Jeep Light Bar FAQ
Top questions asked by Jeep owners in relation to light bars
(This is part of our larger Light Bars for Jeep Guide.)
Q: Will a light bar create more wind noise on my Jeep?
A: Yes, but only slightly and it depends on the bar model. The Gravity Pro6 may be noisier than the FLEX ERA bar due to its larger size. Also, Jeeps with soft tops will have more noticeable wind noise than those with hard tops due to the thinner roof material.
Q:How much will a light bar raise my roofline?
A: This depends on the mounting bracket, the height of the light bar, and whether it's a Jeep Wrangler JK or Wrangler JL. On average, it ranges from 1-3”.
Q: What size fuse should I use to wire my light bar?
A: It depends on which light bar and how it's wired. Consult KC Customer Service at (888) 689-5955 Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm Pacific time for more info, or consult a professional installer.
Q: Do I need to use covers on my light bar's lights when driving on public roads?
A: All locales have different rules/regulations. Check with your local and state laws regarding the need for covers on auxiliary lights and whether you need them or not.
Q: What is the best way to aim my light bar?
A: We recommend aiming your auxiliary lights just above the high beam on your Jeep's factory headlights. If bumper-mounted, start off low, and gradually aim the bar higher. If mounted overhead (on the roof) start with it higher and gradually aim lower.
Pre-Purchase Questions
Q: What light bar products will fit my Jeep?
A: Our YMM tool will let you select your year, make, and model. This will display products that will fit your vehicle. Some products are, however, universal.
Q: Can I change the beam pattern in the light bar before it ships?
A: No. We have tested our light bars and supplied them with the optimal beam pattern. For the Pro6 bars, if a different beam pattern is desired, you may order two G6 inserts (SKU 89053A) and swap them yourself. For the FLEX ERA LED Light Bars, the Master Kits include the other beam pattern lens inside of the box for an easy swap.
Q: Can a light bar be wired to my Jeep's AUX switch?
A: Yes, as long as it's a 20 amp+ fused switch. Here's a how-to example using Gravity Pro6 lights:
Q: How difficult is it to install a light bar on my Jeep?
A: Most applications take about an hour and aren't generally very difficult. However, given the fact that everyone has different abilities, you may be more comfortable having a professional installer do the work.
Post-Purchase Questions
Installation
Q: What's a good way to hide the wires on my Jeep when installing a light bar?
A: Our Universal Wire Hider is the best way to cleanly and securely complete the perfect install and hide and protect wires to your Jeep's light bar.
Q: How can I change the color or the KC logo on the light covers?
A: The KC logos are stickers on the covers. If you'd like to customize the covers, you can remove the sticker from the factory, use our Pro6 Cover Sticker Template, and have your own stickers printed in whichever color you prefer.
Q: How do I wire my light bar to an AUX switch?
A: These videos will show how to wire lights to an AUX switch:
Q: The light cover is hard to remove. What can I do?
A: The covers are securely fastened with locking tabs located at the top and bottom. In instances where they prove challenging to remove, you may employ a bottle opener for efficient removal. This approach, though seemingly unconventional, works!
Q: My Jeep's windshield wipers are hitting the wires or the center mount. What should I do?
A: If this is the case, the light bar isn't mounted correctly. Turn the wipers on and stop them when they are in the “up” position. The center mount should be just above that—between the windshield and the roofline. Push the bar away as shown in these how-to videos:
Q: Is there any way to secure my Jeep's light bar against theft?
A: The Light Lock Security Nut Set is a good way to prevent theft of your Jeep's light bar. It's also made from 100% CNC-machined steel with an anti-corrosive Zinc coating for long-lasting performance and durability.
Common Questions for Overhead Installation on Jeeps
Q: How do I wire my light bar to an AUX switch?
A: These videos will show how to wire lights to an AUX switch:
Q: How is the center mount supposed to sit?
A: You can see how the center mount is supposed to sit in this video:
Q: How do I aim my Jeep's light bar?
A: In this video, you can learn how to aim a light bar:
Q: How do I mount my light bar on my Jeep?
A: We have videos demonstrating how to mount your light bar on the following vehicles:
Jeep Wrangler JK KC HiLiTES 50" Gravity Pro6 Light Bar w/ Brackets (2007-2018) Review & Install
Jeep Wrangler KC Pro6 Light Bar | Install Guide
Wrangler 392 KC HiLiTES Gravity Pro6 Light Bar
Jeep JL & JT Overhead Brackets and Lightbar Install Guide | KC Gravity LED Pro6
Common Questions about Wiring for Jeep Light Bars
Q: The 25 amp fuse keeps popping. Why is that and what do I do?
