Federal Signal Corporation HighLighter Elite Manual

Installation, Operation, and
Maintenance Instructions
25500775
Rev A0 0722
© Copyright 2022 Federal Signal Corporation
HighLighter®Elite

Limited Warranty
This product is subject to and covered by a limited warranty,
a copy of which can be found at www.fedsig.com/SSG-Warranty.
A copy of this limited warranty can also be obtained by written
request to Federal Signal Corporation, 2645 Federal Signal Drive,
University Park, IL 60484, email to [email protected] or
call [phone].
This limited warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or
implied, contractual or statutory, including, but not limited to the
warranty of merchantability, warranty of tness for a particular
purpose and any warranty against failure of its essential purpose.
2645 Federal Signal Drive
University Park, Illinois 60484
www.fedsig.com
Customer Support
Police/Fire-EMS: 800-264-3578 • [phone]
Work Truck: 800-824-0254 • [phone]
Technical Support 800-433-9132 • [phone]
All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

3
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Contents
Safety Message to Installers of Warning Light Equipment ............................. 4
Safety Messages to Operators of Warning Light Equipment.......................... 8
Introduction........................................................................................................ 10
Unpacking the Light Bar................................................................................... 10
Preparing for the Light Bar Installation........................................................... 10
Magnetic or Suction Cup Magnet Mounting ................................................... 12
Permanently Mounting the HighLighter Elite.................................................. 13
Wiring the HighLighter Elite ............................................................................. 17
Conguring the HighLighter Elite.................................................................... 18
Getting Technical Support................................................................................ 23
Ordering Replacement Parts............................................................................ 23
Getting Repair Service...................................................................................... 24
Figures
Figure 1 Flat Surface Mount ............................................................................ 13
Figure 2 Connecting the Light......................................................................... 14
Figure 3 Bar Mount........................................................................................... 15
Figure 4 Connecting the Light......................................................................... 16
Tables
Table 1 Kit Contents ......................................................................................... 10
Table 2 Wire Connections................................................................................ 17
Table 3 Flash Patterns...................................................................................... 22
Table 4 Replacement Parts - Permanent Mount ............................................ 23
Table 5 Replacement Parts - Suction Cup Magnet Mount ............................ 23
Table 6 Replacement Parts - Magnet Mount .................................................. 23

4
Safety Message to Installers of Warning Light Equipment
HighLighter®Elite
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Safety Message to Installers of Warning Light Equipment
People’s lives depend on your proper installation and servicing of Federal
Signal products. It is important to read and follow all instructions shipped
with this product and the original product. Listed below are some other
important safety instructions and precautions you should follow:
Before Installation or Service
Qualifications
• To properly install or service this equipment, you must have a good
understanding of automotive mechanical and electrical procedures
and systems, along with proficiency in the installation and service
of safety warning equipment. Always refer to the vehicle’s service
manuals when performing equipment installations on a vehicle.
Light Hazards
• In order to be an eective warning device, this product produces
bright light that can be hazardous to your eyesight when viewed at a
close range. Do not stare directly into this lighting product at a close
range, or permanent damage to your eyesight may occur.
• Do not install the light system in an area that would block, impair or
blind the driver’s vision. Ensure that the light system is mounted in a
position that is outside the driver’s field of vision, so the driver can
maintain safe vehicle operation.
• Federal Signal power supplies and light heads are designed to work
together as a system. Combining light heads and a power supply
from dierent manufacturers may reduce the warning eectiveness of
the lighting system and may damage the components. Verify or test
your combination to make sure the system works together and meets
federal, state and local standards or guidelines.
Electrical Hazards
• A light system is a high current system. For the system to function
properly, a separate negative (-) connection and positive (+) connection
must be made. All negative connections should be connected to the
negative battery terminal and a suitable fuse should be installed on the
positive battery terminal connection as close to the battery as possible.

