Most WJ's that came from the factory without the power outlet have the wiring harness intact, tucked away behind the carpet in the rear quarter panel. The outlet receptacle and cap can be ordered from Jeep and easily installed.

1. If equipped, remove the CD changer housing and CD changer. Open the changer lid and remove the four phillips head screws that run along the top edge of the compartment hinge. Lift compartment housing straight up an inch or so until it stops and then pull straight out to remove. Disconnect the wire harness connector on the left side of the changer unit. Remove the four metal bracket nuts with a 10mm deep socket. The changer unit with its bracket attached can now be removed.

Note: it is possible to access the area where the 12v receptacle is located without removing the metal changer bracket, but the area to work in will be limited since the quarter trim can only be pulled back a short distance. The CD changer unit though must still be removed via its six side screws.

2. Remove the liftgate opening upper trim panel piece. The trim piece is held in place with four spring clips. Grab the edge closest to the front of the vehicle and carefully pull it down enough to release the spring clips, working from one side to the other. Tilt it down from the front and pull it back to disengage the four headliner support tabs. When reinstalling note the plastic alignment tabs and make sure they and the spring clips are properly aligned before pressing them back into place.

D-pillar lower trim screw

D-pillar upper trim

3. Remove the phillips screw on the right side of the lower liftgate opening trim piece. This will allow the quarter panel trim to be pulled out from under the trim piece.

4. Remove the D-pillar upper trim piece by grasping it at the top and pulling outward. It is held in place by two strong spring clips and two alignment pins.

5. Remove the two metal cargo net hooks that are attached with phillips screws.

Power receptacle harness

Rear view of power outlet

6. The quarter trim piece can now be slid out far enough to access the work area for the power receptacle. In fact, at this point if desired the trim piece can be totalled removed by folding the seat down and releasing the snap clips on the front end. Look for the blue and red harness connector that is stored in the corner, possibly hidden under the carpet. This connector may not be present on all WJ vehicles in which case new wiring will have to be run (see info below). If the harness is found, attach the power receptacle socket into the trim panel and attach the wiring connector. The trim panels can now be reinstalled.

Note: Make sure that all of the plastic guide pins and metal spring clips are aligned properly to their slots before pressing the trim pieces back in to place.

7. Confirm that the door opening rubber molding is positioned over the quarter panel trim piece along the entire edge, and also along the top edge of the cargo door opening.