A: This could be an issue with one of the lights if the 5 amp fuse is popping as well. It could be an issue with how the switch is wired.
- Check your relays. If the lights are not turning and the fuses aren't popped, listen for the relay and see if it's clicking.
- Be sure the wiring harness isn't connected to the battery while routing the wires. This is done to prevent the load and ground wires from touching and damaging sensitive components.
- If the switches aren't lighting up, this could be an issue with the 5 amp fuse. (The switch should only draw 0.3 amps.)
Q: Where do I route my light bar's wires?
A: From the light bar to the engine bay, use the KC Wire Hider. From the engine bay to the cab, you will often need to route the wiring through a grommet or gap in the firewall. Here are some videos that you may find useful:
How to Route a Wire through your Firewall - Jeep Wrangler JK
BEST WAY THROUGH THE FIREWALL ON A JEEP WRANGLER JL
Q: Is there anything I need to do to make my light bar ready for tougher trails where there's more vibration?
A: We suggest ensuring all bolts are tight and that your lights are aimed correctly. Also check to make sure your center mount is tight and tension is loaded.
Q: Where do I mount the switches for my Jeep's light bar?
A: The placement of the switch for your light bar demands careful consideration for both convenience and safety. Select a location that is easily accessible, yet strategically positioned to avoid interference with other critical components such as electronics, airbags, and essential vehicle mechanisms.
Prior to drilling, it is important to route your wiring to the chosen location. This process should be undertaken with utmost care to ensure the wires do not come into contact with any elements that could pose a hazard, such as sharp edges, high-temperature surfaces, or moving parts within the vehicle.
Once you have confirmed the optimal location and successfully routed the wires, proceed to drill a precise ¾-inch hole. After creating the hole, guide your wiring through it, then proceed with the technical aspects of wiring and installing the switch. This process requires a detailed and careful approach to ensure both functional efficiency and safety.
Q: Can I route my Jeep's light bar through an aftermarket switch panel?
A: Yes. Here are examples of such instances:
Jeep JL OEM panel
SPOD unit
Troubleshooting
Q: My light bar is making a rattling noise. How do I fix this?
A: Ensure the center mount is tension-loaded and adjust as necessary. This should eliminate the rattling.
Q: Do all light bars make noise?
A: Yes, all light bars will add some level of noise. Certain models will make more noise than others. For example, the Pro6 Gravity LED Light Bar has more surface area than a Flex Era Light Bar and therefore may be noisier.
Q: There's a gap at the top of my overhead light bar mounting brackets between them and the vehicle. Is that normal?
A: Yes, a small gap is very common.
Q: The lights are reflecting on my hood. What should I do?
A:When experiencing abnormal glare off the hood, it indicates improper aim. Re-aim the light bar so the beam spread is just above the Jeep's high beams and that should eliminate the glare.
Q: I have a soft top and am getting a lot of wind noise from the light bar. Is there a fix?
A: All light bars will add some noise. A Jeep's soft top is thinner than a hard top, so you'll hear more sound. There is not a fix for this; it's simply the nature of the product.
Q: The gaskets behind the mounts have become loose. Can they be replaced?
A: Yes. With proof of purchase, we can send replacement gaskets at no cost.
Maintenance
Q: Can I bring my Jeep through an automatic car wash with a light bar installed?
A: It is not advisable to take a Jeep through a car wash with a light bar installed. If the car wash's mechanical components come into contact with the light bar, it could potentially cause damage. Touchless car washes, or hand-wash only car washes are advised.
Q: How do I prevent watermarks on the light bar's lenses after washing?
A: We recommend wiping the lenses down with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spotting and watermarking after washing.
Q: What other things should I do for maintenance?
A: It's important to periodically check your light bar involves a few key steps:
Cleaning: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the light bar, reducing its effectiveness. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the lens gently. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the lens.
Tighten Mounting Hardware: Regularly check and tighten any mounting hardware. Vibrations from driving can loosen these components over time, which may lead to the light bar becoming misaligned or, in extreme cases, falling off.
Inspect Wiring and Connections: Regularly check the wiring and electrical connections for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Replace any damaged wires or connectors to prevent electrical issues.
Alignment Check: Periodically check the alignment of the light bar. Misalignment can lead to ineffective lighting and can be a hazard to other drivers if the light bar is aimed too high.
KC Light Bar Specific FAQ
FAQ for Pro6
Q: Can I remove a light from my Pro6 light bar and convert it into a pod light?
A: Yes, using the 91300SC and the 6308 wiring harness you can turn 2 lights into single-mount lights.