5
Safety Message to Installers of Warning Light Equipment
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Ensure that all wires and fuses are rated correctly to handle the device
and system amperage requirements.
• Never attempt to install aftermarket equipment that connects to the
vehicle wiring without reviewing a vehicle wiring diagram available
from the vehicle manufacturer. Ensure that your installation will not
aect vehicle operation or mandated safety functions or circuits.
Always check the vehicle for proper operation after installation.
• Do not mount a radio antenna within 18 inches of the lighting system.
Placing the antenna too close to the lighting system could cause the
lighting system to malfunction or be damaged by strong radio fields.
Mounting the antenna too close to the lighting system may also cause
the radio noise emitted from the lighting system to interfere with the
reception of the radio transmitter and reduce radio reception.
• Do not attempt to wash this or any other electrical device while it is
connected to its power source. Exposure to liquid while the product is
connected to the power source may result in an electrical shock and
personal injury and may short circuit and damage the product.
During Installation and Service
• DO NOT get metal shavings inside the product. Metal shavings in the
product can cause the system to fail. If drilling must be done near the
unit, place an ESD-approved cover over the unit. Inspect the unit after
mounting to ensure that there are no shavings present in or near the
unit.
• To avoid a battery explosion, always disconnect the negative
battery cable first and reconnect it last. Avoid causing a spark when
connecting near or to the battery. The gases produced by a battery
can cause a battery explosion that could result in vehicle damage and
serious injury.
• DO NOT connect this system to the vehicle battery until ALL other
electrical connections are made, mounting of all components is
complete, and you have verified that no shorts exist. If the wiring is
shorted to the vehicle body or frame, high current conductors can
cause hazardous sparks, resulting in electrical fires or flying molten
metal.
• DO NOT install equipment or route wiring (or the plug-in cord) in the
deployment path of an airbag.

6
Safety Message to Installers of Warning Light Equipment
HighLighter®Elite
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
• If a vehicle seat is temporarily removed, verify with the vehicle
manufacturer if the seat needs to be recalibrated for proper airbag
deployment.
• Before mounting any components, check the manual to ensure that
the component you are installing is suitable for use in that area of
the vehicle. Many components are not suitable for use in the engine
compartment or other extreme environmental exposure areas.
• When drilling into a vehicle structure, ensure that both sides of the
surface are clear of anything that could be damaged. Remove all burrs
from drilled holes. To prevent electrical shorts, grommet all drilled
holes through which wiring passes. Ensure that the mounting screws
do not cause electrical or mechanical damage to the vehicle.
• Refer to the instruction sheet packed with the lighting system for
proper electrical connections, additional precautions, and information.
• Because vehicle roof construction and driving conditions vary, do not
drive a vehicle with a magnetically mounted warning light installed.
The light could fly o the vehicle, causing injury or damage. Repair of
damage incurred because of ignoring this warning shall be the sole
responsibility of the user.
• Locate the light system controls so the VEHICLE and CONTROLS can
be operated safely under all driving conditions.
After Installation or Service
• After installation, test the light system to ensure that it is operating
properly.
• If a seat is temporarily removed, verify with the vehicle manufacturer if
the seat needs to be recalibrated for proper airbag deployment.
• Test all vehicle functions, including horn operation, vehicle safety
functions, and vehicle light systems, to ensure proper operation.
Ensure that the installation has not aected the vehicle operation or
changed any vehicle safety function or circuit.
• Scratched or dull reflectors, mirrors, or lenses will reduce the
eectiveness of the lighting system. Avoid heavy pressure and use
of caustic or petroleum-based products when cleaning the lighting
system. Replace any optical components that may have been
scratched or crazed during system installation.

