RUGGED RIDGE LightShield Hood Guard JK, JL and Gladiator User Guide
- June 3, 2024
- RUGGED RIDGE
Table of Contents
RUGGED RIDGE LightShield Hood Guard JK, JL and Gladiator
LightShield™ Hood Guard; JK, JL & Gladiator
Important Safety Information
- For proper installation and best possible fit, please read all instructions BEFORE you begin.
- CAUTION – Before driving, ensure that the LightShield™ Hood Guard is properly secured to vehicle.
- Do not use automatic “brush-style” car washes.
- Do not use cleaning solvents of any kind.
- Periodically check all components for tightness.
Tools Required
- Car Wash Supplies
- Clean Towel
- Masking Tape
- Wire Stripping Tool
- Grease Pencil
- Test Light
Preparation Before Painting / Installation
- A trial fit is recommended to ensure proper positioning and fit.
- Check fit of parts before painting as we will not accept the return of modified or painted parts.
- Wash and dry your vehicle to remove any debris and/or dirt from the installation area.
NO T E: Ensure vehicle surface and part are between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C) prior to installation.
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Clean the recessed area of the LightShield™ Hood Guard with an alcohol pad and allow to dry. Next, apply one coat of Surface Prep to the same area.
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Peel back 2” of tape liner from each end of the backside of the Light strip. Fold the tape tabs over so that the free ends are accessible.
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Thread electrical wire through the hole in the corner of the LightShield™ Hood Guard and position the Light strip along recessed area of the LightShield™ Hood Guard.
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Carefully align the Light strip in place along the recessed area of the LightShield™ Hood Guard. Once positioned, press down on the exposed area of tape to tack the Light strip in place. Ensure that free ends of tape tabs are accessible.
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Begin removing remaining tape liner by grasping the free end and pulling gently in 6” (15 cm) sections, while applying even pressure with hand to Light strip.
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With tape liner completely removed, apply firm pressure along entire length of Light strip to ensure adhesion of tape to the LightShield™ Hood Guard surface.
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Prior to installation of the LightShield™ Hood Guard, wash the hood of vehicle then dry with a clean cloth.
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Test fit the LightShield™ Hood Guard on the vehicle. Center the part on the hood and use a grease pencil to mark the location where the electrical wire exits the LightShield™ Hood Guard and will eventually wrap under the hood.
Note: Image is for representation only. The location of the electrical wire may vary per model. -
Remove the LightShield™ Hood Guard and raise the hood. Use an alcohol pad to clean the underside of the hood around the area marked in Step 9.
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Close the hood.
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Use the alcohol pads to clean the entire LEADING EDGE of the hood.
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Expose 2” (5 cm) of tape liner from each section of the LightShield™ Hood Guard. Ensure you can access the free ends of tape liner.
Apply a piece of masking tape to hold electrical wire in place. Be sure to route wire in between tape segments.
NOTE: Inspect part thoroughly to confirm all sections of tape liner are exposed.
NOTE: Some applications do not have side tape by design. -
Center the LightShield™ Hood Guard on the hood. Part should be positioned about
1/16” (1.5mm) from hood edge on all sides. DO NOT APPLY PRESSURE IN THIS STEP. -
Apply LIGHT PRESSURE to the exposed tape at CENTER LOCATIONS ONLY to tack the LightShield™ Hood Guard in place. Raise hood slightly.
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Wrap foam tab around hood edge OVER WIRING and secure the electrical wire in a protected position. Carefully lower hood.
NOTE: Use caution not to pinch electrical wire while closing hood! -
Begin removing remaining tape liner, beginning with the drivers side CENTER TOP sections. Grasping the free end, pull tape gently in 6” (15 cm) sections, while applying even pressure with hand to the LightShield™ Hood Guard. Repeat process for passenger side.
CAUTION: You must apply even pressure from center section out to each end of part, in order for proper adhesion to hood.
NOTE: Do not apply pressure closer than 6” (15 cm) to tape liner as it could accidentally break. -
Using the same process, remove tape liner from the driver side CENTER BOTTOM of LightShield™ Hood Guard. Repeat for passenger side.
CAUTION: You must apply even pressure from center section out to each end of part, in order for proper adhesion to hood. -
Again using the same process, remove tape liners from the driver side FAR SIDE EDGES and FAR BOTTOM EDGES of LightShield™ Hood Guard. Repeat for passenger side.
NOTE: Some applications do not have side tape by design. -
Press firmly along all edges of the LightShield™ Hood Guard to ensure adhesion of tape to hood surface.
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Raise the hood.
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Begin by routing all 4 wires along drivers side hood. 3-4 Wire Stays are used to hold the electrical wires in position. Clean mounting locations with an alcohol pad, then remove adhesive backing from Wire Stays. Adhere Wire Stays to hood and route electrical wires through them. Identify the black, brown and yellow wires. Determine location to route these three wires along the driver side fender area so that it will be secure and does not interfere with any existing equipment. Locate the single green wire. Route along firewall and along the passenger side fender area and up to the passenger side light assembly, so that it will be secure and does not interfere with any existing equipment.
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Consult vehicle owners manual to access headlight / turnsignal plugs. Unplug headlight /turnsignal wiring harness. Use testlight to identfy and confirm correct wires.
NOTE: To identify parking lights, make sure to turn on parking lights ONLY. To identify turn signals, engage hazards/emergency flashers.
Once wires are identified, note the following:- Black wire = ground
- Brown wire = parking light
- Yellow wire = left turn signal (driver side)
- Green wire= right turn signal (passenger side)
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NOTE: Connect the black wire to vehicle plug ground wire. Connect brown wire to vehicle marker/parking light wire. Connect yellow wire to left (driver side) turn signal wire. Connect green wire to right (passenger side) turn signal wire. To connect wires: (1) Slide slotted cap over vehicle wire, (2) Screw main connector body into slotted cap (pin side screws into slotted cap), (3) Strip approximately 1/4” from each LightShield™ Hood Guard wire, (4) Insert electrical wire into open cap. Tighten onto opposite end of main connector body, confirm connection by gently tugging on LightShield™ Hood Guard wire. Repeat steps for remaining wires.
Wash only with water and mild soap then dry with a clean cloth.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>