Posting in general for approval per the sticky in How-To.
This is a nice complement to be done while upgrading to a double-DIN stereo in a 97-02. My 97 had the bezel with a missing ash tray before I upgraded the stereo to a double-DIN. The 97-02 Metra kit was OK, but I found myself wanting one more factory switch to control my aftermarket relay / fuse controller (knockoff s-pod).. and I saw that the 03-06 had a completely different style that would give me that space and an additional accessory hole.
In the end, this is super easy to do if you don't mind dropping the money on parts and the newer Metra kit.
Some other things I did while it was all torn apart:
- Replaced all of the HVAC and switch bulbs with LEDs
- Added 2x 20mm ball mounts to the top tray for phone mount and gopro/handheld ham radio.
The finished product — the 4th switch controls the accessory panel to the right. The USB and Aux inputs connect to the stereo, and the 12v outlet uses the original cigarette lighter wiring circuit.
This is a nice complement to be done while upgrading to a double-DIN stereo in a 97-02. My 97 had the bezel with a missing ash tray before I upgraded the stereo to a double-DIN. The 97-02 Metra kit was OK, but I found myself wanting one more factory switch to control my aftermarket relay / fuse controller (knockoff s-pod).. and I saw that the 03-06 had a completely different style that would give me that space and an additional accessory hole.
In the end, this is super easy to do if you don't mind dropping the money on parts and the newer Metra kit.
Some other things I did while it was all torn apart:
- Replaced all of the HVAC and switch bulbs with LEDs
- Added 2x 20mm ball mounts to the top tray for phone mount and gopro/handheld ham radio.
Parts You’ll Need
- 03-06 Metra Double-DIN stereo bezel kit
- Order this kit if you have or are installing a double-DIN head unit.
- With a factory head unit, you can find a used OEM center bezel from a 2003-2006 TJ on EBay.
- If you’re installing an aftermarket single-DIN head unit, you’ll need to find an original 03-06 bezel and this adapter.
- OEM 2003-2006 Lower Dash Switch Panel (I found mine on EBay, look for part numbers 56047028AD / 56047028AC)
- 4th Rocker Switch (I used one of these which required no modifications). You could also modify a switch blank with a normal switch or do some dremel work for fitting the classic aftermarket rockers.
- Accessory for second 12v outlet. I put in a USB+Aux port for my head unit and replaced the factory cigarette lighter outlet with this one.
The Work
I did this conversion after I’d upgraded my stereo — so naturally, I wasted nearly $100 on the 97-02 bezel before discovering that this was an option. There are great instructions floating around on how to install the double-DIN, so I won’t be covering that in great detail here.- Typical dash disassembly: pry up and remove the trim nearest the windshield (with the defrost vent), remove the two Philips screws securing the center dash bezel to the dash, pry the dash bezel off making sure that the two metal clips on the bottom are retained as well.
- Remove the 4 screws securing the 97-02 switch panel and the ashtray, if applicable.
- Remove the rocker switches by prying the tabs top and bottom. They slide out to the back of the panel. I broke one of mine, DeadJeep has replacements for $10.
- Disconnect the original 12v cigarette lighter outlet. I was not able to remove it from the switch panel without destroying the outlet, so I installed a replacement outlet. You can simply cut the factory harness and solder/crimp to a new outlet.
- Modify the new 03-06 switch panel: you’ll need to slightly enlarge the 12v outlet holes to fit aftermarket accessories. I used a dremel on one and a utility knife on the other. My panel already had a hole in the flat space on the right, but you’ll need to cut out for whatever you’re mounting there (if anything).
- Replace or upgrade the bulbs for the existing rockers (if you wish) and install your 4th rocker switch. Install the 12v outlet(s) as desired, note that the rear space is tight, I had to bend the power tabs on mine. I used a combo USB/Aux outlet and a 12v cigarette lighter outlet which I wired into the original cigarette lighter harness. Its worth noting that these outlets came *very* close to not fitting the space behind the panel, which is why you see my two red terminals bent outward.
- Mock-up the new panel against your dash, the driver side screw holes and peg should fit in the original spots. I used a Sharpie to mark where new holes needed to be drilled in the right side of the plastic.
- Drill the two pilot holes for the screws and one larger hole for the center peg.
- Install the new switch panel with the 4 original screws.
- Install the newer style Metra bezel, I found that there were two tabs near the HVAC opening that I had to trim down a bit before it would seat fully.
