Brawlee light bar & key fob interference?

[dlong1119]

I recently installed the new design Brawlee RGB light bar in my 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. I tied it's wiring into the dome light circuit and also connected it to a constant 12V source via a 2 position switch so that I can select it to be automatic, manual or completely off. Right around the time of installing it I noticed I started having a lot of issues with my key fob not being detected to start the Jeep and even my proximity handles were very hit or miss, especially when trying to lock the Jeep by pressing their button after getting out. My remote lock/unlock worked perfectly, and I even put a new battery in the fob just in case, but at least 75-80% of the time I would have to press the start button with the fob. I was thinking this was unrelated, but today I got to thinking about the Bluetooth controller that is included with the lightbar and wondering if it could be causing any interference, so I flipped the switch into the "off" position and my fob has been back to working 100% of the time since I did that.

Has anyone else heard of or had any interference issues, or know if is there a way to disable or bypass the Bluetooth transmitter that the light bar plugs into? I'm going to flip it back on tomorrow and see if the problem comes back again, but I think it's extremely likely to at this point. I have a feeling that the times that my fob did work while the bar was enabled was at times when the interior lights had already turned off and the interference had gone away, but I hadn't made that connection yet and am just guessing but I will definitely pay attention tomorrow.

I've send DoneRightLED (the maker of the Brawlee bar) a message to see if they've heard of anything but I'm not sure how fast they'll get back to me.

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[Yogi1956]

With 2 power sources sounds like you need to install diodes to isolate each power source.

 

[Deleted member 64316]

I have the Brawlee light bar and keep the remote in my center console. Never experienced any issues like you described. My light is tapped into the rear cigarette lighter, and it only turns on when I turn on the switch I added in the trunk. I can see what happens tomorrow if I turn the light on and then try to start the Jeep while the light is on.

 

[dlong1119]

With 2 power sources sounds like you need to install diodes to isolate each power source.

The switch isolates them, they're not connected to each other at any point.

 

[dlong1119]

I have the Brawlee light bar and keep the remote in my center console. Never experienced any issues like you described. My light is tapped into the rear cigarette lighter, and it only turns on when I turn on the switch I added in the trunk. I can see what happens tomorrow if I turn the light on and then try to start the Jeep while the light is on.

Do you have the new version or the old version? I don't think the old one has the Bluetooth module and simply operates via the infrared remote which won't affect anything. The new version has both. If you do have the new one, that would be awesome if you'd check!

 

[Deleted member 64316]

Do you have the new version or the old version? I don't think the old one has the Bluetooth module and simply operates via the infrared remote which won't affect anything. The new version has both. If you do have the new one, that would be awesome if you'd check!

I couldn’t tell you which version it is. Probably the old one. Bought it about 2-3 years ago in case that helps…

 

[dlong1119]

I think that's probably the old version. The new one has this module that plugs into the cable from the lightbar and then the power cable goes out from there. There's also an infrared eye that comes off the module.

 

[Terrymo]

I have the newest style Brawlee that has a flexible silicone led light strip cover. I have an on off switch and used the Quadratech rear 12 bolt outlet wiring harness adapter to tap into the rear 12 volt outlet for power. I keep the bluetooth controller in the Jeep and have not had the issues you’re describing. Hopefully this helps.

 

[dlong1119]

I have the newest style Brawlee that has a flexible silicone led light strip cover. I have an on off switch and used the Quadratech rear 12 bolt outlet wiring harness adapter to tap into the rear 12 volt outlet for power. I keep the bluetooth controller in the Jeep and have not had the issues you’re describing. Hopefully this helps.

The remote you're referring to isn't Bluetooth, it's infrared. The Bluetooth is just to link your phone to it via their app. Do you ever try to start your Jeep with it powered on? It sounds like you just use it manually when at the back of the Jeep if you're just using an on/off switch.

 

[Terrymo]

The remote you're referring to isn't Bluetooth, it's infrared. The Bluetooth is just to link your phone to it via their app. Do you ever try to start your Jeep with it powered on? It sounds like you just use it manually when at the back of the Jeep if you're just using an on/off switch.

Yes I misspoke regarding the remote. I use the light manually by using the on off switch. I will try starting the Jeep with the light powered on and let you know.

Let me know the sequence of events you would like me to duplicate and I’ll try it tomorrow and let you know. Now you’ve got me curious

 

[dlong1119]

Yes I misspoke regarding the remote. I use the light manually by using the on off switch. I will try starting the Jeep with the light powered on and let you know.

Let me know the sequence of events you would like me to duplicate and I’ll try it tomorrow and let you know. Now you’ve got me curious

Great, thanks!

 

[Terrymo]

Great, thanks!

Let me know the sequence of events you would like me to duplicate

 

[dlong1119]

Let me know the sequence of events you would like me to duplicate

I would keep the key away from the Jeep and turn the bar on, then get in with the key and try to start it. Maybe also try locking it by pressing the button on the proximity handles if you have them.

 

[Terrymo]

Ok I do have proximity and will try each thing you mentioned several times and see if I can duplicate it.

 

[Streetbikescott]

I have a switch set up exactly like you for my recently installed brawlee light, no issues at all. Sounds like you might have an actual issue or maybe a dud key fob battery?

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