DIY: Run AUX from center box to outside of center console
09-25-15, 08:07 AM
#1
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DIY: Run AUX from center box to outside of center console
I just got my 2007 LS460 after my 2003 LS430 died. The LS430 did not have an AUX port, so I was excited by the prospect of having one in the LS460. Unfortunately, the AUX is buried in the center box.
I use ProClip mounts to hold my iPhone on the passenger side of the center console and, for a short time, ran the AUX cable (and power cable) up through the top of the box and, quite literally, close the center console door on the cables. After only a few days, both cables were looking pretty worn out, so I knew this was not a long-term solution.
After looking around, I failed to find anyone even discussing this issue, so I did a little feeling around and came up with a plan. Simply put, I drilled a hole in the box and ran the wires out of the box and out of the center console under the leather-covered side panel.
After a couple setbacks, including munching a piece of metal just under the box and a few scraped fingers, I was able to run the wires. In the end, the hole was not as clean or round as I would like, but, as you will see, the hole is not visible, so it is not a big deal. If I ever had to do it a gain, I learn enough that it would come out much cleaner.
Specifically, after drilling the hole, starting with a very small bit, and getting bigger until the hole would file the head of the AUX cable, I fed an industrial-sized zip-tie (18" long) through the hole. It took some serious fishing, but I was finally able to get it out under the side panel.
I then tied two fishing lines to the top end of the zip-tie, and pulled them through the hole. I tied the ends of the fishing line to the AUX cable and power cable, wrapped them in electrical tape (which left a little residue, BTW, so another type of tape should probably be used), and pulled the cable through (It was not easy, it required a lot of pushing in addition to pulling on the fishing line).
Once the cables were through, I plugged them in inside the box and pulled through most of the extra. The extra cable on the outside of the box/center console can be tucked under the side panels for a very finished look.
I am posting below some photos I took along the way and the final result.
I hope this helps others who had the same issue I faced.
MotionMan
I use ProClip mounts to hold my iPhone on the passenger side of the center console and, for a short time, ran the AUX cable (and power cable) up through the top of the box and, quite literally, close the center console door on the cables. After only a few days, both cables were looking pretty worn out, so I knew this was not a long-term solution.
After looking around, I failed to find anyone even discussing this issue, so I did a little feeling around and came up with a plan. Simply put, I drilled a hole in the box and ran the wires out of the box and out of the center console under the leather-covered side panel.
After a couple setbacks, including munching a piece of metal just under the box and a few scraped fingers, I was able to run the wires. In the end, the hole was not as clean or round as I would like, but, as you will see, the hole is not visible, so it is not a big deal. If I ever had to do it a gain, I learn enough that it would come out much cleaner.
Specifically, after drilling the hole, starting with a very small bit, and getting bigger until the hole would file the head of the AUX cable, I fed an industrial-sized zip-tie (18" long) through the hole. It took some serious fishing, but I was finally able to get it out under the side panel.
I then tied two fishing lines to the top end of the zip-tie, and pulled them through the hole. I tied the ends of the fishing line to the AUX cable and power cable, wrapped them in electrical tape (which left a little residue, BTW, so another type of tape should probably be used), and pulled the cable through (It was not easy, it required a lot of pushing in addition to pulling on the fishing line).
Once the cables were through, I plugged them in inside the box and pulled through most of the extra. The extra cable on the outside of the box/center console can be tucked under the side panels for a very finished look.
I am posting below some photos I took along the way and the final result.
I hope this helps others who had the same issue I faced.
MotionMan
Last edited by motionman; 09-25-15 at 08:32 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Slav600hL (12-15-21)
The following users liked this post:
Slav600hL (12-15-21)
09-25-15, 08:15 AM
#3
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The hole getting bigger, showing the zip-tie in the box and coming out the center console and the AUX wire running from the box to the outside.
MotionMan
MotionMan
Last edited by motionman; 09-25-15 at 08:37 AM.
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Slav600hL (12-15-21)
09-25-15, 08:19 AM
#4
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Both wires run, the liner replaced, the cables plugged in (I was using a backup battery as a "noise filter", but soon removed it due to some performance issues) and the final result.
(You can see that I scraped the panel just above the AUX port with the power drill - another lesson learned.)
MotionMan
(You can see that I scraped the panel just above the AUX port with the power drill - another lesson learned.)
MotionMan
Last edited by motionman; 09-25-15 at 08:34 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Slav600hL (12-15-21)
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