Vehicle Applications

→ Jeep Gladiator JT | (2024-UP) | 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 in 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)

JP-1014 Speaker Pod Installation

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

Use the following instructions to disassemble the dash.

1. Remove four (4) Phillips screws from the tray above the radio (Figure A).

2. Remove the top trim pieces with the panel tool.
1. Disconnect the harness if present (Figure B).

3. With the tray removed, remove the two (2) exposed Phillips screws (Figure C).

4. With the top trim removed, remove the two (2) Phillips screws at the base of the passenger A-pillar (Figure D).

5. Remove the cover on the inside of the passenger grab handle and the three (3) Phillips screws behind the handle (Figure E).

6. Using a panel tool, pry the trim panel from the start button to the AC Controls and over to the passenger handle (Figure F).

7. Unplug the Star button and AC controls.
8. Remove the one (1) Phillips screw and two (2) 8mm bolts on the remaining handle assembly (Figure G).

9. Remove the five (5) Phillips screws along the top of the radio screen and over the instrument cluster (Figure H).

10. Using a panel tool, pry the clips holding the radio in place.
11. Unplug the two (2) harnesses from the radio.

Radio Removal

1. With the radio display removed, there are four (4) screws holding the radio in place.

2. Remove the four (4) screws and pull the radio from the dash.
3. Disconnect the harnesses attached to the radio.

4. Place the radio aside until it is time to reassemble.

→ Driver’s Side Disassembly

Use the following instructions to disassemble the driver’s side dash.

1. Remove the lower dash below the steering column. (Figure H)

2. Using a panel tool, remove the end cap. (Figure I)

3. Remove the eight (8) screws from the panel. (Figure J)

4. Remove the trim from the top of the steering column to expose two (2) screws to the right of the headlight switch. (Figure K)

5. Remove one (1) screw behind the headlight panel. The upper headlight switch panel will separate from the lower grille assembly.
6. Remove the lower panel and set it aside to prepare for cutting during later steps.

→ Passenger Side Disassembly

Use the following instructions to disassemble the passenger side.

1. Remove the side panel. (Figure L)

2. Open the glove box.
3. Disconnect the glove box damper.
4. Push up on the glove box, stop, and then rotate the glove box downward and remove. (Figure M)

5. Remove two (2) screws below the glove box and four (4) screws under the side panel. (Figure N)

6. With all screws removed, pull on the panel to release the clips.
7. Remove the panel and set it aside to prepare for cutting in a later step.

JP-1014 Pod Removal

→ Driver Pod Removal

1. With the lower dash removed, there are three (3) screws holding the pod in place.

2. Remove the one (1) 8mm bolt and (2) 10mm bolts from the lower support brace.
3. Remove the pod from the dash.
4. Disconnect the one (1) speaker harness and the two (2) harnesses from the control module.

5. Set the pod aside for the setup of the JP-1014.

→ Passenger Pod Removal

1. With the dash panel removed, there are three (3) easily accessible screws.
2. Remove the three (3) screws and remove the pod.
3. Disconnect the speaker harness from the pod and set aside for setup of the JP-1014.

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 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 aftermarket speaker.

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 (3) factory 7mm screws.

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

JP-1020 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 more vivid sound while also adding a bold style with black gloss metal grilles and silver accents.

→ Driver Dash Panel

1. Line up the template on the dash panel. (Figures A1 & A2)
2. The template has a foot that will line up into a clip point on the right. (Figure A2)
3. Use the included clip (Figure A3) to line up to the clip point on the left side of the panel and push the clip into the template till it clicks into position. (Figures A4 & A5)
4. Using the included screws, screw the template to the dash panel. (Figures B1 & B2)
5. Follow the channel in the template and cut the dash panel using a cutting tool. (Figures C, D)
6. Using a 1/4" drill bit, drill the (4) locations in the template for the backing plate and drill the (2) locations in the template for the locating pins. (Figures F & G)

7. Remove the template and clean up the opening by removing any excess with a utility knife. (Figure H)
8. Push the four (4) screw posts of the backing plate through the dash panel. (Figure H)

9. Place the front grille into the dash panel, pushing the locating pins through the backside. Using the locating pins, place the backing plate into place. (Figure I)
10. Use the four (4) 2.5mm Allen head screws to tighten the grille to the dash panel. (Figures J & K)

→ Passenger Dash Panel

Use the following instructions to assemble the passenger dash panel.

1. Line up the template on the dash panel. (Figure A)
2. The template will line up on the glove box opening on the left. (Figure B)
3. Use the included clip (Figure C) to line up to the clip point on the right side of the panel and push the clip to the template till it clicks into position.
4. Using the included screws, (Figure D1) screw the template to the dash panel. (Figure D2)
5. Using a cutting tool, follow the channel in the template and cut the dash panel. (Figure E)
6. Using a 1/4" drill bit, drill the four (4) locations in the template for the backing plate (Figure G)

7. Drill the two (2) locations in the template for the locating pins. (Figure H)

8. Remove the template and clean up the opening by removing any excess pieces with a utility knife. (Figure I)

9. Push the four (4) screw posts of the backing plate through the dash panel. (Figure K)
10. Place the front grille into the dash panel, pushing the locating pins through the backside.
11. Using the locating pins, place the backing plate into place. (Figure L)
12. Use the four (4) 2.5mm Allen head screws to tighten the grille to the dash panel. (Figure M)
13. With the JP-1020 installed on the lower dash panels, reinstall the panels into the Jeep.

