There Is an Extra Wire on My JW Speaker Light What Is It For?
Extra Wires Serve Specific Functions Here Is How to Identify Yours
It's pretty common to finish an installation and find a wire left over that doesn't seem to connect to anything. Don't ignore it and don't guess — here's what the most common extra wires are for.
The Extra Red Wire (Most Commercial and Truck Headlights)
On many JW Speaker truck and commercial headlights — especially models built for international markets — there's an additional red wire for either the Front Position Light or Daytime Running Light (DRL) function.
If your truck has a separate DRL circuit, connect this wire to it and you'll get that function active. If your truck doesn't have a separate DRL input, just cap the wire off and leave it. Your headlights will work perfectly fine without it connected.
The Extra Red Wire on the EVO J3 (Jeep JK Owners)
The EVO J3 is a little different. The extra wire on the EVO J3 harness is for the built-in turn signal function — not DRL. Where it connects depends on your specific JK model year, so check the installation instructions that came in the box for the exact connection point.
A Loose Pigtail With No Connector on the End
Some JW Speaker lights include a short open-ended pigtail — a wire stub that isn't part of the main plug. This is typically for an optional ground or accessory connection. If you don't need it for your install, cap it off with a connector cap and move on.
Not Sure What Your Wire Does? Here's How to Find Out
Check the spec sheet first. Every JW Speaker product has a downloadable spec sheet on its product page at jwspeaker.com. It lists every wire, what color it is, and what it does.
Check the installation instructions. These come in the box and are also available free on the resources page at jwspeaker.com.
One Important Rule — Don't Guess
If you're not sure what a wire does, cap it temporarily and find out before connecting it to anything. Connecting an unknown wire to the wrong circuit can damage the light, damage your vehicle's electrical system, and void the warranty. It takes two minutes to confirm — it's worth it.
Resources page: https://www.jwspeaker.com/resources/