Replace Front 12v Outlet Problem

I've narrowed down a failure with the front 12v outlet to either the outlet itself, or a much more insidious wiring problem. It is NOT the fuse or the devices plugged in (I've eliminated these as potential causes).

So I need to test and potentially replace the 12v outlet socket.

I've searched and have been unable to find an understandable how-to instruction on getting under the outlet.

Is there an easy way to lift up the console top to access under the cigarette lighter socket, or do I have to disassemble the center console. I have no idea how to do either one of these.

A link to an existing video or detailed instructions would be great, but I'd be very appreciative of ANY help. I rely on this to plug in necessary devices.


2016 Prius Four

 

Thanks, bisco. I'm hoping to save the $30 (or whatever), too many bills to pay. Maybe it's too much to hope that someone could PM me the page (PM shouldn't have any copyright issues).

 

@Elektroingenieur,

Perfect - THANK YOU!

You are the man!

 

UPDATE: Well, I opened console cover and tested wires at connector that feeds the front 12v outlet with car power on. Nothing at the connector.

Any guesses at what the next most likely point of failure might be (15A fuse at driver left knee is good)? Is there any other specific fuse or relay that might be involved?

 

@bisco Yes.
@Progidyplace That's weird, my manual shows the same, but the diagram on the fuse box cover and the original fuse both are 15A
@Lucifer I don't suspect rodents.
I'm not sure what you mean by fuse in non-functional socket in front boot? There are some empty spaces in fuse panel where this 12v outlet fuse is marked that are x'd off the diagram.

The thing is I have some clues that I can't reconconcile. This outlet was working with a dashcam plugged in with Additional USB. Blew the fuse, replaced it worked but almost immediately had an intermittent problem with power that I could toggle power by wiggling/pushing down the dash cam adapter in socket. Then the outlet went out again (current status).

The same dash cam adapter was then plugged into the rear passenger facing 12v outlet. It worked until a phone was plugged into the USB on that dash cam adapter. That was a fuse. Fixed, and rear outlet still working. Needless to say, that was the end of my use of the dash cam (which is still operative).

My electrical background is limited, but the clues seem to point in different directions.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

UPDATE #2:
@Elektroingenieur , Thanks for the great info, but even if I can isolate the problem, it then sounds probably like a bigger wiring problem than I am prepared for.

If, instead, I hardwire my dash cam into the fuse box and pretend my front 12v outlet doesn't exist, all I lose is the USB that would be on top of the dash cam adapter that plugs in to the cig lighter. Not ideal, but a workable compromise.

I have a Rexing V1 (new dash cam, upgrade from the one that had problem) with a hardwire kit and an Add-a-fuse kit to plug into the fuse box. I know to replace the existing fuse value and an additional 5A for the dash cam on the Add-a fuse.

So, my question now is which is the best choice fuse slot to plug into, if I want the camera powered on only when car is powered on, and want to put the least tax on the other components in the system, and that is in the fuse box by drivers knee?