14. Reassemble the lower dash panels.

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.

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.

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.

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 behind the fuse box and down the engine bay side of the firewall.
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.

Wire Routing

Use the following instructions to properly route the wiring.

1. Run the Red power wire down the firewall and follow the Jeep's frame.

2. Locate the floor grommet hole.

3. Secure the grommet floor hole with the included zip ties.

4. Slide the grommet over the Red power wire and install.
5. Route the power wire toward the center console.
6. Mount the distribution block by the center console and install the 4ga power wire into the distribution block.

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.

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.

8. Once the tweeter wires are run to the radios 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.

12. Connect the tweeters in the dash to the speaker harness you installed previously.
13. Install the plate with (2) Philips 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. Install the LD-VBCH8 T-Harness onto the main radio harness behind the radio and route the LD-VB-JPNA connection harness behind the glove box.

2. Plug the LD-DSP-RPAD2 into the 8-pin Molex connector on the LD-VBCH8 T-Harness.

3. At this stage, the radio is still removed.
4. Plug one end of the LD-VBCH8 T-harness into the vehicle’s main harnesses.

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. Plug the LD-VB-JPNA small harness into the HIGH INPUT location on the 6-channel amp.

7. Reassemble the radio and dash.

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.

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.

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 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.

4. Plug the 3ft RCAs into Channels 7 and 8 on the 6-channel amplifier under the passenger’s 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:

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.

JP-1019 Soundbar Speaker Kit Installation

The JP-1019 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 to remove the (16) T25 bolts from the panels on the ROP (Rollover Protection System):

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

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

3. Remove the two (2) T25 Torx screws from the inside rear passenger ROP and carefully unclip and remove from the passengers side. 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 using 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 the six (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).

Soundbar Disassembly

1. Remove the five (5) 3/16" screws holding the factory grille in place. (Figure A)
2. Disconnect the harness to the attached map light, and remove the factory grille panel. Set the grille aside until it is time to reinstall. (Figure B)

6. Place the base plate and secure with three (3) of the factory 3/16" bolts. (Figure F)
7. Trace the area highlighted in Figure G. This is the area that needs to be cut and removed. (Figure G)
8. Remove the template and review the area that needs to be cut. (Figure H)

Cutting Guide

1. Cut the traced area carefully. (Figure A)

1. Figure B shows the section cut and removed. (Figure B)

Soundbar Speaker Installation

1. Reinstall the base plate using (3) factory 3/16" screws. (Figure A)
2. Using a 5/64" drill bit, pre-drill the five (5) holes around the base plate. (Figure B)
3. Using the (5) 3/4" Pan Head Screws, secure the mounting plate to the soundbar. (Figure B)

4. Install the speaker into the mounting plate to ensure proper fit.

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

Speaker Installation

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

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

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

Dome Light Installation

Use the following instructions to install the dome light.

1. Take the factory speaker grille that was removed earlier to remove the dome light. (Figure A)
2. Remove the (2) T-20 screws that attach the light to the factory speaker grille. (Figure B)
3. Install the dome light into the new replacement grille.
4. Secure using the two (2) T-20 screws that held it into the factory grille. (Figure D)

Replacement Grille Installation

Use the following instructions to install the replacement grille.

1. Install the supplied 1/4" foam tape around the edge of the mounting plate to prevent the possibility of rattling. (Figure A)
2. Connect the harness into the dome light attached to the replacement grille. (Figure B)
3. Secure the replacement grille to the mounting plate using the five (5) supplied M3 bolts. (Figure C)
4. Repeat the previous steps on the opposite side of the soundbar to complete the installation.
5. Reinstall the soundbar and ROP (Roll Over Protection) System paneling back into the Jeep 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:

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.

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

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

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).

→→ 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.

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).

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).

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).

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

5. Launch the software.

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.

Reassembly

Once you have loaded your tune and you have a fully functional audio system, you can reassemble the remaining areas of the Jeep.

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).

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

On this page

• Vehicle Applications
• → Installation Time
• Introduction
• → Parts List
• → Required Tools
• JP-1014 Speaker Pod Installation
• Dash & Radio Removal
• → Dash Disassembly
• Radio Removal
• → Driver’s Side Disassembly
• → Passenger Side Disassembly
• JP-1014 Pod Removal
• → Driver Pod Removal
• → Passenger Pod Removal
• JP-1014 Speaker Pod Kit Assembly
• JP-1020 Lower Dash Speaker Grille Installation
• → Driver Dash Panel
• → Passenger Dash Panel
• Amplifier Kit Installation
• Front Seats Disassembly
• Fuse Installation
• Wire Routing
• 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
• JP-1019 Soundbar Speaker Kit Installation
• Soundbar Removal
• → T25 Bolt Removal
• Soundbar Disassembly
• Cutting Guide
• Soundbar Speaker Installation
• Speaker Installation
• Dome Light Installation
• Replacement Grille 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
• Reassembly
• Troubleshooting
• No Audio Troubleshooting