EP 007 - Wiring Jeep JL AUX Switches

[@thedelmardave]

Exact set up I am doing plus an on-board ARB twin compressor back there. Thanks for showing how the AUX switches work.

[@AdventureLab]

Hard Rock this one will get the same compressor soon. Thanks for watching.

[@schoocg]

I have been waiting for someone to come out with how to connect to the Aux switches. Great job and thank you!

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.

[@michaelminge8041]

Well done! Thanks for showing the wiring connection so clearly..

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks for watching, Michael.

[@owadog]

I’m going to use the info in your video to install my windshield lights to my auxiliary switch box. Thanks for the video!! Wish me luck 👍🏽

[@richtaub]

Thanks for doing a video like that. I'm getting those switches in my Jeep, and you answered some of the questions I had about them.

[@AdventureLab]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for commenting.

[@brianpatrickcork4513]

This was really helpful. I'm connecting a Cobra 75 SWX CB to the auxiliary switch panel. Based on what I'm seeing here, switch #3 or #4 are lower amp and the way to go.

[@yieldtothenight]

Clear video, thank you. I suppose you could you also connect the existing OEM rear power outlet to an aux switch?

[@ProMultis10]

Two of my favorite hobbies, too. ;)

[@ChangingLanes]

Good video!

[@racheltgal]

Great video love to get the wiring kit

[@wrm2th]

I see the heavy wire to the small Aux wire feed. Is that working well?

[@deanotto7810]

Awesome video!!!

[@markdarnell2792]

Great video, 8 gauge wire is understandable, but connecting it to aux pos. 14 gauge is weak link in the positive chain, still be ok since aux is protected by a 40 amp fuse on the firewall, really no need for any other fuses down line

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks for watching, Mark. On one level, I agree with you. However, the main reason I put the secondary panel back there was so I could split off the functions of the 12V receptacle (and potentially other circuits) and have their individual circuits isolated from each other. That way, if the USB circuit blew it wouldn't affect the ARB fridge, and vice versa. It will also allow me to more tightly control (dropping the fuse size) the amperage on each "child" circuit if I decide to do that in the future.

[@ChasingDreamsLivingLife]

I wondered the same thing. You are going from a smaller gauge to a thicker gauge. The resistance is going to increase dramatically. Wouldn't this create excessive heat in the 14ga wire?

[@mwworkman]

Great video. Thank you. Do you know if most of the "spare" fuses (blank spots) in the fuse box are 12- volt accessory? I have a 2019 JLUR. Almost all of the fuses are Micro 2 and the probes on my tester are too fat and won't go down inside the area so I can check it for 12 volt to see which side is load and which is draw.

[@67wildwolf]

Great job but I will keep mine on the drivers side like I had it on my JK. The ARB pull out mess with my cutting board.

[@AdventureLab]

Hey, Frank. Thanks for watching. It wasn't so much about moving the plug to the passenger side as it was recessing the receptacle out of harms way. Where it is from the factory will create issues getting almost anything in and out of the cargo area. I agree on the cutting board issue. I'll have the same issue if the cooler stays on the passenger side. I'll just move the new receptacle to the passenger side when I get the tailgate table finished. I won't be using the OEM receptacle for anything.

[@legacy_overland6753]

Are those wires on passenger side below glove box? I have a 2021 Rubicon and see a braided wire(s) wrapped with electrical tape. Thanks.

[@charlesbrucknerjr.9160]

Awesome detail. I'm going to do the same for my domestic fridge/freezer. I have a 2 door, where did you find the metal plate you're arb fridge is secured too?

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks for watching. Having the fridge back there has been great for us. We love it. The plate is a product we build. We call it the M.A.S.S. platform. That stands for Modular Adaptable Storage System. We are building a ton of accessories for it (fridge sliders, various drawers, spare tire mounts, etc.). Here is the product page americanadventurelab.com/product/jeep-jl-mass-storage-platform/. We don't have a 2 door version yet, but it's ok the list. I just need to get a 2 door into the shop to measure.