Q: How do I add another Pro6 light to my Jeep's light bar?
A: Using the Pro6 Gravity LED Add-On you can add a light to the center of your Pro6 light bar.
Q: Which lights on my Pro6 Gravity LED Light Bar should have amber covers?
A: If you're going to use amber covers on only part of the light bar, they should be on the center lights, which are the spot beams. These are the ones that'll cause the most glare and benefit from the amber lenses.
Q:How do I reduce vibration from my Gravity Pro6 Light Bar?
A: You'll want to adjust your center mount. These videos will show examples of how to do that:
Jeep JL OEM panel
SPOD unit
Q: Does KC make a stone guard for the Pro6 Gravity LED Light Bar?
A: We currently do not offer this. However, you're welcome to submit a request for its manufacture.
Q: I lost the mounting brackets for the light bar's lower pillar. Do you offer replacements?
A: Yes. Please contact us at (888) 689-5955 Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm Pacific time and we can assist.
Q: How much height will the KC Gravity LED Pro6 Light Bar add to my Jeep?
A: Once installed, the Pro6 light bar will add about 1-3” of height to a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator.
Q: Will the Pro6 Light Bar cause wind noise on my Jeep?
A: You can expect additional wind noise after installing any light bar. The Pro6, however, is going to add less wind noise than any other comparable light bar on the market, and KC has engineered the bar to be as quiet as possible. Jeeps with soft tops may experience more noise than those with hard tops due to the thinner roof material.
Q: Can I have the Pro6 light bar shipped with only spot-beam LED lights?
A: No. We thoroughly tested the Pro6 light bar with various beam patterns before bringing it to market and found the combo beam pattern has the best lighting output.
Q: How can I change the color of the KC logo on the Pro6 light covers to match the color of my Jeep?
A: You can download the Pro6 sticker template PDF. This is a 5" round template for the covers that you, or your local wrap shop, can customize. Here's more info on how to customize the KC Pro6 covers.
Q: How should the Pro6's center mount sit on my Jeep?
A: It should split the windshield and roofline. You may need to add some pre-tension to the bar when installing it. More info can be found in this video.
FAQ for FLEX ERA Light Bar
Q: Will the FLEX ERA Light Bar cause added wind noise?
A: All light bars cause some additional wind noise, but we've made every effort to keep the Flex Era Light Bar as quiet as possible. Jeeps with soft tops will experience more noise than hard tops due to the thinner material.
Q: Will the FLEX ERA Light Bar fit with the 50” overhead light bar mounts for Jeep Wrangler JK (7327) and JL/Gladiator (7323)?
A: Yes but you will need a small spacer. The gap is meant for a light bar that is 51.61” and the FE Bar is 51.37”. KC does not offer this spacer, so you will have to source one on your own.
Q: Does the FLEX ERA Light Bar need a center support bracket?
A: Unlike the larger Gravity Pro6 Light Bar, the smaller FE Bar does not need a center support.
Q: Will the FLEX ERA Light Bar fit in the OEM mounting hole on the Wrangler/Gladiator stock steel bumper?
A: We have not test-fit a Flex Era Light Bar here, so we can't guarantee it'll fit there.
Q: Can this light be wired to the Jeep's DRL (daytime running light) function?
A: The high-power white light cannot, but the amber backlight can. We suggest seeking help from an expert installer if you wish to wire the lights to the Jeep's DRLs.
FAQ for Xross Bar
Q: What's the best way to run the wires for Apollo lights when mounted on the Xross Bar?
A: We recommend routing the wires down the A-pillars and using KC Universal Wire Hiders (SKU 6300) for a clean, OEM look.
Q: What's the best way to wire six Apollos to one switch?
A: Again we recommend going down the A-pillar and using the Universal Wire Hiders. However, with the Apollo lights, the green wire will go to an auxiliary 10 amp (or higher) fuse, black goes to the ground, and white can be discarded. Check out our How to Wire to an AUX Switch.
Q: Can I convert the Apollo Lights' H3 halogen bulbs to LED?
A: KC does not offer conversion bulbs for Apollo lights. However, there are third-party versions such as these or these that will allow the conversion.
Q: Does KC make the Xross Bar in different sizes?
A: No. The Xross Bar is only available in a 50” size. The specific dimensions are 1.911" H x 3.605" D x 51.39" W.
Q: Will KC Daylighters fit on the Xross Bar?
A: KC Daylighters are not a direct f it t for the Xross Bar. In order to get the Daylighters to fit, the bar's holes would need to be enlarged to support the Daylighter's larger stud.
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