7
Safety Message to Installers of Warning Light Equipment
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
• Do not attempt to activate or deactivate the light system control while
driving in a hazardous situation.
• Frequently inspect the light system to ensure that it is operating
properly and is securely attached to the vehicle.
• After installation and testing are complete, provide a copy of these
instructions to instructional sta and all operating personnel.
• File these instructions in a safe place and refer to them when
maintaining and/or reinstalling the product.
Failure to follow all safety precautions and instructions may result in
property damage, serious injury, or death.
RETAIN AND REFER TO THESE MESSAGES

8
Safety Messages to Operators of Warning Light Equipment
HighLighter®Elite
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Safety Messages to Operators of Warning Light
Equipment
People’s lives depend on your safe use of our products. Listed below are
some important safety instructions and precautions you should follow:
• Although your warning system is operating properly, it may not be
completely eective. People may not see or heed your warning signal.
You must recognize this fact and continue to drive cautiously.
• Situations may occur that obstruct your warning signal when natural
and man-made objects are between your vehicle and others, such as
raising your hood or trunk lid. If these situations occur, be especially
careful.
• In order to be an eective warning device, this product produces
bright light that can be hazardous to your eyesight when viewed at a
close range. Do not stare directly into this lighting product at a close
range, or permanent damage to your eyesight may occur.
• It is important that you fully understand how to safely operate this
warning system before use.
• Operate your vehicle and its light/sound system in accordance with
your department’s Standard Operating Procedure.
• If a selected function does not perform properly or if any of the lamps
remain illuminated when the control is o, disconnect the power
connector from the control unit and contact the nearest service center.
• At the start of your shift, ensure that the entire warning light system
and the siren system are securely attached and operating properly.
• Suction cup mounting is for temporary applications only. The unit
should be removed from the window and stored securely when not in
use. Temperature changes and sunlight can cause suction cups to lose
holding power. Periodically check the unit to be sure the suction cups
have a firm grip on the mounting surface. An improperly secured light
could fall o of the vehicle, causing injury and damage.

9
Safety Messages to Operators of Warning Light Equipment
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
• The holding power of magnetic mounting systems is dependent upon
surface finish, surface flatness, and thickness of the steel mounting
surface. Therefore, to promote proper magnetic mounting:
• Keep surface and magnets clean, dry, and free of foreign
particles that prevent good surface contact.
• Ensure that the mounting surface is flat.
• Do not use a magnetic mounting system on vehicles with vinyl
tops.
Failure to follow these precautions may result in property damage, serious
injury, or death.
RETAIN AND REFER TO THESE MESSAGES

10
Introduction
HighLighter®Elite
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Introduction
The HighLighter® Elite is an LED-based warning light with a small footprint
and low current draw. The light is available in one of three mounting
types: Permanent, Suction Cup Magnet, or Magnet. The light has three
modes of operation, 25 selectable light patterns, and an optional low-
power function.
Unpacking the Light Bar
After unpacking the light, inspect it for damage that may have occurred
in transit. If it has been damaged, do not attempt to install or operate it.
File a claim immediately with the carrier, stating the extent of the damage.
Carefully check all envelopes, shipping labels, and tags before removing
or destroying them. Ensure that the parts listed in Table 1 are included in
the package. If you are missing any parts, contact Customer Support at
1-800-264-3578, 7a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (CT).
Table 1 Kit Contents
Permanent Suction Cup Magnet Magnet
Qty Description Qty Description Qty Description
1 Mini Light Bar 1 Mini Light Bar 1 Mini Light Bar
1 Mounting Bracket 1 Safety Message Card 4 Protective Stickers
1 Wire Harness 1 Safety Message Card
4 #10 Hi-Low Screws
1 Safety Message Card
Preparing for the Light Bar Installation
Determining the Mounting Location and Wire Routing
The following section covers only mounting and wire routing. For
instructions regarding wiring connections, see “Wiring the HighLighter
Elite” on page 17.
To prepare for the installation:
• Ensure that the battery voltage is the same as the voltage rating of the
light bar.
• Verify that the light bar and mounting hardware fit the vehicle.
• Determine where to mount the light bar on the vehicle.

