Power Outlets Wiring
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Power Outlets Wiring
I have a 2010 RX450H that I recently acquired. It has 2 problems that might be related.
1. Both the power outlet in the rear and the power outlet in the front down low in the horrible location in the console do not work. The owners manual says fuse 1 and 3 are exclusively a power outlet and another fuse lists power outlet along with many other devices which I would think is incorrect since power outlets should be on a separate fuse. All 3 fuses are the correct size and all test OK.
2. The USB outlets also in the console barely work. Once or twice I was able to have a USB play for a few second and then cut out as no input device. Obviously another wiring issue.
Any ideas about the steps to look for the problem without just starting to tear everything apart?
Another idea that was suggested was to simply add a fused wire directly from the battery in the rear since the usage is mostly for a good refrigerator/freezer that automatically shuts off if the voltage gets too low. This also adds the function of having the cooler work when you are parked. We use this cooler frequently not only for trips but also for after shopping or eating at a restaurant so that we do not feel we need to rush home to prevent food spoilage.
1. Both the power outlet in the rear and the power outlet in the front down low in the horrible location in the console do not work. The owners manual says fuse 1 and 3 are exclusively a power outlet and another fuse lists power outlet along with many other devices which I would think is incorrect since power outlets should be on a separate fuse. All 3 fuses are the correct size and all test OK.
2. The USB outlets also in the console barely work. Once or twice I was able to have a USB play for a few second and then cut out as no input device. Obviously another wiring issue.
Any ideas about the steps to look for the problem without just starting to tear everything apart?
Another idea that was suggested was to simply add a fused wire directly from the battery in the rear since the usage is mostly for a good refrigerator/freezer that automatically shuts off if the voltage gets too low. This also adds the function of having the cooler work when you are parked. We use this cooler frequently not only for trips but also for after shopping or eating at a restaurant so that we do not feel we need to rush home to prevent food spoilage.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,524
Likes: 1,375
From: Austin, TX
FYI: The power outlets are switched. They turn off once the vehicle is off.
I am not an avid camper and physics/thermodynamics are more of interest to me. When you are dealing with cold/heat are you trying to maintain temperature or actually trying to chill out an item or two. If it is maintaining temperature then a properly sized cooler which has been acclimatized to the intended temperature is the ideal situation.
On the other hand if you want change the temp [chill or heat] then you have to draw energy. My humble suggestion would be to invest in a small inverter-generator. Any solution that ties into your vehicle can leave you stranded.
Another personal observation is that the charged up voltage on our hybrid is about 12.2v . It seems Toyota/Lexus engineers have opted for 'just right' voltage for the machine and not optimized for external draw.
Salim
ps: TIS [subscription based] service can provide you with the circuit diagram.
Direct [but hopefully fused] battery connection has some hazards associated with them. Make your decision after careful review.
I am not an avid camper and physics/thermodynamics are more of interest to me. When you are dealing with cold/heat are you trying to maintain temperature or actually trying to chill out an item or two. If it is maintaining temperature then a properly sized cooler which has been acclimatized to the intended temperature is the ideal situation.
On the other hand if you want change the temp [chill or heat] then you have to draw energy. My humble suggestion would be to invest in a small inverter-generator. Any solution that ties into your vehicle can leave you stranded.
Another personal observation is that the charged up voltage on our hybrid is about 12.2v . It seems Toyota/Lexus engineers have opted for 'just right' voltage for the machine and not optimized for external draw.
Salim
ps: TIS [subscription based] service can provide you with the circuit diagram.
Direct [but hopefully fused] battery connection has some hazards associated with them. Make your decision after careful review.
Last edited by salimshah; Feb 27, 2025 at 08:12 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,136
Likes: 1,706
From: VA
It will be a lot less expensive and nerve wracking to just add the fused wire to the rear 12 volt battery if running the cooler is your main concern. You could install an off-on switch inline and leave it connected to the battery.
Chasing down the issues with the front outlets can get very expensive.
If you decide to pursue it further look for an independent car electrical specialist, do not go to the dealer as they will rob you blind and not fix it. This is not the type of thing dealers want to repair, or are really equipped to repair especially on an older vehicle. It requires an experienced automotive electrical expert. Do some Google searches to try and find one in your area if you do this.
Chasing down the issues with the front outlets can get very expensive.
If you decide to pursue it further look for an independent car electrical specialist, do not go to the dealer as they will rob you blind and not fix it. This is not the type of thing dealers want to repair, or are really equipped to repair especially on an older vehicle. It requires an experienced automotive electrical expert. Do some Google searches to try and find one in your area if you do this.
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