To replace a 2012 Jeep Wrangler radio, you’ll need to remove the front dashboard trim panel to uninstall the OEM stereo and replace it with a new aftermarket version.

There’s a lot to praise about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler: rugged good looks, beastly off-road abilities, and a powerful V6 engine that makes driving a dream. But then, well…there’s the rest. Audio greatness is not where Jeep shines, which is why so many Wrangler owners choose to swap out the factory-installed stereo for an aftermarket upgrade.

Luckily, with help from

Jerry

, you can make the change quickly and easily—without causing your

car insurance

rate to skyrocket! As a

licensed insurance broker

and an expert on all things Jeep, Jerry’s got the tips and recommendations you need to upgrade your radio and save on

Jeep Wrangler insurance costs

at the same time.

How to change the radio on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler

Changing the radio on a 2012 Jeep Wrangler is a fairly straightforward process. To remove the factory radio, you’ll need to remove the dashboard trim that surrounds the radio and unscrew the four bolts that hold it in place. Once that’s done, you can install an aftermarket stereo of your choosing (we’ve got some picks below!).

Ready for a more detailed breakdown? Grab a screwdriver and a socket wrench, and let’s get started.

1. Remove the vents

The panel you need to remove houses three A/C vents along with the radio. The ones you’re going to remove are located to the left of the steering wheel and directly below the radio.

To remove the vents, angle the louvers and spin them until you see a small square hole in the rim of the vent housing. Insert your screwdriver and press down gently to pry down on the locking mechanism. As you do so, turn the vent counterclockwise. This will release the lock so that you can slide the vents out.

2. Remove the power window switch

In the center of the dash is the power window switch, which needs to come out so that you can access the bolts securing the dash panel.

To remove it, reach through the holes left by the two central vents and pop the release switches on either side of the switch assembly. You should be able to pull the switch out and use the red locking mechanism on the side to disconnect the wiring.

3. Unscrew the first two 7mm bolts

Now it’s time to remove the first two bolts. One is located directly under the power window switch you just removed.

The other 7mm bolt you’re looking for is underneath the rubber liner in the storage tray on top of the dashboard. Just pop that liner out, remove the bolt, and put it in a safe place (you’ll need it to install your aftermarket radio!).

4. Remove the 7mm bolts by the steering wheel

So far, we’ve been focused on the center dash, but to get the trim panel off you’ll actually need to remove two more 7mm bolts on either side of the steering column.

To get at the bolts, remove the panel around the base of the steering wheel. No screws or latches this time; this panel unsnaps from the top and swings out by hinges at the bottom. Once it’s off, you can locate and remove the two 7mm bolts to the left and right of the steering wheel.

5. Remove the trim panel

It’s the moment you’ve been working towards—it’s time to pop that trim panel off and get at your radio! Lowering the steering column helps with this step, but it should come off neatly with a little gentle wiggling.

6. Uninstall the radio

The last step is removing the radio itself. It’s secured by four more 7mm bolts, and you’ll also need to disconnect the cables at the back.

And you’re set! To install your new radio, you should be able to reverse those steps and enjoy your new audio upgrade! However, some aftermarket sound systems will require some modification to your vehicle before they can be installed. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to bring the Jeep to a professional for a smooth installation.

MORE:

How to find your Jeep radio code

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The best aftermarket car stereo head units for a 2012 Jeep Wrangler

Not sure where to begin looking for a replacement stereo? You won’t find an OEM option in Jeep’s Mopar store—and if you want additional upgrades, like an amp or a GPS antenna adapter, you’ll need to go aftermarket.

Whether you want an unfussy audio upgrade with an FM radio and not much else or an amped-up multimedia system bristling with USB ports, Bluetooth features, and subwoofers, we’ve got you covered with top-rated recommendations.

Best all-around stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Stinger RB10JK11B Jeep Package

If you’re looking for a thoroughly great multimedia upgrade,

this Stinger package

has everything you’re looking for. The jewel of the package is a Stinger HEIGH10 multimedia display with a 10” touchscreen that melds beautifully with the Wrangler’s austere dashboard thanks to a killer install kit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are included, and it includes a GPS antenna that sets you up for a navigation upgrade.

If a built-in navigation system is a priority, you’ll likely need to do some modifications for your perfect radio upgrade. That’s because most systems with built-in GPS navigation are designed for a double-DIN (4”) dash opening. The 2012 Wrangler has a single-DIN (2”) opening, so you’ll need to make some adjustments before you can install something like the

Kenwood Excelon DNX697S

Best budget radio replacement: Boss 550B

So far we’ve looked at some seriously pricey stereos—but you don’t have to put aside half your pay check just to get a decent car stereo! Take the

Boss 550B

as proof: this sleek, powerful little stereo can play CDs and connect to your devices via Bluetooth, aux cord, or USB.

In other words, it does everything you need for under $100. (And when you’re ready for more, you’ll have two preamp outputs for that juiced-up amplifier or subwoofer.)

Best stereo with a backup camera: Boss BE7ACP-CFT Package

Upgrade your car audio system and your safety with a

Boss BE7ACP-CFT stereo package

that includes a 7-inch digital multimedia touchscreen radio and a backup camera. For driving trying to navigate treacherous terrain, this is a super-practical addition to your Jeep’s tech.

MORE: The 12 best Jeep accessories

How to save on Jeep Wrangler insurance costs

One downside of replacing your 2012 Jeep Wrangler radio is the effect it could have on your insurance rates.

Premiums for the 2012 Wrangler can be high to begin with. On average, vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram are more costly to insure than a Toyota or Honda—and if you’ve got a more expensive model, like the

Jeep Wrangler JKU Rubicon

, insurance costs can seriously add up.

But when you upgrade your sound system, you could cause your costs to shoot up even further. That’s because an aftermarket sound system is a theft risk—and what’s more, it probably isn’t covered by your regular insurance. You’ll need to consider adding

sound system coverage

to your policy, and you’ll definitely want to shop for rates to make sure you’re getting the best price.

Luckily,

Jerry

can get that job done in under a minute, with customized real-time quotes pulled from a pool of over 55 of the country’s top insurance providers. See for yourself what Jerry could save you by downloading the app today!

“I thought my previous insurance rate was fair given the model of car I drive, but after
Jerry
gave me quotes, I realized I could pay only $84 a month for the same coverage through Plymouth Rock. I plan to shop for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Jill I.

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