Vehicle Applications

→ Jeep Wrangler JL | (2018.5 - 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.

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

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

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.

Removing The OE Speakers

Use the following instructions to remove the OE Speakers.

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

2. Remove the grille.

3. Remove the two (2) Philips screws from the speaker (highlighted below).

4. Remove the OE speaker by unclipping the harness (highlighted below).

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 dash reassembly.
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.

Amplifier Kit Installation

Use the following instructions to install the amplifier kit.

→ Fuse Installation

Use the following instructions to install the fuses.

1. Mount the vehicle-specific fuse holder rack to the passenger side of the engine bay near the battery using a 10mm socket.

NOTE The forward mounting hole on the fuse holder rack will use an existing factory M6 bolt. The rear mounting hole will use the included M6x1 bolt into an unused factory mount location.

2. Run the pre-installed red power wire from the fuse holder and connect it to the positive battery terminal using a 12mm socket.
3. Using a T20 Torx, install the red power wire into the open end of the fuse holder.
4. Run the red power wire behind the fuse box and down the engine bay side of the firewall.
5. Secure the wire with the included zip ties.

→ Front Passenger Seat Disassembly

Use the following instructions to disassemble the front passenger seat.

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 passenger seat and disconnect the two connectors from the bottom of the seat.

3. Remove the passenger seat from the vehicle.
4. Pull the carpet back and locate the floor grommet under the seat.
5. Remove the grommet.

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

Wire Routing

Use the following instructions to properly route wiring.

1. Run the Red power wire down the firewall and follow the Jeep's frame. Watch for pinpoints and exhaust components.

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 the grommet.
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.

Signal Source Installation

Use the following instructions to install the signal source.

1. Install the LD-VBCH5 T-Harness onto the main radio harness behind the radio and route the LD-VB-JPNA connection harness behind the glove box.

2. With the OE dash speakers removed, run the (2) labeled tweeter harnesses from the speaker location to behind the radio and plug into the LD-VBCH5 harness.

3. Run the LD-VB-JPNA harness to the 4-channel amp

4. Plug the LD-VB-JPNA harness into the LD-VBCH5 harness behind the glove box.

5. Plug the LD-VB-JPNA small harness into the HIGH INPUT location on the 4-channel amp.

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

Tweeter & JP-1017 Installation

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

1. Take the 82-3016 speaker adapter plate and prepare for drilling for the tweeter installation. The 82-3016 has a center mark for reference (highlighted below).

2. Drill out the speaker plate adapter using a 1 ½ in hole saw (highlighted below).

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

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

4. Connect the tweeters in the dash to the speaker harness that you installed previously.

5. Install the plate with (2) Philips screws (highlighted below).

6. Attach the included clips to the new accent covers, and snap the new accent grille covers into place (highlighted below).

4-Channel Amplifier Installation

Use the following instructions to install the 4-Channel Amplifier.

1. Mount the 4-channel amp to the amp rack using hook and loop tape.
2. Route the Speaker Outputs from the 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.

3. Install the speaker lines into the proper channels. (See labels on wire)

NOTE There are (2) black wires that will remain after connecting all the other wires noted above to the amplifier. These wires are not needed. You can tape these wires off.

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

5. Install the 8ga ground wire from the amp to the ground point near the distribution block (highlighted below).

Front Driver Seat Disassembly

Use the following instructions to disassemble the front driver seat.

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

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

2. Recline the driver seat and disconnect the two connectors from the bottom of the seat.

3. Remove the seat from the vehicle.

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 for the subwoofer amp to the REM OUT (ORANGE) from the High Input harness on the 4-channel amp on the passenger side of the Jeep (highlighted below).

4. Plug the 3ft RCAs into Channels 9 and 10 on the 4-ch amp under the passenger seat.

5. Route the RCAs, REMOTE WIRE, and 8ga POWER WIRE through the center console to the subwoofer amp under the driver seat.
6. Install the 8ga ground wire from the amplifier to the OE ground lug that is near the center console location on the driver-side (highlighted below).

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

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

9. Route the speaker wire:
1. Wrangler JL: Route the speaker wire from the amp through the center console and to the back cargo area.
1. Route to the tailgate if you plan to install the subwoofer onto the door.
2. Route to the cargo area if you plan to leave the subwoofer on the floor of the cargo area.
10. Set levels on the amp.

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.

Subwoofer Installation

The subwoofer enclosure included in this package can be installed in two different ways. It can sit on the floor of the cargo area and plug into the line from the amplifier, or it can be mounted to the rear door of a Jeep Wrangler JL.

Use the following instructions to mount the enclosure to the tailgate of your Jeep.

→ Subwoofer Parts List

→ Wrangler JL (Without Trail Rail)

1. Remove the panel of the tailgate with a panel tool.

2. With the door panel face down on a soft surface, drill (4) ½ inch holes at the locations indicated on the panel. This will allow you to access the mounting points built into the tailgate.

3. Run the speaker wire from the amp through the factory wiring harness and into the door.
4. Route the speaker wire through a vent opening in the panel.
5. Reinstall the door panel by aligning the clips and pushing firmly to seat the panel fully to the door.

