Fixing USB port that has fallen under console
Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2013 1:59 am
I recently had the misfortune of having my USB connector fall out from the mount. It fell into the area under the center console storage box. It appears that if you put too much pressure on the USB port (which is not much), it can fall out backwards.
I know this has happened to a few other people so I took photos for a write-up.
I consulted the Service Manual in which panels I would have to remove to get to it, but decided that it was not helpful so I went about it in another way.
Instead of trying to remove the center console storage box, I merely wanted to have access under it to reach and push the USB connector back through the hole.
I did it via the shifter. Here is how:
Note: This write-up is for a manual transmission, but the process may be similar to automatics depending on how the shifter can be removed.
1) Unscrew the shift knob. It comes off with strong twists counterclockwise.
2) Once the knob is off, locate the retaining clip. Remove it carefully with a flat head screw driver.
3) Carefully remove the spring retainer and the spring.
4) With gentle and even pressure, pull the shifter boot from the bottom. The boot and the surrounding base are clipped in. It should come off without too much pulling.
5) Pull off the plastic trim around the shifter area. I pulled from the bottom first and it came off with no damage.
6) You now have the access you need to reach the USB connector and cable. Reach in there and push the USB connector via the hole. Push down on the clip on the right side to make sure the connector housing goes through the hole. Gently push the USB's circuit board in so it is seated properly in the connector (photos show it protruding).
7) Place the USB connector housing (part with the USB logo on it) onto the connector. Once they are clipped together, seat the housing properly. Make sure everything is clipped correctly by gently pushing and tugging on and around the USB connector.
Note: If the housing was damaged, fix or replace it. My housing's clip was slightly damaged from when the USB connector slipped out so I fixed/reinforced the clip with super glue.
8) Test the USB connector. Hook up your USB thumb drive or USB-connected MP3 player and test the stereo. Once you verified that it plays, re-install in reverse order.
I know this has happened to a few other people so I took photos for a write-up.
I consulted the Service Manual in which panels I would have to remove to get to it, but decided that it was not helpful so I went about it in another way.
Instead of trying to remove the center console storage box, I merely wanted to have access under it to reach and push the USB connector back through the hole.
I did it via the shifter. Here is how:
Note: This write-up is for a manual transmission, but the process may be similar to automatics depending on how the shifter can be removed.
1) Unscrew the shift knob. It comes off with strong twists counterclockwise.
2) Once the knob is off, locate the retaining clip. Remove it carefully with a flat head screw driver.
3) Carefully remove the spring retainer and the spring.
4) With gentle and even pressure, pull the shifter boot from the bottom. The boot and the surrounding base are clipped in. It should come off without too much pulling.
5) Pull off the plastic trim around the shifter area. I pulled from the bottom first and it came off with no damage.
6) You now have the access you need to reach the USB connector and cable. Reach in there and push the USB connector via the hole. Push down on the clip on the right side to make sure the connector housing goes through the hole. Gently push the USB's circuit board in so it is seated properly in the connector (photos show it protruding).
7) Place the USB connector housing (part with the USB logo on it) onto the connector. Once they are clipped together, seat the housing properly. Make sure everything is clipped correctly by gently pushing and tugging on and around the USB connector.
Note: If the housing was damaged, fix or replace it. My housing's clip was slightly damaged from when the USB connector slipped out so I fixed/reinforced the clip with super glue.
8) Test the USB connector. Hook up your USB thumb drive or USB-connected MP3 player and test the stereo. Once you verified that it plays, re-install in reverse order.