Vehicle Applications

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

→ Installation Time

Introduction

The following instructions will guide you through the installation process to replace the Front, Rear, and Top Dash Speakers into the factory locations and add 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

→ 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)

Dash Speaker Removal

These instructions will guide you through the removal of the factory dash speaker grilles and factory dash speakers. The preparation and installation of the new dash speakers and adapter plates will happen later in the install.

JP-1014 Speaker Pod Installation

Dash & Radio Removal

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

→ Dash Disassembly

Use the following instructions to assemble the dash.

1. Unclip and remove the panel below the steering column.

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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).

10. 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.

NOTE Once removed, set the panel aside to install the JP-1018 Speaker Grille.

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

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

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

6. Remove the two (2) Philips screws on the top of the left dash .
7. Unclip and disconnect the wire harness in the headlight switch and remove the panel (highlighted below).

8. Remove the four (4) 10mm screws below the steering column (highlighted below).

TIP One of the bolts is hidden behind the cross brace behind the left down support.

9. Remove the one (1) 8mm bolt securing the dashboard brace (highlighted below).

TIP The brace must only be loosened to remove the speaker pod in the following step.

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

TIP Gentle aggression will be required to remove the pod.

NOTE An electronic module is attached to the back of the pod, which must be removed and reused in Kit Assembly.

Passenger Side Speaker Removal

The following step 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.

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

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

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

5. Unclip and remove the airbag trim panel (highlighted below).

6. Remove the two (2) Phillips screws exposed.
7. Open the glove box.
8. Unclip the hinge, drop the glovebox, and remove it.
9. Remove the three (3) Phillips screws (highlighted below).

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

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

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

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

JP-1014 Speaker Pod Kit Assembly

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

1. Remove the factory speakers from the speaker pods.

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

3. Insert the OE grommets into the JP-1014 speaker pods.

4. Remove the tabs from the speaker pod to allow the new speaker to fit correctly into the pod.

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

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

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

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

NOTE Be sure to reconnect the module on the back of the driver-side pod.

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 also adding a bold style with black gloss metal grilles and silver accents.

→ Driver Dash Panel

Use the following instructions to assemble the driver dash panel.

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

NOTE If cutting with a jigsaw or handsaw, Metra recommends using all available security points to hold the template in place.

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

NOTE Allowing the cutting tool to do the work while holding light pressure will result in a better cut and less cleanup.

4. 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).

5. 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).

NOTE Metra recommends using a stepper bit when making larger holes for the backing plate. Check each step to verify that the plate will pass through the dash panel.

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

→ Passenger Dash Panel

Use the following instructions to install the passenger dash panel.

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

3. Utilize assistance from a third party to hold the dash panel, ensuring there is clearance of the speaker pod.
4. Cut out the template.

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

NOTE Metra recommends using a stepper bit when making larger holes for the backing plate. Check each step to verify that the plate will pass through the dash panel.

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

NOTE Metra recommends starting the screws by hand in order to not cross-thread the insert. The maximum required torque on the fastener is two feet per pound. If using a power drill, set the clutch to a lower setting.

TIP If using a power drill, set the clutch to a lower setting.

11. Reassemble the lower dash panels.

NOTE The radio should still be disassembled during this stage.

Amplifier Kit Installation

Use the following instructions to install the amplifier kit.

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.

NOTE Some model years use an E12 Star Head on the seat bolts

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

3. Remove the seats from the vehicle and set aside.

Fuse Installation

Use the following instructions to install the amplifier fuse.

1. Remove Red power wire from the amp kit bag.

NOTE The smaller piece of wire will be used to run from the battery terminal to the fuse holder. The longer piece of 4ga wire will run from the fuse hold to the amplifier under the passenger seat.

2. 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.

WARNING Do not connect the battery terminal at this point.

2. Using a T20 Torx, install the longer Red power wire into the opposite end of the fuse holder.
3. Run the Red power wire down the firewall and follow the Jeep's frame. Watch for pinpoints and exhaust components.

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

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

7. Route the power wire toward the center console.

Tweeter & JP-1017 Installation

These instructions will guide you through the installation process for the dash-mounted tweeters and the replacement of the accent grilles on your Jeep.

Removing The OE Speakers

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

2. Remove the grille.

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

4. 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.

TIP The 82-3016 has a center mark for reference.

