Replacing 12vdc Power socket in console - Help!!!

[Scott Townsend]

My 12vdc power socket in the console is dead. The Dealer verified that the
issue is with the socket itself and wants to charge $120 to replace it. I
figure it cant be that hard, though I don't know how to take apart the
console to get to the back of the socket.

Any Tips on taking apart the console to get to the Socket?

Any Recommendation on where to get a replacement Socket?

Thanks!
Scott<-

 

[Scott Townsend]

oops, Its an 2003 Outback

Thanks

 

[JohnO]

oops, Its an 2003 Outback

Thanks

I don't know where to get a socket, but it's a trivial task to replace
it if you have a couple screwdrivers and basic skills.

Two screw under the armrest latch

Remove the rear console piece (hand brake)

Remove the front console piece (shifter)

Remove the ashtray

Remove two screws from under the top-front edge of the ashtray
hole--need a stubby or offset phillips for this.

Remove the bezel that holds the lighter socket.

Some wigglin on the socket and it'll come out of the bezel. Might be
nice to have a voltmeter here, just to check the power on the wires.

-John O

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I don't know where to get a socket, but it's a trivial task to replace
it if you have a couple screwdrivers and basic skills.

Two screw under the armrest latch

Remove the rear console piece (hand brake)

Remove the front console piece (shifter)

Remove the ashtray

Remove two screws from under the top-front edge of the ashtray
hole--need a stubby or offset phillips for this.

Remove the bezel that holds the lighter socket.

Some wigglin on the socket and it'll come out of the bezel. Might be
nice to have a voltmeter here, just to check the power on the wires.

-John O

I dunno about your car, but some folks have found a fuse buried under
there. Don't buy a replacement socket until you have a look around.

Carl

 

[Scott Townsend]

Thanks!! Too bad I didn't check for replies before Lunch.. (-; hehehe I'll
see how it goes tonight or for Tomorrow's Lunch...

 

[Scott Townsend]

I've checked the Fuses. The Rear Socket works fine. Nothing else seems to be
out. When I took it in for Service they said it was the Socket. They would
have to Order it @ $35 and then would charge $90 to install or something
outrageous.

Thanks!

 

[JohnO]

I dunno about your car, but some folks have found a fuse buried under
there. Don't buy a replacement socket until you have a look around.

There isn't one in mine, but that's why I was thinking about a meter.
How, exactly, would a socket go bad?

FWIW, there are connectors that slide onto the socket itself, and then
there's *another* connector a few inches back towards the harness.
Lot's of potential disconnects.

-John O

 

[Scott Townsend]

Not sure how. I hooked up a DC/AC Inverter and ran a 200w Halogen Light off
it. The Inverter was rated at 400w with an 800w peak, but it died after
being on for a few minutes. I'm guessing there was some wire that melted off
the Connector.

 

[Scott Townsend]

Well on the Socket there is a Jumper Fuse/Wire that connects the Lead
terminal to the center pin of the socket. It looks like they connected, but
I think there is a little insulator washer between the two from the center
nut/bolt. Then there is a wire/fuse that connects the 2 together. Putting
the meter across those its not connected. So the Center terminal to the
center of the socket is not connected.

Thinking of just jumpering the fuse... What a stupid place. I guess it to
prevent the overload the wiring harness and frying the entire thing...

Local Auto place didn't have an 'easy' replacement part.

I can take Pictures if there is any interest...

Scott<-

 

[mulder]

Well on the Socket there is a Jumper Fuse/Wire that connects the Lead
terminal to the center pin of the socket. It looks like they connected, but
I think there is a little insulator washer between the two from the center
nut/bolt. Then there is a wire/fuse that connects the 2 together. Putting
the meter across those its not connected. So the Center terminal to the
center of the socket is not connected.

Thinking of just jumpering the fuse... What a stupid place. I guess it to
prevent the overload the wiring harness and frying the entire thing...

Local Auto place didn't have an 'easy' replacement part.

I can take Pictures if there is any interest...

It's not a stupid place for it, that is a thermal fuse to prevent the
socket from overheating. From your descripiton of what you were
running off it it makes sense that this fuse blew. I'd suggest not
connecting those items again once the socket is replaced, they should
be run from a direct battery connections.

 

[Scott Townsend]

Yeah. It was in a Pinch... Was out in the Back 40 and needed some light...

Know where I can get a replacement?

Thanks,

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Yeah. It was in a Pinch... Was out in the Back 40 and needed some light...

Know where I can get a replacement?

Thanks,

If you can find a diagram or someone who's done this before or , maybe,
just use the value fuse in the fuse box for that system, you can
probably butt-splice in a fuse holdet and solder this back up. Hard to
say nort seeing the unit. If a replacement is expensive, maybe a junkrad
is an option.

email jamie thru www.subarugenuineparts.com or other on-line OEM
retailer for a price. usually cheaper than the dealer or you can make
your dealer match the price. Since everything is apart anyway, you might
also be able to upgrade the wiring and socket for the load you want to
place there - but please do fuse it properly.

Carl


Carl

 

[mulder]

Unless you feel like digging through electronics catalogs you probably
won't find an exact replacement thermal fuse. I don't know what the
current/temp value is and it's not documented in the manual. Subaru
won't sell you the fuse as a separate part, just the entire socket
assembly.

 

[Scott Townsend]

Local Dealer says its $35 for the Part.

I guess with Shipping and all that's not too bad. The $90 to install it is
over the top though...

Let me know if you want a Picture, I could email a few to you...

Thanks,
Scott<-

 

[Ed P]

There isn't one in mine, but that's why I was thinking about a meter.
How, exactly, would a socket go bad?


-John O

For what it's worth, the dash power outlet on my '96 Outback tests live
with a test light or volt meter but doesn't work with my portable air
compressor, for example. I suspect that contacts in the sockets get
distorted or burned from overheating with the cigarette lighter and just
don't make good contact anymore.

Ed P

 

[Scott Townsend]

Mine does not test good with the Meter.

The thermal fuse makes a disconnect between the+12VDC lead and the center
Pin.

The the fuse is nothing more then a wire with some bulge and some shrinkwrap
on it. Its Crimped to the thing and is not replaceable (not without a lot
of effort)

Scott<-

 

[nobody >]

oops, Its an 2003 Outback

Thanks

Complete kit is $25 at http://www.subaruparts.com/catalog/?section=340
It's toward the bottom of the page.