Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 1/11
Jeep Wrangler
PSS-23WRA Sound System
Installation Manual
Model: 4-Door Wrangler Unlimited JL
Model Year: 2018 –UP
*Not compatible with factory amplied systems
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing the PSS-23WRA. This installation manual is designed to take you through
the step-by-step installation of the PSS-23WRA into a 2018 -Up Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Please familiarize
yourself with the owner’s manual and if you still have additional questions please call 1-800-TECH-101.
Note
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice for improvement.
To Ensure Safe Use, Always Follow These Precautions
The installation of this product requires specialized skills and experience. We recommend that you have the
product installed by an Alpine authorized dealer.
Before you use this product, be sure to carefully read this installation manual and the separate user’s manual
so that you can use the product correctly. Alpine Electronics bears no responsibility for problems that arise as
a result of failure to follow the instructions in the manuals.
This manual includes a number of symbols that are intended to help you use the product safely, to prevent
harm to you and others, and to protect against damage to property. These symbols and their meanings are
listed below. Make sure you fully understand these symbols before you begin reading the main text.
Explanations of Injury and Damage That May Result from Incorrect Use
Warning
Ignoring the content marked by this indication and using the product incorrectly may
lead to death or serious injury.
Caution
Ignoring the content marked by this indication and using the product incorrectly may
lead to injury or property damage.
Jeep
Model Year
Wrangler Unlimited 2018 – UP
* The specified vehicles have been tested and have met compatibility specs at the time of testing. Compatibility is
not guaranteed if the manufacturer has made production changes to the listed vehicles above.
Warning: Before you begin, remove the ground wire from the NEGATIVE (-)
terminal of the battery. Failing to do so can lead to electric shock, injury or damage
to equipment.
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 2/11
Types of Precautions
Forbidden
Indicates actions that are
forbidden (must not be performed)
Forbidden
Indicates that disassembly is
forbidden.
Mandatory
Indicates actions that are
mandatory (must be performed)
Marks content that should receive
your full attention.
Warning
Do not disassemble or modify the
product. Doing so could lead to an
accident, fire, or electric shock.
Store screws and other small objects
where small children cannot reach them.
If one of these small objects is swallowed,
consult with a doctor immediately.
When replacing fuses, be sure to
use fuses with the specified current
rating. Failing to do so could lead to
an accident or fire.
Only connect the product to a 12 VDC
negative ground car. Failing to do so
could lead to an accident or fire.
Before you begin wiring, remove the
ground wire from the negative terminal of
the battery. Failing to do so could lead to
electric shock or injury.
Do not cut the insulation on a cord and
take power from another device. Doing so
could lead to fire or electric shock.
Do not install the product in a location
where it will obstruct the driver’s forward
view; interfere with the operation of the
steering wheel, gearshift, or the like; or
pose a threat to passengers. Doing so
could lead to an accident or injury.
When making a hole in the vehicle body,
be careful to avoid damaging pipes, the fuel
tank,electrical wiring, and the like. This kind
of damage could lead to an accident or fire.
When installing and grounding the
product, do not use any of the bolts or
nuts of the steering wheel, brakes, fuel
tank, or the like. Doing so could make the
brakes stop working or lead to fire.
Do not install the product near the
passenger-side airbag. Doing so could
interfere with the operation of the airbag
and lead to an accident or injury.
Bundle cords so that they don’t interfere
with driving. Wrapping cords around the
steering wheel, gearshift, brake pedal,
or the like, could lead to an accident or
damage equipment.
Caution
Connect the product properly according
to the instructions. Failing to do so could
lead to fire or an accident.
Do not sandwich cords between the
seat railing or allow them to touch
protrusions. Resulting breaks or shorts
could lead to electric shock or fire.
Do not block vents or heat sinks. Doing so
could lead to fire or damage equipment.
Use the accessories according to the
instructions, and attach them securely.
Failing to do so could lead to an accident
or damage equipment.
Do not install the product where it may be
exposed to water or in a place with high
levels of humidity or dust. Doing so could
lead to fire or damage equipment.
The installation and wiring of this
product requires specialized skills and
experience. Have the product installed by
an Alpine authorized dealer.
