ROBERT BONNER
Full Access Members
My console mounted 110V outlet is super loose causing plugs to back out and fall out from normal vehicle movement/vibration.
I found a solution that is actually pretty easy. The only parts required are (2) small zip ties. The only tools required are a multi-tool and a battery powered drill with a drill bit matching the size of the zip ties. To effect the repair follow these steps: 1) Pull the cup holder module off of the top of the console behind the console door by grasping it with your hands and lifting. No tools required. 2) Reach into the revealed opening and disconnect the 4-pin connector from the outlet by depressing the small tab on the side of the connector. 3) Using your hand depress the (4) plastic spring barbs on the side of the 110V module to allow it to be removed out the rear of the console. 4) Carefully separate the 2 piece module using a thin blade or trim tool. Use a gentle touch, too much force will break the outer part. 5) Carefully drill (2) clearance holes (slightly larger in diameter than your smallest zip ties) in the bottom of the inner plastic wall that is on the side of the socket blades opposite of the LED. Locate the hole so that it allows the zip tie to pass in the formed "crotch" of the contact blade in the outlet and can be used to apply light tension to the blade as shown in the attached pics. 6) Install the zip ties as shown. Find an actual plug that you regularly plug into the outlet. Use that plug to judge and "tune" the increase in resistance applied by the zip ties. Carefully increase the tension with the zip ties, one click at a time, trying the plug after each tightening until you are satisfied with the gripping force. Don't over due it. It's possible to get it so tight that you can't insert a plug. 7) Snip the zip tie tails, reassemble the plug, reinstall the plug, reconnect the electrical connector and reinstall the cup holder module. Problem solved. Finish by muttering a few words of disgust directed at the junior engineers at some unnamed subcontractor that were unable to design a combo 220V/110V outlet assembly that would actually function as intended. Continue muttering similar words of disgust about the Vehicle Engineering people in charge of ensuring that this feature works for signing off on it....Finally bask in the praise of whomever sits in your back seat and uses the outlet for fixing it.
I found a solution that is actually pretty easy. The only parts required are (2) small zip ties. The only tools required are a multi-tool and a battery powered drill with a drill bit matching the size of the zip ties. To effect the repair follow these steps: 1) Pull the cup holder module off of the top of the console behind the console door by grasping it with your hands and lifting. No tools required. 2) Reach into the revealed opening and disconnect the 4-pin connector from the outlet by depressing the small tab on the side of the connector. 3) Using your hand depress the (4) plastic spring barbs on the side of the 110V module to allow it to be removed out the rear of the console. 4) Carefully separate the 2 piece module using a thin blade or trim tool. Use a gentle touch, too much force will break the outer part. 5) Carefully drill (2) clearance holes (slightly larger in diameter than your smallest zip ties) in the bottom of the inner plastic wall that is on the side of the socket blades opposite of the LED. Locate the hole so that it allows the zip tie to pass in the formed "crotch" of the contact blade in the outlet and can be used to apply light tension to the blade as shown in the attached pics. 6) Install the zip ties as shown. Find an actual plug that you regularly plug into the outlet. Use that plug to judge and "tune" the increase in resistance applied by the zip ties. Carefully increase the tension with the zip ties, one click at a time, trying the plug after each tightening until you are satisfied with the gripping force. Don't over due it. It's possible to get it so tight that you can't insert a plug. 7) Snip the zip tie tails, reassemble the plug, reinstall the plug, reconnect the electrical connector and reinstall the cup holder module. Problem solved. Finish by muttering a few words of disgust directed at the junior engineers at some unnamed subcontractor that were unable to design a combo 220V/110V outlet assembly that would actually function as intended. Continue muttering similar words of disgust about the Vehicle Engineering people in charge of ensuring that this feature works for signing off on it....Finally bask in the praise of whomever sits in your back seat and uses the outlet for fixing it.
