto the speaker harness and connect the other half of the speaker harness.

Connect the speaker harness to the terminals of the 6.5” speaker.

Install the included polyfill into the soundbar.

Plug the speaker harness into the OE plug in the soundbar.

Install the speaker plate into the sound bar using the five (5) included 7/64 Allen head screws.

Repeat the previous steps on the other side of the soundbar.

Subwoofer Installation (UPDATED)

Remove the speaker terminal connector from the enclosure.
Strip the subwoofer wire so that ¾” of copper wire is showing.
The Subwoofer needs to be wired for 4 Ohms:

Place the enclosure under the rear seat.
Line up the cut-outs on the bottom of the enclosure with the mounts from the under-seat storage bin.

Place both the driver and passenger seats back into the vehicle.

Plug in the airbag connectors and lean the front seats back to expose the amplifiers for the following steps.

Install the fuse into the fuse holder by the battery.
Turn the vehicle ignition on and make sure the radio’s volume is all the way down.
The radio should boot to a Uconnect screen with an ACCEPT button on the screen (shown below).

→→ Splash/Boot-Up Colors

Rebooting Steps

Option 1: Reboot Radio

Turn the key or press the Push To Start button to the ACC position.

Press the Power and Tune/Enter buttons for 10-16 seconds until the radio reboots.
Release once the radio reboots.

You have successfully rebooted your factory radio!

Option 2: Reset UConnect

Turn the key or push the Push To Start button (Run position).

Tap and Hold the Top Right Corner of the screen for 15-20 seconds until the display blacks out, then release.

The radio will perform the rebooting sequence, then power off.

The radio should then power on and display the UConnect boot screen with an Accept button present beneath the disclaimer text.

Press Accept and the radio will load the Home screen

You have successfully reset the Uconnect software!

DSP Setup

Once the DSP amplifier has been installed into the vehicle's audio system, loading a vehicle-specific tune can begin. Proper setup ensures the amplifier is installed correctly, allowing optimal audio performance.

The instructions below will guide you through the step-by-step process of connecting the amplifier to the software to load the vehicle-specific tune.

Once the inputs, outputs, and power harness are correctly connected, the final step in the setup process is connecting the software to the amplifier's processor.

Connecting the DSP Software to the Processor

In order to complete your installation, you must download the VIBE DSP software and your Jeep Tune.

Follow the instructions below to complete this important step.

Download and unzip the VIBE DSP software (Microsoft Windows only) for the amplifier (embedded below).

Install the software on your computer following the manufacturer's instructions.
Download the below Jeep JL Specific Tune .jib file to your computer (embedded below).

Connect the amplifier to your computer using the appropriate interface cable.

Launch the software.

Click SETTINGS.

Settings screen.

Click LOAD PC.

Locate and select the file that you downloaded to your PC in Step 3 (typically the Downloads or Desktop folders).

Click OPEN (or double click).
The program will load the DSP settings from the file to the amplifier, and the settings will display on the screen.