11
Preparing for the Light Bar Installation
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
LOCATING OPERATOR CONTROLS: The controls for the light system
must be located so that the VEHICLE and CONTROLS can be operated
safely under all driving conditions.
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT: Do not install equipment or route wiring in
the deployment path of an airbag. Failure to observe this warning
will reduce the eectiveness of the airbag or potentially dislodge the
equipment, causing serious injury or death.
• Decide where to route wiring around airbag areas.
• Decide where to route the power and ground wires from the light bar.
SEAT REMOVAL PRECAUTION: If a vehicle seat is temporarily
removed, verify with the vehicle manufacturer if the seat needs to
be recalibrated for proper airbag deployment. Failure to follow this
warning may cause serious injury or death.
• To make wiring easier, remove the seats and spare tire, and pull down
the headliner where needed.
• Separate all electronic equipment wiring from two-way radio
equipment wiring.
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS: The warning system and/or two-way
radio system may operate improperly if a two-way radio antenna is
installed on or within 18 inches of the light bar. Before permanently
installing the light bar or a two-way radio antenna, test the warning
system and two-way radio system. Some installations may require the
relocation of the two-way radio antenna to the trunk or fender. DO NOT
drill holes in the light bar or install auxiliary devices on the light bar, or
the warning system may fail.
• To avoid interference, keep two-way radio antennas a minimum of
18inches (45.7cm) away from warning equipment.
• Whenever possible, run full wire lengths. DO NOT splice the wires.

12
Magnetic or Suction Cup Magnet Mounting
HighLighter®Elite
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
• Do not coil excess wire. Leave a drain loop for servicing the light bar.
• After drilling holes for wires, deburr them, smooth sharp edges, and
insert grommets to protect the wires from chafing.
• When you frame-ground the equipment, use the manufacturer-
supplied ground locations in the vehicle.
IMPORTANT: After the installation, frequently inspect the light bar and
mounting feet to ensure that all fasteners and brackets are tight.
Magnetic or Suction Cup Magnet Mounting
DO NOT DRIVE WITH MAGNETICALLY-MOUNTED WARNING LIGHT
INSTALLED: Because vehicle roof construction and driving conditions
vary, do not drive a vehicle with a magnetically mounted warning light
installed. The light could y o the vehicle, causing injury or damage.
Repair of damage incurred because of ignoring this warning shall be
the sole responsibility of the user.
PROPER MAGNETIC MOUNTING: The holding power of magnetic
mounting systems is dependent upon surface nish, surface atness,
and thickness of the steel mounting surface. Therefore, to promote
proper magnetic mounting:
• Keep the mounting surface and magnets clean, dry, and free of
foreign particles that prevent good surface contact.
• Ensure that the mounting surface is at.
• Do not use a magnetic mounting system on vehicles with vinyl
tops.
To mount the HighLighter Elite:
1. Place the light bar assembly on the vehicle roof at a location that
provides maximum signaling eectiveness for your application.
2. For models with suction cups, release trapped air by applying
downward pressure to the top of the dome while pulling up on the
release tabs.
3. To operate the magnet-mounted or suction cup magnet light bar
assembly, insert the plug at the end of the cable assembly in the

13
Permanently Mounting the HighLighter Elite
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
accessory plug socket. Turn the plug on and o using the power switch
on the plug. To show that the power is on, a pilot light turns on.
4. To remove models with suction cups, pull up on the release tabs while
picking up the light bar.
Permanently Mounting the HighLighter Elite
Use the supplied permanent mounting bracket to mount the light to a flat
surface or a flat bar using installer-supplied hardware.
Attaching the Light to a Flat Surface
To permanently mount the HighLighter Elite to a flat surface:
1. Attach the bracket to the bottom of the light using supplied hi-low
screws. See Figure 1.
Figure 1 Flat Surface Mount
#10 Hi-Low Screw
Bracket
Light
2. Using the bracket as a template, scribe the four (4) mounting hole
locations.

