How to wire a dual function light bar to an SPOD (and how to properly wire a light bar on a 3rd gen)

Today I am here to show how I wired my light bar and how to wire a dual function light bar to an SPOD. If this is wrong or a fire hazard, feel free to tell me, but it works so idk what I’m gonna do if its wrong. Anyways here are the pics:



So I ran the wires down the windshield channel as a lot of people say to do. Some folks will drill holes in it and run zip ties, but this wire is so thick that it jams in there pretty nice. If I notice it starting to fall out, I will just put a bead of silicone inside the channel and press the wire down in there.



I cut the janky Chinese ends off of the Amazon wiring harness and then just ran the wires up to the SPOD. The SPOD is mounted on a @Mr.PowerTrays mounting bracket, which I will say is an incredible product and made this install look a lot more professional and clean than if I would have tried to rig something else up myself. (I did try and it went horribly, but thats a story for another time)



So after extensive Googling and some Jeep forums, I had no idea how to wire this dual function light bar up to the SPOD. With there being one ground and one power wire to the white LED’s and then another power wire to the outside amber LED’s I just cut off a piece of wire from the already chopped up harness, twisted the ends together, and made a sort of daisy chain from one ground to the other. So far I have had zero issues so this is the best way I could think of doing this.



Here are the switches and switch plate I used. The switches came from when I bought the SPOD and then the switch plate is the one for rocker switches made by @CaliRaisedLed. For the wiring, I ran the harness that comes with the SPOD through a slit I made in the huge grommet for the central wiring harness.


PS the dogs are very interested in the build write up, hope you guys enjoy!

 

Thanks! It'd be really cool (I think) to have the Amber lights also work as turn signals.

 

I agree! I fear it would be too bright at night though. I eventually want to do a hybrid front bumper with a 30” dual bar and wire it up that way

 

Looks good, the only thing that I would add it to actually put connectors on the end of your wires, then place a small amount of dielectric grease there at the screw terminal. This will keep the connection solid and also easier to work on if needed in the future.

 

Thanks for the feedback! I have been meaning to do that actually, I just forget when I actually have time to do it.

 

I am not familiar with this setup but it is similar to mine, but not sure that you need to run a jumper wire from one negative to another. It states the system is fully wired and ready, would be tempted to set your multi meter to continuity and see if you have a common connection from where your main ground wire hooks up to all of the ground positions on the buss bar.

 

Oh I get it, things get in the way. When I wired my system last Xmas I had the truck down for three days.

 

Ya know, I never really thought of that. When I go put actual connectors on it today or tomorrow, I will leave the jumped ground off and see if the bar still functions properly. More to come on that!

 

I feared that would be the same for me, luckily I had already done the switch panel mod and installed the bar, so all that was left to do was wire up the SPOD when the powertray arrived.

 

Ya I swapped out the cigarette lighter, and moved it to the back of the center console. Installed a dual usb and hooked up my dual usb from the expedition essentials, found out you can make them hot all the time so can charge the phone while ignition is off, really like that feature now. Also installed both radio’s during this time so took time, plus it was cold in the shop.

 

I think the cigarette lighter mod should be like that from the factory... that’s awesome though. Im sure I will get bored of Christmas break and need something to do. Thats at the top of my list!

 

If you want to know where to tap into for the usb to hot all the time, let me know, will get you a pic of it. Comes from the panel there under the dash, driver side.

 

I will pm you when i do it!

 

Thats my plan for tomorrow!

 

Thanks for the great write up and excellent photos! I'm sure the dogs approve!

 

Thank you! They did!

 

I tested it when I went and put the connectors on and you do have to have the jumper wire it looks like

 

I’m surprised by that, appreciate you letting me know, more out of curiosity