12 volt outlet dead-not lighter

[JimBeck]

Anybody replaced one of these? Replaced fuse and outlet still no good. Thanks Jim Beck

 

[gsbrockman]

Did you have the key in the ON or ACC position ? I don't use mine often, but I think they are switched power. Otherwise, I'd check the power at the connector immediately behind the 12V power outlet. If it tests well at the connector, you have a worn / faulty power outlet.



Greg

 

[JimBeck]

Had the key on. Don't know how involved getting plastic surround off around the outlet. Jim

 

[DWordinger]

The lighter outlet is switched with the ignition. The auxiliary power outlet at the bottom of the dash below the ash tray and cup holder is unswitched.



If you look or feel inside the outlet, about 3/8 of an inch in there are two rectangular holes on opposite sides of the outlet. These are for the clips that hold it in place. With a pare of external O-ring pliers, you can press back the retaining tabs and the outlet pulls out easily. You can use a pair of needle nose pliers also. Pull the handles apart so the jaws expand to press the tabs open.



I have a bad outlet I hope to replace this Friday. (Funny how the dealer is open all week to sell a vehicle, but the parts department is only open when I’m normally at work. ) The problem with mine is at the base of the outlet where the power connector plugs in.

 

[JimBeck]

Thanks for the info. See if I can find the part on my way to Baja, Mexico. Got a splitter to use in the lighter spot so wife can use the 12volt blanket I got her for Christmas and use the sat radio, too, just in case can't fix the other. Our thermostats are set different. I fried both fuses using a compresser to air up the tires before getting on pavement after getting the trailer out of the sand last year and new fuse didn't revive the power outlet. At least I did get a better compressor to hook directly to a battery this time. Thanks again. Jim Beck

 

[MMeier]

Not quite sure what is on that circuit, but if evrything else outside the 12v outlet works, I'd have to wonder if the wiring behind the socket may be a bit on the crispy side before the fuse let go. Just my . 02

 

[Posm]

DWordinnger is on the spot. I should have posted before my Sunday lesson in character building. I will add that it is easier to get around in there if you pop out the ash tray. Just use a small pry bar (screwdriver) and gently pry down on the top of the ash tray, and the whole assembly rotates out and down.



OR you could do it the hard way by taking out all of the plastics like I did. This includes the glove box, loosen the right air bag, remove and bungee strap the center radio and HVAC controls to the rear view mirror, remove the left knee bolster, remove the shifter console on a manual, and then you can get to the cover which hold the plug. This cover runs from the right door to the accelerator pedal and is held in place by a dozen or so screws. After you do all this, then follow the directions from the above post. I could not see what was holding the plug until I got to the back of it.



Bryan

 

[Posm]

Don't forget about the third outlet in the center console. That electric blanket will pull some juice and I would rather put it on its own curcuit if possible.



Bryan

 

[JimBeck]

Do you pry down with tray closed?Thanks

 

[JimBeck]

My 04 doesn't seem to have a 3rd outlet.

 

[Posm]

I opened the ash tray and put the screw drive up into the catch part.



My 04 has one in the left front corner of the upper portion of the console. It may have come as part of some package that I ordered.



Bryan

 

[DWordinger]

On my 2003, the power outlet is at the bottom of the dash as I tried to describe it. I don’t have a wiring diagram with me now, but I think the lighter, dash power outlet, and the optional console outlet are all on their own dedicated circuits.



To remove any of them, you don’t have to remove any panels, ashtrays, radios or other large parts. For the lighter, remove the lighter element; the part that gets hot. For the power outlet, just open the cover. Use the snap ring pliers as I described above and pull the receptacle out of its mount. The electrical cord attached to the receptacle will come out with it. If it takes you more than 30 seconds you are working too hard.

 

[Schrowang]

Jim,



I thought I had the same problem on my 04. 5. Turned out it was the plug, not the outlet. It was the power cord to my Nextel and son-of-gun if it didn't work in my wife's Jeep Cherokee, but not in my Ram. Some plugs work and some don't.



Forgive me for asking this, but did you run a multi meter on it to see if you had juice between the center contact and ground?