[GCARC] Grand Cherokee radio install

[Tony Starr]

Installing an HF rig in a modern vehicle can be a challenge. Aside from the
physical space limitations, though not so much a problem with an FT-891,
there is the issue of electrical noise, which is generated by various
systems within the vehicle. For a safe and quiet installation, you want the
fused, positive wire connected directly to the battery, and the UN-FUSED
negative wire connected directly to the vehicle body, as close as possible
to the radio. Yes, this means that you cut off the inline fuse and about 8
feet of black wire, but that is what you need to do. The ground connection
from the radio to the chassis ground should never be lost due to a fuse
blowing or a connector being un-done. In fact, you should consider a second
ground connection right to the radio chassis, to ensure that the ground
connection is never lost.

For ignition noise, be sure to bond the car hood to the firewall, and the
exhaust system to the chassis as well. Liberal use of snap-on ferrite beads
can help with things like fuel pump noise, although newer fuel pumps use
pulse width modulation instead of straight DC, which can be a bear to
manage noise-wise. In spite of all these precautions, I still have problems
with ABS faults on my truck when transmitting on 40m, so I tend to stick
with 20m or 10m when in motion, and only use 40m when parked. Speaking of
operating while parked, no matter how quiet you manage to get your
installation, there is nothing like finding a quiet hilltop, and shutting
off the engine. You will be amazed at what you can hear. Good luck with
your installation, and 73 for now.  de K3TS

On Fri, Jan 23, 2026 at 9:04 AM Daniel McCormick via GCARC <
gcarc at mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> Hi All-
> Has anyone done a radio install for a grand cherokee? Mine is a 2021
> limited that I own now so I am thinking of doing a more permanent install,
> but still do not want to drill holes. I am unsure of proper grounding and
> I'm sure this could go down a rabbit hole but thought I would check to see
> if anyone has done this on a similar Jeep.
>
> Thanks !
> Dan
> KD2TUS
> daniel at kd2tus.com
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