Aftermarket electrical systems Aftermarket electronics only! stereo head units, CD players, MP3 players, speaker systems, amplifiers, hardmounted GPS devices, computers, headlight upgrades, fog lights, off-road lights, general wiring and anti-theft devices.

"Quick Disconnect" Lightbar??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 11, 2017 | 02:17 PM
  #1  
mikecorrell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 238
Likes: 88
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default "Quick Disconnect" Lightbar??

This idea may seem kind of stupid out of context, so just hear me out. I bought my XJ with all the off-roading goodies already installed. Among them is one of those big curved LED bars mounted right above the windshield. I love this light bar, it's super bright and looks really good on my Jeep. I have one very annoying problem with it though. I'm about 95% sure this problem is caused by the light bar, but here's my theory. When I drive on the highway, there is an extremely annoying, loud howling noise that starts at about 62 mph and gets louder as I increase in speed. I'm almost certain it's due to the way that air passes under and/or around the light bar at a high speed. I know that the bar is pretty easy to disconnect from the mounts (just two hex screws on each side) but the wiring is obviously made to have the bar permanently installed. Are there any kind of wire connectors that I can get for the two wires going from the light bar? This would make it so when I want to travel on the highway I can just take the light bar off and "unplug" wires, and just reinstall it when I'm done on the highway. If anyone has any ideas for me I'd appreciate it.
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2017 | 09:45 AM
  #2  
wizardpc's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 777
Likes: 5
From: Nolensville, TN
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

http://amzn.to/2nR94fP

Just get one that's waterproof
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2017 | 10:25 AM
  #3  
4.3L XJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
Default

You have now found the problem most installs have with these light bars. The fins on the back cause the noise. Mine is mounted a little lower and more like a visor and does not make noise. However you can likely cure this by putting door molding, the kind that goes on your XJ door to keep the paint from chipping when you open the door, on the fins. This seems to break up the air patterns and stop the whistling
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2017 | 08:22 PM
  #4  
Tobey's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

They sell a 2-prong trailer-type connector at Oreilly's, and probably most parts stores. I've used them for connectors for all kinds of things. Like a 4-wire trailer light connector, but just 2 wires.
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2017 | 05:18 PM
  #5  
investinwaffles's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 12
From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Have you tried a rubber isolator? It's a common problem with light bars mounted over the windshield because of the airflow over the vehicle, causes the fins to resonate a bit. You could definitely fabricate some sort of mount and use a simple 2-pin quick disconnect for the electrical

Here is what the isolators look like, they make them with different fin patterns too

https://www.google.com/search?q=led+...iw=360&bih=560
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2018 | 12:43 PM
  #6  
skife's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 469
Likes: 3
Model: Cherokee
Default

Knockoff weatherpack connectors For the a connection to wires exposed to the elements, I recommend using weatherpack connectors, here are some knockoffs on Amazon.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
96TEXjAS
XJ Cherokee Write-Ups
2
May 21, 2019 07:21 AM
zumer715
Accessories
7
Aug 6, 2014 07:35 PM
91 BangNbuck
Accessories
7
Jan 27, 2014 02:36 PM
91 BangNbuck
Miscellaneous
6
Jan 25, 2014 05:13 PM
GOTWAX
Cherokee Chat
6
Sep 7, 2013 08:36 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:06 AM.