6. Install the mounting bracket with (3) spacers and (3) bolts to the top mounting locations. (PHOTO)

7. Install Bracket A on the bottom left side of the panel through the hole you drilled to access the mounting point on the door using (1) spacer and (1) bolt. (PHOTO)

8. Install Bracket B on the bottom right side of the panel through the hole you drilled to access the mounting point on the door using (1) spacer and (1) bolt. (PHOTO)

9. Remove (2) 4mm bolts from the left side of the enclosure and (1) 4mm bolt from the bottom location on the right side of the enclosure (highlighted below).

10. Attach the speaker wire to the terminals on the enclosure. (PHOTO)

11. Slide the top bracket into the notched locations on the top of the box and secure it with the 4mm bolt that was previously removed. (PHOTO)

12. The box will align with Bracket B on the bottom right corner of the enclosure. Use the 4mm bolt to secure the enclosure to the mount. (PHOTO)

13. Line up Bracket A to the bottom left corner of the enclosure and secure the enclosure to the mount. (PHOTO)

TBD - Need to determine if the system will still line up properly with Trail Rail installed.

→ Wrangler JL (With Trail Rail)

1. Remove the (3) T40 Torx screws from the Trail Rail and remove the Trail Rail bracket.

2. Remove the panel from the tailgate with a panel tool.

3. With the door panel face down on a soft surface, drill (2) ½ inch holes at the locations indicated on the panel. This will allow you to access the mounting points built into the tailgate.

4. Run the speaker wire from the amp through the factory wiring harness and into the door.
5. Route the speaker wire through a vent opening in the panel.

6. Reinstall the door panel by aligning the clips and pushing firmly to seat the panel fully to the door.
7. Install the Trail Rail using one of the removed T40 Torx screws in the center mounting hole.

8. Install the mounting bracket with (2) spacers and (2) bolts to the top mounting locations. (PHOTO)

9. Install Bracket A on the bottom left side of the panel through the hole you drilled to access the mounting point on the door using (1) spacer and (1) bolt.

10. Install Bracket B on the bottom right side of the panel through the hole you drilled to access the mounting point on the door using (1) spacer and (1) bolt.

11. Remove (2) 4mm bolts from the left side of the enclosure and (1) 4mm bolt from the bottom location on the right side of the enclosure (highlighted below).

12. Attach the speaker wire to the terminals on the enclosure. (PHOTO)

13. Slide the top bracket into the notched locations on the top of the box and secure it with the 4mm bolt that was previously removed. (PHOTO)

14. The box will align with Bracket B on the bottom right corner of the enclosure. Use the 4mm bolt to secure the enclosure to the mount. (PHOTO)

15. Line up Bracket A to the bottom left corner of the enclosure and secure the enclosure to the mount. (PHOTO)

TBD - Need to determine if the system will still line up properly with Trail Rail installed.

NEEDED: REASSEMBLY

→ Resistor Pad Installation on Non-Amplified Systems

NOTE Non-amplified systems require the installation of LD-DSP-RPAD2. (1)

This resistor pack is needed for the radio to function normally after the installation of aftermarket speakers.

Follow the instructions below to install the RPAD and reboot the radio if necessary.

NOTE The included t-harness has an 8-pin connector originating from the harness that the RPAD connects to.

1. Connect the T-harness to the factory harness and the other side to the factory radio.
2. Connect the LD-DSP-RPAD2 to the 8-pin connector. (Figures 2A, 2B)

3. Before reinstalling the radio into the dash, turn it on and allow it to boot fully.
4. 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 repowering 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

1. Turn the key or press the PUSH TO START button to the ACC position. 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!

NEEDED: DSP SETUP

Technical Support

TIP If you encounter any difficulties during InInstallation please carefully review the instructions and ensure that the InInstallation was performed exactly as instructed.

Our dedicated team is here to provide you with expert assistance and guidance. Whether you're troubleshooting an installation, seeking product information, or looking for technical advice, we're committed to ensuring your experience with Metra Electronics products is seamless and satisfying.

WARNING Before contacting Metra Technical Support, ensure the vehicle is in a ready state to perform troubleshooting steps.

Contact

Email

(386) 257-1187

Submit a Support Ticket

Vehicle Fit Guide

Hours (EST)

Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

On this page

• Vehicle Applications
• → Installation Time
• Introduction
• → Parts List
• → Required Tools
• Dash Speaker Removal
• Removing The OE Speakers
• 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
• → Fuse Installation
• → Front Passenger Seat Disassembly
• Wire Routing
• Signal Source Installation
• Tweeter & JP-1017 Installation
• 4-Channel Amplifier Installation
• Front Driver Seat Disassembly
• Subwoofer Amplifier Installation
• Soundbar Speaker Kit Installation
• → Soundbar Removal
• →→ T25 Bolt Removal
• → Assembly
• → Installation
• Subwoofer Installation
• → Subwoofer Parts List
• → Wrangler JL (Without Trail Rail)
• TBD - Need to determine if the system will still line up properly with Trail Rail installed.
• → Wrangler JL (With Trail Rail)
• TBD - Need to determine if the system will still line up properly with Trail Rail installed.
• NEEDED: REASSEMBLY
• → Resistor Pad Installation on Non-Amplified Systems
• →→→ Splash/Boot-Up Colors
• →Rebooting Steps
• NEEDED: DSP SETUP
• Technical Support
• Contact
• Hours (EST)