Thank you for your purchase of our SS5 Grille CrossLink Lightbar Kit. CAD-designed to use existing mounting points, this kit is compatible with the 2021–2023 Ford F-150. Installation instructions are included below.
Table of Contents
- Installation Video
- Installation Tools
- Valance & Grille Removal
- Bracket Installation
- Lightbar Installation
- Wiring Instructions
- Backlight Color Programming
- Backlight Color Reset
- Questions About the Installation?
- Where Can I Buy the SS5 Grille CrossLink Lightbar Kit for 2021–2023 Ford F-150?
Installation Video
Installation Tools
- Trim removal tool
- Ratchet
- 7mm socket
- 8mm socket
- 10mm socket
- 13mm socket
- 5mm Allen wrench
- Wire strippers
Valance & Grille Removal
Step 1 – Remove fender liner screws
Using a 7mm socket, remove the screws securing the fender liner to the upper bumper valance and pull the sides loose.
Step 2 – Remove bumper valance
Repeat on the opposite side and remove the valance, starting from the outside and working toward the center.
Step 3 – Remove radiator core support trim
Remove the trim panel on the radiator core support by pulling out the tree clips securing it.
Step 4 – Disconnect harnesses
Disconnect the harnesses near the hood latch and remove the clip securing the harness to the grille.
Step 5 – Remove grille bolts
Remove the top grille bolts using a 10mm socket and lower bolts using an 8mm socket.
Step 6 – Remove grille
Pull the grille firmly away from the radiator to remove.
Bracket Installation
Step 7 – Install grille brackets
Remove the two 13mm bolts behind the bumper and install the new grille brackets using those mounting holes.
NOTE: Ensure factory bolts return to original positions for proper thread engagement.
Step 8 – Route wiring harness
Route the included wiring harness through the opening next to the bracket before reinstalling the valance.
Step 9 – Reinstall grille and trim
Reinstall the grille and valance by reversing Steps 1–6.
Lightbar Installation
Step 10 – 2-Pod Mounting
If installing two pods, use the included universal mounting brackets and hardware to install directly onto the base brackets. For additional universal SS5 mounting, wiring, and backlight information, refer to the Diode Dynamics SS5 LED Pods Installation Guide.
Step 11 – 5-Pod CrossLink Bracket Mounting
If installing the 5-pod CrossLink lightbar, install the SS5 low mount brackets onto the grille brackets. Secure the low mount brackets using the provided M6 hardware.
Step 12 – 5-Pod CrossLink Assembly
Assemble your SS5 lightbar using the CrossLink lightbar instructions.
NOTE: In order to achieve the correct curve, the CrossLink lightbar should be secured to the bottom of the second notch on the link.
Step 13 – 5-Pod CrossLink Assembly
Mount the assembled SS5 lightbar onto the low mount brackets using one 10mm bolt on each side. Rotate the lightbar upward, exposing the end bolt in the pivot mount. Tighten the pivot mount bolt with a 5mm Allen wrench and rotate the lightbar back down to install the other two 10mm bolts.
Step 14 – Secure CrossLink Mount
With all three 10mm bolts tightened down, adjust the gap on the opposite side pivot mount and secure the mount using the 5mm Allen wrench.
Wiring Instructions
The following instructions are for Ford F-150s with an Auxiliary Switch Bank. If you do not have the Auxiliary Switch Bank, use the included toggle switch adapter wire to route a switch. All power sources must be fused.
Step 15 – Connect main beam wire
Locate the auxiliary switch wiring near the battery. Connect the yellow main beam wire to the desired auxiliary switch wire using a butt connector.
Step 16 – Connect backlight wire
Connect the blue backlight wire to another auxiliary switch wire or an existing Stage Series backlight circuit.
Step 17 – Connect battery terminals
Connect positive and negative battery wires to the battery or main power terminals.
Step 18 – Finalize wiring
Secure all wiring, test thoroughly, and tighten all hardware.
IMPORTANT: All power sources must be properly fused.
Backlight Color Programming
SS5 LED Pods offer multiple backlight color options, including White (default), Red, Blue, Green, Purple, Yellow, Amber, and Teal.
- Start with all backlight power OFF.
- Cycle backlight power ON and OFF three times within three seconds, spacing each ON press about one second apart.
- After the third cycle, the backlight will enter programming mode.
- Continue cycling power at the same steady pace to scroll through the available colors.
- When the desired color is displayed, leave the backlight ON.
- After five seconds, the color will save automatically and exit programming mode.
- Turn power OFF.
The selected color will appear any time backlight power is applied during normal operation.
For additional SS5 mounting, wiring, and backlight information, refer to the Diode Dynamics SS5 LED Pods Installation Guide.
Backlight Color Reset
If multiple SS5 LED Pods are connected to the same backlight circuit and the colors become unsynchronized, perform the following reset procedure.
- Enter backlight programming mode by cycling power ON and OFF three times, using the same one-second timing.
- Continue cycling power through all available colors twice. This requires at least sixteen total power cycles.
- After all colors have displayed twice, all connected lights will reset to White.
- Leave the backlight ON for five seconds to save the reset.
- Program the desired backlight color as outlined above if needed.
Questions About the Installation?
If you have questions about installing the SS5 Grille CrossLink Lightbar Kit for 2021–2023 Ford F-150, contact us via our support page.
Where Can I Buy the SS5 Grille CrossLink Lightbar Kit for 2021–2023 Ford F-150?
Visit DiodeDynamics.com or use our Dealer Locator to find an authorized dealer.
SKUs Shown: DD7317, DD7318, DD7321, DD7322, DD7316P
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