14
Permanently Mounting the HighLighter Elite
HighLighter®Elite
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
DRILLING PRECAUTIONS: When drilling holes, check the area you
are drilling into to ensure that you do not damage vehicle components
while drilling. All drilled holes should be deburred, and all sharp edges
should be smoothed. All wire routings going through drilled holes
should be protected by a grommet or convolute/split loom tubing.
3. Drill an appropriately sized hole for the installer-supplied #10
hardware.
4. Refer to “Wiring the HighLighter Elite” on page 17 for wire
connections.
5. Plug the supplied connector into the bottom of the light. See Figure2.
Figure 2 Connecting the Light
6. Attach the light to the mounting surface using installer-suppled #10
hardware.

15
Permanently Mounting the HighLighter Elite
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Attaching the Light to a Flat Bar
To permanently mount the HighLighter Elite to a flat bar:
1. Using the bracket as a template, scribe two (2) mounting hole
locations for the installer-supplied 1/4-20 carriage bolts.
DRILLING PRECAUTIONS: When drilling holes, check the area you
are drilling into to ensure that you do not damage vehicle components
while drilling. All drilled holes should be deburred, and all sharp edges
should be smoothed. All wire routings going through drilled holes
should be protected by a grommet or convolute/split loom tubing.
2. Drill two 17/64-inch holes at the scribed marks.
3. Load carriage bolts into the bracket and attach it to the bottom of the
light using the supplied hi-low screws. See Figure 3.
Figure 3 Bar Mount
#10 Hi-Low Screw
Installer-Supplied
1/4-20 Carriage
Bolts
Light

16
Permanently Mounting the HighLighter Elite
HighLighter®Elite
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
4. Refer to “Wiring the HighLighter Elite” on page 17 for wire
connections.
5. Plug the supplied connector into the bottom of the light. See Figure 4.
Figure 4 Connecting the Light
6. Attach the light to the mounting surface using installer-suppled 1/4-20
carriage bolts and related hardware. See Figure 3 on page 15.

17
Wiring the HighLighter Elite
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Wiring the HighLighter Elite
HIGH CURRENT DEVICE: A light system is a high current system.
In order for the system to function properly, a separate negative (–)
connection and positive (+) connection must be made. All negative
connections should be connected to the negative battery terminal,
and a 2 A fuse should be installed on the positive battery terminal
connection as close to the battery as possible. Ensure that all
wires and fuses are rated correctly to handle the system amperage
requirements.
The permanent mount HighLighter Elite is supplied with a
12-inch wire harness. The wires must be extended using installer-supplied
18AWG wire minimum and terminals.
Table 2 Wire Connections
Color Description Connection Point
Black Ground Battery Negative
Red Mode 1 Switched Positive
12-24 Vdc
White Mode 2 Switched Positive
12-24 Vdc
Brown Low Power/Mode 3 Switched Positive
12-24 Vdc
Green Program/FSLink™12-24 Vdc
To wire the HighLighter Elite:
1. Determine the required functions and the length of wires needed
to access them. A five-conductor cable can be selected for a full-
featured installation. For lengths up to 15 feet (5 m), use minimum
18AWG (1 mm) wire. For lengths over 15 feet, use minimum 16AWG
(1.5 mm) wire. Before wiring the device, refer to Table 2 for the
function of each wire.
2. Strip 1/4 inch (6 mm) of insulation from the ends of the installer-
supplied wires.
3. Use installer-supplied insulated butt connectors to connect the wires
to the Elite’s power cable. Ensure that the connectors are securely
crimped and properly insulated.