5. Drill out the speaker plate adapter using a 1 ½ in hole saw.

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

7. New wires will need to be run from each tweeter location to the OE radio’s cavity.

TIP You will NOT be using factory dash speakers wires for this kit. Tweeter harness are provided in the kit and labeled FR and FL DASH SPEAKER located in the LD-VB-JPNA bag.

NOTE Note: the tweeter harnesses have different connectors on each end and they are labeled FL (Front Left) and FR (Front Right)

8. Once the tweeter wires are run to the radio’s dash cavity connect to the LD-VBCH8 harness, being sure to match the labels.

9. Connect this end to Tweeters.

10. Connect this end to the LD-VBCH8 harness.

11. Secure the tweeter plate into place with the OE screws.

14. Attach the included clips to the new accent covers, and snap the new grilles into place.

15. Reassemble the Dash speakers.

Signal Source Installation

Use the following instructions to install the signal source.

1. Prepare the T-Harness for installation:

2. Plug the LD-DSP-RPAD into the 8-pin Molex connector on the LD-VBCH5 T-Harness.

3. At this stage, the radio is still removed.
4. Plug one end of the LD-VBCH5 T-harness into the vehicle’s main harnesses.

TIP During reassembly the opposite end of the T-Harness will plug back into the factory radio.

NOTE Be sure to plug in the tweeter harnesses into the correct locations on the 20-pin Molex connector.

5. Route the 20-pin Molex connector toward the glove box area and plug it into the LD-VB-JPNA connection harness behind the glove box.

6. Run the LD-VB-JPNA harness under the passenger seat.
7. Reassemble the OE radio and dash bezels.

NOTE The amplifier will not require a REMOTE IN for this application. The amplifier will use a SIGNAL SENSE as a remote turn on.

6-Channel Amplifier Installation

Use the following instructions to install the 6-Channel amplifier:

1. Mount the 6-Channel DSP Amplifier to the amplifier rack using hook and loop tape.
2. Route the labeled speaker Harness from LD-VB-JPNA to the speaker terminal side of the amplifier. Connection table is below.
3. Plug the LD-VB-JPNA small harness into the HIGH INPUT location on the 6-channel amp.

NOTE

For this application, the amplifier will not require a REMOTE IN and will use a SIGNAL SENSE as a remote turn-on. We have provided a remote turn on wire in the LD-VB-JPNA, this will not be needed for this installation.

4. Secure the harness to the amp rack with zip ties through the available cable tie slots for wire management.

5. Install the speaker lines into the proper channels.

WARNING It is very important that each labeled wire is connected to the correct channel of the amplifier. Do not change the configuration.

NOTE

See labels on the wire.

6. Connect the 8ga power wire from the distribution block to the amp’s 12V POWER terminal.

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

Subwoofer Amplifier Installation

Use the following instructions to install the subwoofer amplifier.

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

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

3. Connect the REMOTE wire to the REM OUT (ORANGE) from the 2-pin harness on the 4-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 seat.

4. Plug the 3ft RCAs into Channels 7 and 8 on the 4-channel amplifier under the passenger seat.
5. Route them through the center console and plug into the RCA input on the subwoofer amplifier.
6. Install the 8ga ground wire from the amplifier to the OE ground lug near the center console.

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

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

9. Route the speaker wire.

→ Subwoofer Speaker Wire Routing (UPDATED)

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

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

3. With the bolts removed, remove the storage bin.

4. Remove the factory tire jack:
1. Turn the knob to remove from the stud.



2. Lift UP on the jack and SLIDE the jack off the retaining bolt below.

3. Remove the jack.

WARNING The jack will not fit back in place when the enclosure is installed.

NOTE You do not need to remove the bolt storage bin.

5. With the storage bin removed, route the speaker wire from the amp.
6. 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

NOTE Metra highly recommends that the soundbar be removed before installing this speaker adapter kit. Removal of the (2) front roof sections will aid in the disassembly of the soundbar

→→ T25 Bolt Removal

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

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

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

3. Remove (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).

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

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

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

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

WARNING Use caution and have access to assistance (if needed) to avoid breaking or damaging the vehicle or soundbar.

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

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

13. Trace the area highlighted and remove the template. This is the area where the cut will be made (highlighted below).

14. 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.

15. Avoid cutting the 4 outermost threaded holes, which will be used to secure the grille back in place.
16. Use a utility knife to clean up the cut by removing any remaining melted plastic.

→ Assembly

Use the following instructions to complete the assembly.

