Hi all,

I'd like to tap into the 12V socket located under the center console (to charge my phone).
The socket is located so low that it is not easily accessible anyway and I don't use it.

It looks like the panel with the socket can be removed but I'd like to get a feel where to start so I don't break anything.

Thanks

 

I hope you know there are 2 outlets inside the center console with an armrest.
Regarding the visible one mounted stupidly low on the front center console. See these linked threads which show how it all comes apart. They discuss adding a power outlet to a 2010 which even more stupidly did not have this power outlet.
What do you plan to do once you access this power outlet? Move it higher up? Why not just get a longer power cord? Get some interior trim removal tools so you
do not mark up the panels removing them. You can get a set on Amazon or Harbor Freight. They are plastic levers in various shapes.

​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...nt-to-add.html

​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...r-outlets.html

​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...usb-ports.html

 

Hi Clutchless,
thanks for the links- the 1st one does have one picture showing the panel and clips. I "suspected" that it would come out easy but was not sure.
I have a charging cable that I routed from the left side of under dash, through side panel to a phone mount, that is sitting on the left from the instrument cluster. I like the phone there because it is sort of in the shade so the screen is easy to see, I can reach the screen if needed and it is close enough for my older eyes to see it well.
The cable is plugged into a USB adapter that, in turn, is plugged into a 12V socket.
The 12V socket was connected to the fuse #22 under the dash (tail, parking, fog lights).

Last week, the RX displayed a message "Check AWD", together with a yellow triangle with an exclamation sign inside.
A local mechanic retrieved a code for improper voltage to the rear lineal solenoid which is the AWD coupling.
I went to the dealer who claimed there were no current to the solenoid but once they removed the wire for my charging cable, the current came back. Still they were not able to erase the code and replaced the AWD ECU which fixed the problem...for $2600 total.

I am not sure how my wire, attached to parking and fog lights fuse, would conflict with AWD system, but now I decided to connect the USB adapter to the lower socket, either
1. pigtail my existing set-up to the back of the socket,
or
2. get a longer USB-A to micro USB cord, plug that into the USB adapter and plug the adapter into the factory socket and then route the cord under the dash to where I need it.

The 2nd option is fool-proof but would not allow to use the socket for anything else. On the other hand, if the USB adapter goes bad, it would be easy to replace.

 

There are many splitters available that would allow multiple things to be plugged into the existing power outlet. Most have multiple USB outlets. Some have multiple round outlets and a few have both.
​​​​​​

 

Yes, I understand.

I don't like clutter. Since I am not using that lower outlet anyway, I could plug a USB adapter into it and run a wire to the phone mount. It is a not important if I use a wire hidden behind the outlet or have a small portion of the wire exposed if i choose to use a USB adapter directly in the lower socket.

Thanks for you help