"Noisy" console Power outlet
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Painesville Twp, OH
"Noisy" console Power outlet
Weird question, can't seem to find an answer by searching...
I use a FM / Bluetooth adapter in my '05, and I notice it gets noisy (distortion, scratchy) with additional electrical draw, mostly when I hit the brakes. I presume it has something to do with brake lights (factory, NOT LED replacements). If I swap to the "cigarette lighter" outlet, no noise, no issue. However, adapter is too big to close the door on the lighter outlet, so I'd rather use it in the console and keep the lighter outlet for a low-profile power outlet to charging phones so I can roll the lid closed when not in use.
Anyone have any thoughts as to what's going on, or suggestions for a "clean" the power source in the console?
thanks!
-mike
I use a FM / Bluetooth adapter in my '05, and I notice it gets noisy (distortion, scratchy) with additional electrical draw, mostly when I hit the brakes. I presume it has something to do with brake lights (factory, NOT LED replacements). If I swap to the "cigarette lighter" outlet, no noise, no issue. However, adapter is too big to close the door on the lighter outlet, so I'd rather use it in the console and keep the lighter outlet for a low-profile power outlet to charging phones so I can roll the lid closed when not in use.
Anyone have any thoughts as to what's going on, or suggestions for a "clean" the power source in the console?
thanks!
-mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,504
Likes: 717
From: Sausalito CA
That's a very good question.
Beyond my scope to answer well.
Yet, I'd comment with these ideas.
1) First, I would disconnect the brake light switch at the pedal to rule out your "mostly when I hit the brakes" comment. Does the problem persist?
2) Second, change out the console adapter, ensuring the Bluetooth plug-in mating surfaces cleanly/securely mate to the console adaptor. Does the problem persist?
3) Out-of-the-box thinking, and perhaps with some electrical fire/ shorting risk, make that console adaptor a dedicated outlet by wiring directly (but with an in-line fuse) to the battery or another circuit. Does the problem persist?
This is where I wish you good luck...wiring diagram, fuse tracing, ohm meters, outside electronic interference, and all.
Again, good question/ good luck.
Beyond my scope to answer well.
Yet, I'd comment with these ideas.
1) First, I would disconnect the brake light switch at the pedal to rule out your "mostly when I hit the brakes" comment. Does the problem persist?
2) Second, change out the console adapter, ensuring the Bluetooth plug-in mating surfaces cleanly/securely mate to the console adaptor. Does the problem persist?
3) Out-of-the-box thinking, and perhaps with some electrical fire/ shorting risk, make that console adaptor a dedicated outlet by wiring directly (but with an in-line fuse) to the battery or another circuit. Does the problem persist?
This is where I wish you good luck...wiring diagram, fuse tracing, ohm meters, outside electronic interference, and all.
Again, good question/ good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,514
Likes: 1,166
From: Northern Wisconsin
I'm not sure of the details, but somehow that power outlet under the armrest is connected to the vehicle system communications. I say this because if I have my phone connected there while driving, I will get a Reduced Power warning, or the car may not even start with a No Fob Detected warning. Disconnecting my phone solves the problem. If you really want to use that outlet bad enough, you should rewire it in a way that isolates it from the car's communication system as Kenny suggested.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Painesville Twp, OH
Wow, that's interesting the phone in that outlet disrupts the fob com!
I have been looking into rewiring, happened upon a way to jumper a fused circuit that powers off with car. Think I'm going to try that when I get a couple minutes, see if that cures the issue.
Thanks for the input!
I have been looking into rewiring, happened upon a way to jumper a fused circuit that powers off with car. Think I'm going to try that when I get a couple minutes, see if that cures the issue.
Thanks for the input!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
Wow, that's interesting the phone in that outlet disrupts the fob com!
I have been looking into rewiring, happened upon a way to jumper a fused circuit that powers off with car. Think I'm going to try that when I get a couple minutes, see if that cures the issue.
Thanks for the input!
I have been looking into rewiring, happened upon a way to jumper a fused circuit that powers off with car. Think I'm going to try that when I get a couple minutes, see if that cures the issue.
Thanks for the input!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,449
Likes: 371
From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 91
Likes: 33
From: Missouri
I can vouch that the center console armrest outlet does some crazy things in mine. if I use the aux port with my Samsung [multiple ones] dongle my audio is very faint, but as soon as I charge my phone while using the aux cord dongle and listen to music at the same time... Audio is fixed.... But I get this whine/whistle from engine rpm change...
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 429
Likes: 71
I'm not sure of the details, but somehow that power outlet under the armrest is connected to the vehicle system communications. I say this because if I have my phone connected there while driving, I will get a Reduced Power warning, or the car may not even start with a No Fob Detected warning. Disconnecting my phone solves the problem. If you really want to use that outlet bad enough, you should rewire it in a way that isolates it from the car's communication system as Kenny suggested.
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