12V plug inside console of arm rest ?

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

My '06 has an accessory 12V plug inside of the arm rest. This outlet has always worked flawlessly until this winter when I plugged a little 12V cab heater into it to heat the cab while warming up in the morning. This heater proved to be too much for the system and the outlet is no longer working. I checked all the fuses under the hood and they're all good. I looked into the plug a little deeper and noticed when I lift the arm rest up, there are no wires going from the lower console to the upper arm rest part where the outlet is. My question is, how is this plugs power supplied? Just hoping for some ideas before I tear the console apart.

 

[mwilson]

My '06 has an accessory 12V plug inside of the arm rest. This outlet has always worked flawlessly until this winter when I plugged a little 12V cab heater into it to heat the cab while warming up in the morning. This heater proved to be too much for the system and the outlet is no longer working. I checked all the fuses under the hood and they're all good. I looked into the plug a little deeper and noticed when I lift the arm rest up, there are no wires going from the lower console to the upper arm rest part where the outlet is. My question is, how is this plugs power supplied? Just hoping for some ideas before I tear the console apart.

I can look at mine in the morning and see if I can figure out how the wiring runs if you want.



I did check my '06 manual and there are 3 fuses total in the TIPM for accessory power in the cab.



Fuse # 1 is for the console power. 20 Amp



Fuse # 38 is for the power socket on the right side of the dash. 20 Amp



Fuse # 40 is for the power socket / lighter on the left side of the dash. 20 Amp



Maybe you already know this, but thought I would post it in case that you missed Fuse # 1.



Mike.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Thanks, Mike.

As you described, all fuses are good. What's really strange is the only thing connecting the upper console arm rest where the bad socket is to the lower console would be the two metal hinges the arm rest pivots up and down on. There is another socket in the lower console facing the rear seat for back seat passengers. This one still works. I thought they would have tied the two sockets together and had one common fuse in the box. Which, I guess, still could be a possibility if that heater drew so many amps that it melted the wire between the two consoles!? But then, why didn't it blow the 20 amp fuse? Just throwing out some thoughts.

Mike

 

[mwilson]

Thanks, Mike.



As you described, all fuses are good. What's really strange is the only thing connecting the upper console arm rest where the bad socket is to the lower console would be the two metal hinges the arm rest pivots up and down on. There is another socket in the lower console facing the rear seat for back seat passengers. This one still works. I thought they would have tied the two sockets together and had one common fuse in the box. Which, I guess, still could be a possibility if that heater drew so many amps that it melted the wire between the two consoles!? But then, why didn't it blow the 20 amp fuse? Just throwing out some thoughts.



Mike

You have the console for the full buckets then, I have the 40/20/40 seats with the single outlet in the armrest. However the wiring still has to go through the hinge area.

I wonder if you haven't trashed the socket itself?? Or the connector on the back got warm, warped a bit and lost connection.



You deal with big scary power so ths 12 volt thing should not be a challenge, right???



If you have an ohm meter why not see if there is continuity between the grounds of the two sockets??? That might give a little insight as far as the harness between the two being screwed up?? That should be any point inside the socket on the side.



I believe these sockets are kind of a one time snap install rig, by the time that a guy figures out how to get it out the plastic snaps will be destroyed. Freightliner uses the same style for power in the cabs and sleepers.



If it were me I would order another power socket from Ram and have it in my hand before attempting to remove the existing one so that you have some idea how to release it. Might save tearing the console apart.



I find it hard to believe that any wiring went up in smoke if the fuse is not blown. I'd sooner think that it got warm enough to lose contact at the back of the socket.



Just some rambling, one cup of coffee so far thoughts.



Mike.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Thanks for the info. I won't be able to dig into it till Friday. Got called out last night, powers out, time to go to work!

 

[B.G. Smith]

The 12V power to the socket is in the passenger side hinge. Can't tell if it is molded in or just fitted in a groove, it is on the inside edge of the hinge. As Mike pouinted out, the fuse for the console is #1, 20 amp. bg

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Thanks, when I get home I'll check that hinge out.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

mwilson, I finally got a chance to dig into this. I did find the wire running to the armrest, it is on the passenger side hinge. It's not a normal looking wire tho, it's a flat 1/4" wide strap. I tore the armrest apart and inspected everything. Nothing looks damaged. Checked voltage in the socket again and it works. WTF? Plugged my Tom Tom in, nothing. Checked voltage, nothing. Checked again, it works. Swapped the socket with the one in the lower console and they both fine. The questionable socket looks brand new. Nothing is burnt or melted on it. Confused, but problem solved for now. When I get back to civilization, I'll pick up a new one and change it out.