So Today I tore apart my dash to see if I could find the problem with my 12V power outlets, One outlet worked, the other was dead as was the cig outlet. All fuses were good. So i started with the cig outlet, I unplugged it and checked the plug for power, got about 12.2 or so. Plugged it back in, checked the outlet and got nothing. So i unplugged it again and looked at the back of the plug, well there is a little wire on the back and it was melted. checked the back of the non working power outlet, melted. and the working outlet had a non melted wire. Ok found the prob, called Toyota they want $37 per outlet... so I took another look at what the wire does. Well the power connector connects to a prong that makes a 90 and goes over a bolt (but the hole is big enough it does not touch the bolt) then a wire (the melted one) is connect to that and the other end connects to another prong that goes over the bolt (there is an isolator between the 2 prongs on the bolt that can not be seen in the pic) and the nut screws down making a connection with the bolt, the bolt goes into the outlet and is the power inside the outlet. (see pic, it's really hard to explain.) now as best I can tell you could take out the melted wire, the prong it's connected to, and the isolator; you would then have just the 12v power prong coming in, making a 90, and connecting to the bolt... anyone see a reason that wouldn't work or have any idea at all why Toyota would isolate the 12v prong from the bolt then connect it with a wire? (again it's really hard to explain all that, see the pic and ask any questions you may have)

 

I think that's the fuseable link. Could be wrong.

 

so just a 2nd fuse? I mean it's already fused in the fuse block... and at $37 for a new one why didn't they just install a 2nd replaceable fuse?

 

Check the fuse for those outlets and make sure it is the proper rating (mine is a 15A, it should say on the fuse cover). If it has a higher amp fuse then it will allow too much current through those sockets and melt them.

 

good though, but it's the correct 15 amp

 

I had the same thing happen to me with the outlet in the bed. I was using a 12v air compressor to air up - I now just connect directly to the battery. I'd bet your fuse is still fine?

You melted the trip wire on the back of the outlet, designed with a trip wire to prevent the vehicle from catching on fire if a cigarette lighter gets too hot for too long. I just soldered a new piece of #16 copper wire in place of the trip wire. I know, it is like taking a hamster to the vet. But, I didn't feel like dealing with a Toyota dealer for the part. Cost me a couple of dollars and I just make sure I don't stick a cigarette lighter in the outlet.

Just another alternative. Hope you found this helpful...

Steve.

 

ah good to know, and yeah fuse was still good. Thanks i think i'll just put in a new #16 wire