Installation Tips
I don’t have an official write-up at this time on how to install and wire everything, but it’s really not that hard. Remove the whole console to take out the ashtray and metal backing (this video will show you how to pull everything apart.) You can also just rip/pry the ashtray backing out with pliers and a flathead screwdriver, but you risk scratching the plastic console (as I did). UPDATE: Ifightfire posted some good info/picsin posts 86 and 87 -- there are three metal tabs on the ashtray you can bend to remove it cleanly.
I strongly recommend you test fit everything before doing any wiring or painting. First, check that the cover fits by itself. Then remove the cover and mount the outlets to it, and check that it still fits. Then solder/crimp on any wires and check that it still fits. Finally, you can remove everything, paint the cover, and do the final installation.
BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN REMOVING! YOU NEED TO PUSH THE SNAPS DOWN (TOWARDS THE FLOOR) AND OUTWARDS TO REMOVE THE COVER -- BE GENTLE AND TAKE YOUR TIME!
There is limited space for mounting two 12V/USB outlets. I really had to optimize the design and squeeze everything in place to get them to fit. If you don’t use the exact same 12V/USB outlets as I did, then I can’t guarantee that everything will fit. This is what I used:
Amazon Link - USB/AUX connectors which I wired as inputs to my aftermarket stereo Highly recommended, this outlet is not too deep and requires no soldering or modification.
Amazon Link - 12V Power This is rated for 20A, but I used a 7.5A fuse when I tapped into the factory fuse block with an add-a-fuse. If you actually want this capable of handle 15-20 amps you need to run a dedicated wire from the battery, an aftermarket fuse block, and maybe a relay. Do your research. I used 9 feet of wire to reach from the 12V outlet to the driver side cabin fuse box.
UPDATE: user Ifightfire successfully used this outlet: Amazon Link - 2X USB charger with voltmeter
Check out page 7 for his pictures. He said the fit was tight so he had to solder the wires on instead of using crimps.
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On the 12V power outlet, I had to bend the two leads off to the side to reduce the overall depth to allow it to fit where the ashtray used to be. Also, the little nubs on the outer diameter of the lock ring extended out too far towards the edge and prevented the outlet cover from snapping into place. To fix this, I tightened the lock ring down by hand, marked which nubs to cut off, unscrewed the lockring, then snipped the nubs off with some cutters.
Make sure your wiring connections are somewhat water resistant and be sure to use a fuse on any power outlets you add! If you have a cold drink in the cup holder that is dripping with condensation, then this water will drip right onto the outlets when you close the cup holder!
