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- 2014 & 2019 CX-5 Touring(s)
As per other threads on this, it's always seemed weird to me that the center console 12V accessory socket is 'always on' when the front one switches on and off with the ignition. This mod is a simple way to convert the socket to switched operation via a fuse tap and wire in the underhood fuse block.
WARNING! PLEASE NOTE:
OK, you've decided to continue? First, what you'll need:
Basically, what we'll be doing here is vampiring off the accessory-switched radio circuit to supply the center console socket, instead of it using its default always-on supply.
Start with the old/spare mini-ATM fuse (amp rating doesn't matter). If the fuse is not already blown, drill a hole through the fusable link in the middle to make sure the two legs are disconnected (THIS IS IMPORTANT!). I drilled up vertically from the bottom, but through the side is fine too. Verify the legs are disconnected from each other. Then use a Dremel or a sharp knife to grind/cut the plastic off the top both sides of one of the legs, so you can solder the wire to it. You should have something looking like this:
Take your piece of wire (make sure it's heavy enough gauge to carry the 12V socket current, ~14-16 AWG) and solder the end to the bared top of the fuse leg:
Unfortunately, the wire from the fuse tap is not long enough to reach the socket fuse, which is why we need the extra piece of wire. Here's the fuse block with arrows showing where we're placing all this stuff. Take your fuse tap and soldered fuse+wire and measure and cut it to length, so when you solder the wire together it will reach without too much slack (see the 'finished' photos in Post #2, to see where we're going with this). Remember: measure twice, cut once!
OK, now cut off the ends of the fuse tap wire and your spare wire and solder them together. Don't forget to slide on piece(s) of shrink-wrap first! If you don't have shrink wrap, you could insulate with tape, but not recommended.
Final construction, shrink wrapped and the replacement mini-ATM fuses inserted. Note the positioning and ratings of the fuses:
WARNING! PLEASE NOTE:
- I take no responsibility for this mod being wrong, poorly described or for any reason damaging you or your car.
- You could seriously damage your car's wiring if this goes wrong. Do not attempt unless you are sure you can handle it!
- This description and these photos are for a 2014 CX-5 Touring without Tech or Bose packages. Your car may differ.
OK, you've decided to continue? First, what you'll need:
- Mini ATM Fuse tap (such as Bussmann 'BP/HHH ATM Add-A-Fuse'). Available at parts stores, Amazon, etc.
- 15A and 7.5A mini-ATM fuses (ditto)
- Spare mini-ATM fuse (may be old, burnt out)
- Length of automotive wire, ~6-8 inches long
- Soldering supplies, shrink wrap
Basically, what we'll be doing here is vampiring off the accessory-switched radio circuit to supply the center console socket, instead of it using its default always-on supply.
Start with the old/spare mini-ATM fuse (amp rating doesn't matter). If the fuse is not already blown, drill a hole through the fusable link in the middle to make sure the two legs are disconnected (THIS IS IMPORTANT!). I drilled up vertically from the bottom, but through the side is fine too. Verify the legs are disconnected from each other. Then use a Dremel or a sharp knife to grind/cut the plastic off the top both sides of one of the legs, so you can solder the wire to it. You should have something looking like this:
Take your piece of wire (make sure it's heavy enough gauge to carry the 12V socket current, ~14-16 AWG) and solder the end to the bared top of the fuse leg:
Unfortunately, the wire from the fuse tap is not long enough to reach the socket fuse, which is why we need the extra piece of wire. Here's the fuse block with arrows showing where we're placing all this stuff. Take your fuse tap and soldered fuse+wire and measure and cut it to length, so when you solder the wire together it will reach without too much slack (see the 'finished' photos in Post #2, to see where we're going with this). Remember: measure twice, cut once!
OK, now cut off the ends of the fuse tap wire and your spare wire and solder them together. Don't forget to slide on piece(s) of shrink-wrap first! If you don't have shrink wrap, you could insulate with tape, but not recommended.
Final construction, shrink wrapped and the replacement mini-ATM fuses inserted. Note the positioning and ratings of the fuses:
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