The TM3 was designed with simplicity in mind, for a world of autonomous driving. Until that time comes, day-to-day driving needs a bit more flexibility, especially when it relates to powering driving accessories, most of which use either 5v USB or 12v Socket.
The center console comes with the following power connectors:
2 x USB ports in front of center console for power and data – used to charge phones, play music and record video from the on-board cameras
1 x 12v Power Socket towards the rear of the center console, under the armrest
2 x USB ports at the very back to provide power for rear passenger phones or tablets.
While this may seem like a lot, it is actually very limited as the two USB ports in front cannot properly accommodate all available functions and are limited in power output for fast charging. The 12v plug under the armrest is inconvenient to access and the armrest does not close properly and without crushing a cable.
The 1st mod made to my car was to replace the factory wired Lightning & USB-C charging system with a 3rd party Wireless Phone Charging Pad. There are many models out there, watch some YouTube reviews to decide which one you like. The pad I chose actually started to “malfunction”, as Tesla decided to change how they passed power thought the front USB’s, and people thought they got defective chargers – see a discussion thread on this HERE. Not to mention that by connecting both wireless charging cables one uses up both ports, and needs to use USB hubs and power splitting cables for Sentry Mode Cameras & Music. Splitters are always reliable and further reduce available power.
The 12v Power Socket under the console is a great place to get power, but its location makes it very impractical due to cable pinching. It would be great to have one or more 12v sockets and additional high amperage USB power, that is not at the mercy of software updates in the front of the console. Thats where this mod comes in.
By making a very small hole inside the console front and rear compartments, a cable can be run and a nice connection can be mode to bring all the power needed to the front.
No console or car disassembly needed at all! Requires drilling just 2 small holes inside the Center Console, almost invisible. Least permanent modification one can make with these results.
Also requires the most basic of soldering skills, to neatly re-attach the 12v power head, but nothing too difficult.
Here is a picture of the completed mod with a power splitter installed:
https://i.imgur.com/2pKMi4X.jpg
See installation pictures for this mod HERE
Prerequisites:
1) Purchase a 12v Power Splitter like THIS ONE (also get a small Philips screwdriver to take the 12v plug apart)
2) Get a 1/4″ drill bit, and a small handheld drill (the smaller the better given the small spaces in the console)
3) Get a small soldering iron like THIS one. (you’ll use it to unsolder and re-solder the main splitter cable)
4) Optional Items: 4.1 – Battery Pack (backup power for USB computer); 4.2 – Additional 12V USB socket (to power the battery)
Step-By-Step:
A) Make a small hole in the back of the console, under and inside where the current 12v socket is. Don’t worry, its hollow inside.
B) Make a small hole in the front of the console towards the back down and to the right
C) Snake a cable between the two holes, to use as a drag string
D) Disassemble the 12v Plug from the Power Splitter
E) Desolder the 2 wires inside (black and red) using the soldering iron
F) Tie the cable to the pull wire from the front of the console and snake it to the back and pull it through
G) Re-Solder the cable to the 12V plug (remember correct polarity), and put the plug back together
H) Feed any excess cable inside the console for a neat clean look
You will now have a clean dual or triple 12v front socket solution in the console, with multiple dedicated USB 2.4A plugs for the phone chargers (Stock or Wireless), and have freed up BOTH of the original USB ports.