[@loicdhaen]

How did you wire it the switch to constant power, was it configurated by factory?

[@davidg847]

Nice video

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks, David.

[@lberyozk1]

excellent

[@deegoldd]

Did you wire the “hot” wire directly to the six switch wire?

[@moreaufamily437]

Weird my '21 rubicon has little labels on the wires so I know which switch each wire is. The only other thing I had to do was figure out which switch was 40 amp and which were 15. On my Jeep switch 1 and 3 are 40 amp and 2/4 are 15 amp.

[@alvarlee]

NIce vid, thnx. If i'm going to wire up some ARB Intensity lights, is there any wiring under the hood near the battery to latch on to or do I need to bring that into the passenger foot well? Then to wire, use black to ground, orange and either wire to constant (which is off the battery? ) or to acc correct? . thanks pal

[@AdventureLab]

Alvar Lee thanks. If you have the switches from the factory, you will have a similar wire cluster under the hood, near the battery. There is a constant power wire in the cluster as well. Check out the wire colors listed in the description of this video for details. Good luck with the install and thanks for watching.

[@matthewfloyd80]

I enjoy watching your channel, I recently purchased the same Color Rubicon as you and look forward to customizing it. I have purchased some mounts for dual 2"" cube lights on the a pillar and hood for a 40" single row spot flood combo. I have yet to receive them(production issues). Hard to find items available for the JL.What do you think about the new KM3? Looking to upgrade. Not using the jeep for rock crawling. But for trail and mud.

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks, Matt. Congrats on the purchase. I'm sure you'll love it. The KM3 looks like it will be another hit. I haven't wheeled on them yet, but a good friend of mine was an early tester and he put a lot of rock miles on them. He was impressed. It looks like the KM3 will be another hit for BFG. That being said, I'm very happy with the Maxxis RAZR's on this Jeep as well. Good luck with the build. Let me know if you have any other questions. I am working on some products that should be out soon. I'll post them up here when they're ready.

[@matthewfloyd80]

Thank you, the Maxxis Razr was on my list as well. Is there anything you do not like with them?

[@AdventureLab]

Matt no. They have been great. I am also using them in a 40" on my JK.

[@matthewfloyd80]

Cool, thanks for the speedy reply. Look forward to future videos. Have a blessed one.

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks, Matt.

[@lbeatojk]

Great information. Couple questions. Would it be safe just using the 40 amp fuse of the factory AUX switch? Also I’m guessing from the link your fridge is a 37 qt, do you find that to be a sufficient size or would you have preferred the 50 qt. Thanks

[@AdventureLab]

lbeatojk yes, the OE fuse would be fine. I wanted to separate out the USB circuit and have room for additional circuits in the future. If it weren't for that, the OE 40A would work just fine and make for a cleaner install.

[@davidcook2128]

what location did you use for ground?

[@Ttruck4x4]

Any update on this install? Did you made a final setup? Anything possible with your battery mount and arb twin compressor setup?

[@AdventureLab]

Yes, I have been working on it, but it has morphed into something all together different. We now have an auxiliary battery and Dual ARB compressor mount that lives in the cargo area. We have just finished up our quick wiring kit as well. This is basically a trickle charger. It will be available for purchase first of next week. americanadventurelab.com/product/jeep-jl-dual-arb-compressor-mount/ americanadventurelab.com/product-category/electrical-components/

[@daniellecopeland]

I’m adding some accessories to the factory aux buttons in my 2019 JL. Did u disconnect the main battery before doing the butt splice in the passenger footwell? I don’t wanna get zapped.

[@AdventureLab]

You wont get zapped if the dash AUX switches are turned off. However, it's always good to test voltage before you start cutting and stripping.

[@billoldham1197]

have you made this kit yet, is it avaliable?

[@ambrose.little]

Thanks. Do you know if the wire colors are reliable for the Rubicon? That they'd be the same for all on that trim?

