Hello, I discovered both my 12v power outlets do not work. I changed the 15 amp fuses for both but the center console outlet still doesn’t work. I would like to remove the socket and replace it.

Does anyone know how to remove the 12v outlet from the center console?

 

Follow first few steps from here to get the shifter panel off:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...x-attempt.html

That will give you access to the 12v panel. I believe is just pushes out.


For the rear one, you can follow this post. You can see the terminals for the socket visible in the first picture.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...l#post11458827

I would actually do the rear first, since it just pulls off, and check voltage at the wires there. If you're not getting voltage, then replacing the socket will do nothing.

It's probably obvious, but when checking voltage, check across both wires. If you don't have voltage, then check continuity of negative with body ground. Negative should be the wire connected to the "outside" of the socket. Also check voltage between the wire going to center pin, and body ground.

 

It's pretty straight forward. I'm still figuring out how I want to widen the hole in a uniform way and replace the 12V with a set of USBs.




Also need to find a connection to toss into the harness

 

A step hole cutting bit is perfect for enlarging the hole....

 

You might want to consider something like one of these that has at least one USB 3.0 and includes a PD (USB-C plug):





It shouldn't be too difficult to splice into the original 12 volt feed for the cigarette lighter receptacle to power-up the new integral USB device that will replace the cigarette lighter receptacle.

I'd solder/splice into the original 12 volt feed (and tape and heat shrink the splice). Fusing is optional but not really needed.

 

Yea stepper bit, as @bclexus suggested.

Question: Why that specific set of USB ports? 12W seems pretty low when you could put in a QC option to get 18W, or do a mix of USB A and USB C?


​​​​​​Edit: LOL. Seems I had the same thought at bc

 

I just went with the only one that didn't have a bunch of blue light b.s. honestly lol. I didn't really pay attention to the watts, but I'm pretty sure my current insert that i have in there now is the same rating.

@EAST I think i have a step bit around somewhere, gotta check all the random drawers that I always skip over

@bclexus when you say splice into the original 12v feed, are you talking about tracing that sucker back to the fuse box and grounding point? I was just gonna grab a couple of flat terminal connectors and pop them into the harness. Solder/shield them up, heatshrink and whatnot.

picture is for reference only, i dont know if this is the right size

 

Why not just cut off the existing connector, leaving some length to it, and tape it to the wire. Then just solder to the wires. That way, if you every want to revert back to OEM, you can just remove the aftermarket one and solder back the existing plug, instead of messing it up by sticking random connectors in there.

 

after a trip to the hardware store, I’m leaning in that direction

 

No need to go upstream beyond a few inches up from the original cigarette lighter receptacle connector to splice-in and close-up nicely with tape and heat shrink. You could easily retain the original connector for the cigarette lighter receptable by splicing. But if you enlarge the hole you'll obviously lose the ability to put the cigarette lighter receptacle back in place. The next owner of your car may want a 12 volt cigarette lighter receptacle!

If you want to try using those terminal connectors you'll probably end up with a less-than-solid connection and may damage the connector pins and/or terminals, producing a loose connection. Also, make sure the terminals you use can be soldered and are not made of brass...

 

Except the hole for the OEM cigarette lighter receptacle will be too big!

 

Maybe the next owner of the car will just use the cigarette lighter receptacle in the back seat area...

 

lol, like that one isn't on the chopping block next? I'll get to that one down the road. next owner on the car will probably be one of my kids so they won't be using the 12v either

I think the plan will be just to get some slack and clip off the harness. the wires are pretty small so i'll have to take get some smaller crimp connectors. i don't know how I feel about soldering in the car so i might just crimp the connection onto a simple butt splice and link it to the usb

 

Go buy a cheap soldering iron for $5 and a small roll of solder for electronic components and practice soldering for ten minutes. Get out your extension cord and an old towel or piece of cardboard and use a pair of wire snips and Xacto knife and get started. Carefully cut the outer insulation of the cable to expose the wires inside and then snip and strip the insulation so you can solder the ends... Or, slit the insulation of the wires in the cable and splice each one to a new cable to feed the new USB device. It's easy and fun - and you'll get a nice sense of accomplishment.

If I can self-learn to design and build all sorts of complex exotic electronic equipment, including RF transmitters and massive linear amplifier equipment to transmit radio frequency signals into space to the inosphere on any high frequency from 3 to 30 MHz to communicate with people anywhere on planet Earth using voice or Morse code communication method and win worldwide contests competing against literally tens of thousands of other people from every country and remote island in the World - - you should be able to splice a two conductor cable. You can do it!

 

so, man up and solder the damn thing in? Got it, lol