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

→ Installation

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

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

4. Connect the speaker harness to the terminals of the 6.5” speaker (highlighted below).

5. Install the included poly-fill into the soundbar.

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

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

8. Repeat the previous steps on the other side of the soundbar.
9. Reassemble in reverse order.

Subwoofer Installation (UPDATED)

1. Remove the speaker terminal connector from the enclosure.
2. Strip the subwoofer wire so that ¾” of copper wire is showing.
3. The Subwoofer needs to be wired for 4 Ohms:
1. A jumper wire needs to be inserted into the terminal bridging VC1+ VC2- (refer to the image below).


b. Connect the positive subwoofer wire from the amp to VC2+

c. Connect the negative subwoofer wire from the amp to VC1- (refer to the image below for steps b. and c.)



d. Insert the terminal connector into the enclosure.

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

TIP You do not need to install any additional hardware.

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

WARNING Do not bolt the seats down yet.

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

TIP If this step is missed, you will get an airbag light on the dash that may require to be reset at the dealership.

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

TIP In some cases, the factory U-Connect Radio will require a reboot process to accept the aftermarket interface. Disconnecting the main harness to install the T-harness and re-powering the radio may cause the U-Connect Radio to program as a different vehicle model than it was originally programmed to.

→→ Splash/Boot-Up Colors

Rebooting Steps

Option 1: Reboot Radio

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

WARNING DO NOT press the brake and start the vehicle.

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

You have successfully rebooted your factory radio!

Option 2: Reset UConnect

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

WARNING DO NOT press the brake and start the vehicle.

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

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

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

5. 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.

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

DOWNLOAD FILE

VIBE_DSP_210425.exe.zip11597.5KB

NOTE This Microsoft Windows only software provides the interface to access and load the amplifier's vehicle specific tune. You cannot load the tune with the VIBE App.

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

DOWNLOAD FILE

COMING SOON

NOTE This tune includes preset settings features like time alignment, crossovers settings and equalizer adjustments. These settings allow a personalized audio experience specific to your Jeep.

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

TIP A USB-C cable is required for the Vibe amp.

5. Launch the software.

NOTE The software should detect the connected amplifier automatically. If it does not, follow the software's instructions to establish the connection manually.

6. Click SETTINGS.

7. Click LOAD PC.

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

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

11. With the file loaded, click SAVE DSP.

12. Select and Click one of the six (6) available preset locations, and label your tune (e.g., JL OE AMPED TUNE).

13. Click SAVE DSP to lock the settings into the DSP amplifier.

NOTE This Vibe Audio Kit was tuned on an RTA by a professional audio engineer.

WARNING Metra DOES NOT recommend adjusting any of the preset settings in the programmed DSP tune. Any changes made could affect the audio quality of the system or could cause damage to the system.

Troubleshooting

Use the following steps to troubleshoot the installation.

No Audio Troubleshooting

If there is no audio:

1. Confirm power connections to amp.
2. Check the INPUT SELECTION on the DSP Program screen (Figure A).
1. HI LEVEL for NON-OE AMPED systems
2. LOW LEVEL for OE AMPLIFIED SYSTEMS

3. Ensure that the Volume Control on DSP Program screen is turned up. (Tune setting is 5.3) (Figure B)

On this page

• Vehicle Applications
• → Installation Time
• Introduction
• → Parts List
• → Required Tools
• Dash Speaker Removal
• JP-1014 Speaker Pod Installation
• Dash & Radio Removal
• → Dash Disassembly
• Driver's Side Speaker Removal
• Passenger Side Speaker Removal
• JP-1014 Speaker Pod Kit Assembly
• JP-1018 Lower Dash Speaker Grille Installation
• → Driver Dash Panel
• → Passenger Dash Panel
• Amplifier Kit Installation
• Front Seats Disassembly
• Fuse Installation
• Tweeter & JP-1017 Installation
• Removing The OE Speakers
• Signal Source Installation
• 6-Channel Amplifier Installation
• Subwoofer Amplifier Installation
• → Subwoofer Speaker Wire Routing (UPDATED)
• → → Subwoofer Amp Settings
• Soundbar Speaker Kit Installation
• → Soundbar Removal
• →→ T25 Bolt Removal
• → Assembly
• → Installation
• Subwoofer Installation (UPDATED)
• →→ Splash/Boot-Up Colors
• Rebooting Steps
• Option 1: Reboot Radio
• Option 2: Reset UConnect
• DSP Setup
• Connecting the DSP Software to the Processor
• Troubleshooting
• No Audio Troubleshooting