[@AdventureLab]

Unfortunately, I do not. I assumed FCA would try to maintain the same colors throughout the model line, but after seeing different colors for these wires on other articles, that doesn't seem to be the case. I would like to get my hands on some other Rubicons to see if they were the same. That being said, the two 40A circuits are larger wire than the 15A circuits. So, you have a 50/50 shot on the AUX1 and AUX2 switches right off the bat. The smaller wires may be less favorable odds since there is a ground and two power wires, but hopefully at least those other (not the 15A AUX circuits) wires will remain a constant color scheme.

[@ambrose.little]

I figured. I've noticed another thing that seems to vary by vehicle (specifically the hood sensor wiring placement). If/when I get around to adding an Aux, I'll test it out and report back.

[@AdventureLab]

Ambrose Little sounds great. Thanks.

[@KM_1983]

The Aux 1 under the hood my Rubicon was the peach and pink wire.

[@AdventureLab]

I did not check the colors under the hood. When I do some front accessories, I will check them. Thanks for the info and thanks for watching.

[@229Reaper]

nice video,hey who made this floor platform in the jeep?

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks for watching. That's a product I am developing. It should be ready any day now. I will be announcing availability to newsletter subscribers very shortly. The first run will be a little limited due to time constraints. If you're interested, you can sign up for the newsletter at www.AmericanAdventureLab.com.

[@alphadata3652]

so the AUX switches are already connected to the battery and all you have to do is to connect the wire to the accessory you have?

[@AdventureLab]

That's right. There is also a separate connection to each of these circuits in the engine bay as well (for front mounted accessories/lights).

[@alphadata3652]

American Adventure Lab can’t wait to see a video about connecting front lights

[@neilnorton45]

what if switch has dual funtions

[@AdventureLab]

Hey, Robert. To what switch are you referring?

[@hhiser6206]

You should consider wiring that connects to the aux switches to be for turning on/off a relay NOT a load (ARB Fridge). You want to run a large enough cable from the battery through a fuse or breaker back to a relay near your load. You should never connect a small power wire to a bigger wire if you do this then your circuit is only as capable as the smallest wire in the circuit. Please don't just tuck an 8 gauge power wire casually under the carpet and blindly under plastic trim. You may find a burned out shell when you return from that day at the beach back to what was a 2018 Rubicon. Do it right and do it well.

[@AdventureLab]

Thanks for watching, John. ARB recommends a 15A fuse for the circuit. For what reason do you feel it is necessary to connect through a relay? In my experience wiring recreation vehicles and race vehicles, adding an unnecessary relay to a circuit is creating an additional failure point. As for tucking the wire, I agree completely. The panels were later removed to secure the wire and connect the ground to the body. That was not included in the video.

[@hhiser6206]

My concern is safety and longevity of the installation. Safety is paramount it's not just you in that Jeep. Your probably not racing that new Jeep yet but weight isn't a concern safety is. Why do you think they use relays in the automotive industry?

[@AdventureLab]

Relays are used to allow a low voltage switch to engage a high load circuit. That is not the case here. The OEM switched circuit is more than adequately fused (from the factory) and the switch assembly is setup from the factory to handle the 40A load that could potentially run through it. Using your logic, every switched circuit on the vehicle should have a relay, regardless of switch capacity. Jeep does not follow that suggestion either. I do really appreciate you watching and providing feedback. However, I will not be adding unnecessary relays. I have almost a month of constant use on this setup and it works flawlessly, even in the 110+ degree heat.

[@hhiser6206]

If the wiring that you are using is capable of 40 amps DC why did you up size the wire gauge to 8 gauge wire?

[@AdventureLab]

John SmithDE it is automotive amplifier cable. It is heavily shielded and very flexible. Arguably, I could have used smaller gauge wire, but I already had that in the shop and I would much prefer to over-gauge than under-gauge.

[@SuperSilence23]

Why did you use 8ga wire when the Jeep only has 14 or 16ga doesn’t make sense