Forbidden
Forbidden
Mandatory
Mandatory
Forbidden
Forbidden
Forbidden
Forbidden
Forbidden
Forbidden
Forbidden
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 3/11
Tools Required
Panel Removal Tool Sockets Phillips Screwdriver
7mm 10mm
Wire Cutters Extension Ratchet
T50 Torx Cordless Power Drill Cordless Impact Gun
Accessory List
Amplifier Assembly T-Harness Main Harness
(10) Cable Ties RCA Adapters Power Cable
Front Top Dash Speakers
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 4/11
1 Use a panel removal tool to release (2) clips on the
top of the plastic knee cover and remove it.
3 Extract (2) 7mm/Phillips screws on the bottom of
the radio bezel.
5 Extract (4) 7mm/Phillips screws from the factory
radio, disconnect and remove it.
2 Use a panel removal tool to release (10) clips on the
HVAC control panel, disconnect and remove it.
4 Use a panel removal tool to release (6) clips on the
radio bezel and remove it.
6 Lift the middle tab on the passenger side glovebox
to release and remove it.
Factory Equipment Removal Process
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 5/11
Factory Equipment Removal Process (continued)
7 Extract (4) T50 Torx Screws from the passenger side
seat.
9 Using a panel removal tool, release the clips on the
top dash speaker grilles and remove them.
8 Tilt the passenger seat towards the back to reveal
(2) connectors, disconnect and remove the seat.
10 Extract (2) 7mm screws from each of the factory
top dash speakers and remove them.
Front of Vehicle
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 6/11
Installation
1 Connect the power cable to the Positive (+) battery
terminal and route the cable down towards frame
of the vehicle. Note: The Negative (-) terminal
should remain disconnected until the installation
is completed.
3 Route the Positive (+) power cable through the
grommet under the carpet and pull the power cable
from under the vehicle. Note: seal the grommet
with silicone (not included) to prevent water from
entering the cabin.
5 Connect the power cable to the main harness.
2 Route the power cable following the factory harness
along the vehicle’s frame.
4 Mount the subwoofer level remote on the center
console next to the gear shifter and route the cable
to the passenger side seat.
Front of Vehicle
6 Attach the Negative (-) ground terminal to the
factory ground stud below the center console.
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 7/11
Installation (continued)
7 Connect the main harness to the amplifier assembly
and align it to the seat mounting holes.
Front of Vehicle
9 Connect the T-harness and main harness to the
radio. Refer to page 8, 9 or 10 for the corresponding
system wiring diagram.
11 Return all removed components to their
corresponding location and connect the
Negative (-) battery terminal.
8 Route the main harness along the side of the center
console to the radio location.
10 Connect the replacement dash speakers and
mount them using the factory screws.
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 8/11
OEM Head Unit Wiring Diagram
Amplier Speaker Wiring
CH 1 - White (+) White/Black (-)
CH 2 - Gray(+) Gray/Black (-)
CH 3 - Green (+) Green/Black (-)
CH 4 - Purple (+) Purple/Black (-)
NOTE: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE SET AMPLIFIER AND SUBWOOFER TO RECOMMENDED SETTINGS AS SHOWN ABOVE
POWER PACK AMPLIFIER KTP-445U SUBWOOFER PWE-S8
BLACK
To Chassis
Ground
HEAD UNIT POWER PACK KTP-445U
To Vehicle Connectors
Power/Speaker
52-in Black Connector
Front Speaker
Rear Speakers
OEM T-HARNESS
ADAPTER
SubwooferRearFront
4-PIN BLACK CONNECTOR
4-PIN WHITE CONNECTOR
Blue/White
Amp Turn-On
To Vehicle’s Battery POSITIVE (+) Terminal
RED
To Battery Cable
TO OEM HEAD UNIT
BROWN/ORANGE
Red Connector
WHITE/GRAY
White Connector
GREEN/PURPLE
