'03 - 115 VAC power outlet in center console blowing fuses

[mxkj401]

I have been trying to fix the 115 VAC power outlet in the center console. The other week it quit working. I found the 15amp fuse in the box under the hood and replaced it...and bam when I pressed the 115 VAC switch on the dash, it immediately blew the fuse once again. I checked the relay and it was fine. When I check for continuity at the outlet, it shows a dead short. Before I went much further trying to trace the problem, I wanted to see if anyone has had similar issues.

Also I do not have the manual, so I do not have the electrical schematic so that does not help matters. Does anyone have electrical diagrams to help me trace down the problem?

Thanks for any assistance provided.

Powerless in SC

 

[drmorbius]

I have been trying to fix the 115 VAC power outlet in the center console. The other week it quit working. I found the 15amp fuse in the box under the hood and replaced it...and bam when I pressed the 115 VAC switch on the dash, it immediately blew the fuse once again. I checked the relay and it was fine. When I check for continuity at the outlet, it shows a dead short. Before I went much further trying to trace the problem, I wanted to see if anyone has had similar issues.

Also I do not have the manual, so I do not have the electrical schematic so that does not help matters. Does anyone have electrical diagrams to help me trace down the problem?

Thanks for any assistance provided.

Powerless in SC

My first check would be at the inverter. It's located in the drivers side rear quarter panel and is what makes 115volts from 12 volts.

 

[Kmvreter]

Here's the diagram.

 

[mxkj401]

Thanks for the diagram and the feedback on where to start. I will give it a shot this evening. As far as the location of the inverter is concerned...is it inside the vehicle, meaning I have to remove to trim panels or is it located on the underside of the vehicle? Any help is appreciated. I see in the diagram it just notes the inverter is located at the "left kick panel".

Thanks once again.

 

[drmorbius]

Thanks for the diagram and the feedback on where to start. I will give it a shot this evening. As far as the location of the inverter is concerned...is it inside the vehicle, meaning I have to remove to trim panels or is it located on the underside of the vehicle? Any help is appreciated. I see in the diagram it just notes the inverter is located at the "left kick panel".

Thanks once again.

The actual inverter is located behind the drivers side rear quarter panel trim (that large plastic piece) over the rear wheel well. It is usually cheaper to replace the factory part with an after market inverter that puts out 150 watts unless you have better connections at the stealership than most of us. Go to this post for instructions on how to remove the trim. http://www.castulucci.com/projects/carpc/oemnaviecuaccess/index.html This shows how to take the passenger side apart but the procedure is the same for the drivers side. Good luck and please let us know how it turns out. :bigok:

 

[mxkj401]

I am pretty sure it is the inverter. You mentioned an aftermarket inverter. Where can I get one?

Also I busted the little scalloped plastic trim piece. I attached a photo of the piece I broke. Are there any other places except the dealer where I can get one?

 

[drmorbius]

I am pretty sure it is the inverter. You mentioned an aftermarket inverter. Where can I get one?

Also I busted the little scalloped plastic trim piece. I attached a photo of the piece I broke. Are there any other places except the dealer where I can get one?

I got mine at Harbor Freight Tools and it works great for about 40 bucks. The broken piece will have to come from the dealer but I would shop for best price. For instance Carson Toyota online gives good discounts. I hope you took off the other side instead of the one in the picture! Also I would save the pigtail on the original part and solder it on to the power and output leads of the aftermarket inverter. Then everything will work as the original.

 

[mxkj401]

I did take off the other side. This photo was from the instructions to remove the right side, so I just copied that photo because it was easier than snapping a photo of the other side.

What wattage inverter did you purchase? Is the factory one 100 Watts?

 

[drmorbius]

I did take off the other side. This photo was from the instructions to remove the right side, so I just copied that photo because it was easier than snapping a photo of the other side.

What wattage inverter did you purchase? Is the factory one 100 Watts?

That info should be in the manual, but the one I bought is 100 watts constant 200 watts peak.

 

[drmorbius]

I am pretty sure it is the inverter. You mentioned an aftermarket inverter. Where can I get one?

Also I busted the little scalloped plastic trim piece. I attached a photo of the piece I broke. Are there any other places except the dealer where I can get one?

As an afterthought you should see the short at the inverter now. You may just have shorted transistors and could get the original working again if the coils aren't fried. Anyway let us know how it works out and/or your solution. It will help others.

 

[mxkj401]

I do see the short on the low voltage side of the inverter. I have a buddy who I work with who is going to take a look at it and see if it can be fixed. I will keep you posted.

Thanks for all the help. It has sure saved me some time and money.

 

[drmorbius]

I do see the short on the low voltage side of the inverter. I have a buddy who I work with who is going to take a look at it and see if it can be fixed. I will keep you posted.

Thanks for all the help. It has sure saved me some time and money.

Glad to be of assistance!

 

[mxkj401]

It was the inverter. I bought an aftermarket one because the dealer wanted $1400 for a factory unit. I got out for under $50 and of course a little wiring job but it works great.

Thanks for all the help.