electrical hookup CB radio on 04 TJ Unlimited

On the earlier TJ's there are two accessory wires fused, taped off, and marked around the fuse block, behind the glove box. I would NOT go directly to the battery!

Jim, that's exactly where any 2-way radio should be connected, directly to the battery. I've been involved in building, repairing, and using HF/VHF/UHF 2-way commercial, military, ham, and CB radios since probably '66 and "Basic Radio Installation 101" technique is to always to obtain power for any 2-way radio as close to the battery as humanly possible, if you can't wire it directly to the battery. The battery acts like a big noise suppressor/capacitor and helps a 2-way radio send and receive with as little externally generated noise as possible.

Jerry

JimG wrote:

Hi Jerry,

I am sure you are correct, that is the best power available (assuming your ground is as equally good). My suggestion is not "off the cuff", I too have an extensive electrical/electronic background. My suggestion was for a new TJ owner wanting to connect a CB radio for general usage (I assume) which I have done multiple times with success. Now if he wants to drill through the firewall and properly fuse and size the wire, add a linear to talk across the country, then yes go directly to the battery (make sure you use all gold plated hardware too!). :-)

JimG

No need to drill through the firewall to pass wiring through it Jim, there is a large rubber grommet at the top of the driver's side footwell that allows wiring to be passed through the firewall to the battery. :)

Jerry

JimG wrote:

There are two schools of thought on that. You can connect it directly to the battery and remember to turn it off, or you can connect it to a switched source that is hot when the key is in the ACC position, or ON, this way the CB will be off when the key is off.

Don't forget the fuse as close as possible to the power source.

As Jerry said, the primary reason for running the power leads directly to the battery is noise suppression, not for high-powered linears.

Dick - W6CCD

You could also install a relay between the battery and the CB, wired to be switched on when the ignition is on.

I recommend you get the TSB from Chrysler that outlines the proper way to install it. GM and others also have TSB's out on them.

It will be like Jerry says with a couple directions about where to run the wiring.

You have to be really careful with the wiring or interference can/will happen. The Jeep automatics can/will drop into neutral when you key up if the wires are anywhere near the transmission module. (that was reported here a while back) The ABS can/will fail on a key up. The ignition module can be affected causing rough running, etc., etc.

I used to install transmitters in fleets and have even seen digital dashes go insane from a bad wiring run, but the most common was the ABS quitting. These were mostly all installs using the fuse panel or cigarette lighter instead of a fused battery feed that messed up.

And don't forget to fuse 'both' wires to avoid a possible ground loop situation. If the engine or body ground gets ratty, the vehicle can try to steal a ground through the transmitter. If not fused, the transmitter can/will cook fast.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

hrncir wrote:

Thanks Mike, Anyone have an idea where to get the TSB? Gus Hrncir

Gold plated "Digital" hardware. `specially the crimp connectors.

I phoned the 800 number for the GM one and they faxed it to the nearest dealer for me right away.

Mike

hrncir wrote:

Someone posted this number a while back.

(TSB 8-22-95)

Mike

hrncir wrote:

This one is wired like mine:

are similar: I agree that connecting directly to the battery is the ultimate source. I don't feel it is necessary for a CB radio. The only thing I connect directly to the battery is the winch.

JimG

I was kidding about the linear and the gold plated hardware. Oh yea... make sure to use some of those big capacitors to improve the bass response of the high fidelity CB speaker!

JimG - BR549

And make sure you install the power leads in the right direction, they are designed to be one-way only! :-)

Make sure it's the 2 AWG monster wire with the clear jacket... then you can actually see the electrons moving in the proper direction.

JimG - BR549