Black Connector
Subwoofer
Level Remote
12345 6
L
R
BROWN/ORANGE
RCA Adapter
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 9/11
Aftermarket Head Unit Wiring Diagram
L
R
BROWN/ORANGE
RCA Adapter
Amplier Speaker Wiring
CH 1 - White (+) White/Black (-)
CH 2 - Gray(+) Gray/Black (-)
CH 3 - Green (+) Green/Black (-)
CH 4 - Purple (+) Purple/Black (-)
NOTE: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE SET AMPLIFIER AND SUBWOOFER TO RECOMMENDED SETTINGS AS SHOWN ABOVE
BLACK
To Chassis
Ground
HEAD UNIT POWER PACK KTP-445U
To Vehicle Connectors
Power/Speaker
52-Pin Black Connector
OEM T-HARNESS
ADAPTER
High Level Out
NOT USED
SubwooferRearFront
To 3rd party wire harness and
radio replacement interface
Blue/White
Amp Turn-On
* Wire Harness and Interface sold separately
L
R
L
R
L
R
FrontRearSubwoofer
Connect to aftermarket
headunit low level output
BROWN/ORANGE
RCA Adapter
WHITE/GRAY
RCA Adapter
GREEN/PURPLE
RCA Adapter
To Vehicle’s Battery POSITIVE (+) Terminal
RED
To Battery Cable
BROWN/ORANGE
Red Connector
WHITE/GRAY
White Connector
GREEN/PURPLE
Black Connector
Front Speaker
Rear Speakers
4-PIN BLACK CONNECTOR
4-PIN WHITE CONNECTOR
POWER PACK AMPLIFIER KTP-445U SUBWOOFER PWE-S8
12345 6
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 10/11
Alpine Restyle Head Unit Wiring Diagram
To Vehicle Connectors
iDatalink MAESTRO Module
To OBDII Connector
Power/Speaker
52-pin Black Connector
Front
Rear
Rear
Front
L
R
L
R
L
R
FrontRear Subwoofer
Blue
Amp Turn-on
To Vehicle’s Battery POSITIVE (+) Terminal
L
R
For a detailed Alpine Restyle head unit wiring diagram
refer to it’s corresponding installation manual.
Connect to Alpine Restyle
head unit low level output
Amplier Speaker Wiring
CH 1 - White (+) White/Black (-)
CH 2 - Gray(+) Gray/Black (-)
CH 3 - Green (+) Green/Black (-)
CH 4 - Purple (+) Purple/Black (-)
NOTE: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE SET AMPLIFIER AND SUBWOOFER TO RECOMMENDED SETTINGS AS SHOWN ABOVE
POWER PACK AMPLIFIER KTP-445U SUBWOOFER PWE-S8
WHITE/GRAY
White Connector
RCA Adapter
GREEN/PURPLE
Black Connector
RCA Adapter
Front
Rear
Blue/White
Amp Turn-on
NOT USED
BLACK
To Chassis
Ground
RED
To Battery Cable
4 PIN BLACK CONNECTOR
4 PIN WHITE CONNECTOR
HEAD UNIT POWER PACK
KTP-445U
BROWN/ORANGE
Red Connector RCA Adapter
BROWN/ORANGE
Red Connector
RCA Adapter
BROWN/ORANGE
Red Connector
WHITE/GRAY
White Connector
GREEN/PURPLE
Black Connector
12345 6
Jeep Wrangler
UNLIMITED JL 11/11
Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom Possible Cause Remedy
1 System will not turn on Missing or blown fuse at the battery Insert or replace fuse
Radio’s Remote Turn-On wire may be
disconnected.
Verify that Remote Turn-On wire is
connected.
2 Volume is too loud with
aftermarket headunit.
Speaker level out is connected at the
T-Harness.
Ensure that the low level RCA adapters
are used in aftermarket headunit system
(refer to the corresponding wiring
diagram).
Ampliers gain control has not been
properly adjusted.
Refer to the corresponding system
diagram.
3 Subwoofer sounds very
low.
Gain level may be down to the lowest
setting.
Adjust level to reccommended setting
(refer to the corresponding wiring
diagram).
Audio Phase may be reversed. Ensure that the PHASE is set to 0˚.
4 One of the speakers has
no sound.
Disconnected pin or loose connection. Check all connections to the speaker,
loose pins, disconnected terminals etc..
5 Airbag light is on Failed to disconnect the battery while
working on the vehicle.
Disconnect the battery and re-connect
after 5 minutes. If problem is not solved,
the vehicle will have to be taken to a Jeep
dealer.
6 System turns on only on
radio source
Aftermarket Power Antenna wire is
connected to amp
Connect the Remote Turn-On wire (Blue/
White) to the Blue wire on the amplier
harness.