18
Conguring the HighLighter Elite
HighLighter®Elite
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
4. Connect the end of the fuse holder to the positive (+) terminal of the
voltage source.
5. Connect the black (–) wire from the Elite to a known good vehicle
ground as close to the light as practical. The black wire is ground and
must be connected to a suitable chassis ground if it cannot be taken
directly to the negative terminal of the battery.
6. The green wire has two functions: It is the runner wire that
synchronizes FSLink™-Equipped products, and it serves as the
function/pattern programming wire.
7. The red wire powers the device in Mode 1 when connected to a
fused, positive voltage. Mode 1 is set to single/double/quad (pattern
no. 1) by default.
8. The white wire powers the device in Mode 2 when connected to
a fused, positive voltage. If Mode 1 is active, powering Mode 2 will
override Mode 1. Mode 2 is set to steady (pattern no. 10) by default.
9. The brown wire powers the device in Mode 3 when connected to a
fused, positive voltage. If Modes 1 or 2 are active, powering Mode 3
will override Modes 1 and 2. Mode 3 is set to cruise (pattern no. 7) by
default.
Conguring the HighLighter Elite
If the Elite’s operating functions are to be changed from the default,
perform the following steps.
Selecting a Flash Pattern
LIGHT HAZARD: This product contains a high-intensity LED device. To
prevent permanent eye damage, DO NOT stare into the light beam at
close range.
Selecting a flash pattern from the device’s internal library of flash patterns
is optional. It should be done during installation. For available flash
patterns, see Table 3 on page 22.

19
Conguring the HighLighter Elite
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
To select a flash pattern:
1. Select Mode 1 (red wire), Mode 2 (white wire), or Mode 3 (brown wire).
2. Apply power (+12-24 Vdc) to that wire.
3. To activate FSLink™, tap the green wire to + 12-24 Vdc until the desired
pattern is reached. For magnetically mounted lights, you can click the
momentary switch instead of tapping the green wire.
NOTE: When tapping the green wire to change patterns, do not hold
power for longer than one second, or other features of the device will
change.
Selecting Sync or Alt
When setting up devices to be synchronized, they must never be
operated without a ground connection. If a poor ground connection exists,
the unit will operate erratically and the warranty is voided. Routinely
inspect all connections to ensure that they are secure.
The device can synchronize with other Elites. It will either flash with or
alternate the timing of the flashes with other Elites. Select this feature
separately for Mode 1, Mode 2, or Mode 3.
To synchronize your selected flash pattern:
1. Activate Mode 1, 2, or 3.
2. Connect and hold the green wire to the positive voltage source until
the light pulses twice, and then release it. The light switches from its
initial setting to its opposite. “Flash with” becomes “Alternate,” or vice
versa.
3. To synchronize, after setup, connect the green wires together.
For this feature to operate, permanently connect all green wires after all
lights in the system are configured.

20
Conguring the HighLighter Elite
HighLighter®Elite
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Selecting Single- or Dual-Color (if equipped)
The device can be made to either flash a single color or two colors. This is
done separately for Mode 1, 2, or 3.
To select single- or dual-color:
1. Activate the mode for which this color feature is to be set.
2. Connect and hold the green wire to the power until the light pulses
three times, and then release it.
3. The device cycles between settings: primary Single-Color, secondary
Single-Color, and Dual-Color.
Selecting the Color Order
You can set the order in which a light flashes. The order is selected
separately for Mode 1, Mode 2, or Mode 3.
To select the color order:
1. Activate the Mode for which this color feature is to be set.
2. Hold the green wire to the positive voltage source until the light
pulses four times, and then release the wire. The device switches
color from the initial setting to its opposite. For example, a dual-color,
amber-red light set to flash amber then red will change to flashing red
then amber. A dual color, amber-red light set to the single color red
will become amber.
Selecting Dim Mode
The device can be made to function in Dim Mode. This can be set
separately for Mode 1, Mode 2, or Mode 3.
To activate Dim Mode:
1. Activate the Mode for which this feature is to be set.
2. Hold the green wire to the positive voltage source until the light
pulses six times, and then release the wire. The Mode switches from
its initial setting to its opposite. The normal setting becomes “Dim
Mode” and vice versa. Changing the pattern will reset the Dim Mode
to o.