Headache!! Civilian center console install on PIU

[nolaDre]

I have a 2017 PIU. I ordered and received a 2017 Explorer base model center console. I thought it would be an easy swap. I noticed that my PIU doesn't have matching wiring. It does have the most important wiring to me and that is to power the usb port.
The first major issue became apparent when I couldn't get the console to slide into place. I was doing this with the top bezel of the console removed (cupholders). I went with an easy solution and clipped off some plastic that was in my way. I could now slide the console to where it needs to be situated and clip in the trim that goes along the footwell.
I tried sliding the top bezel with cupholders into place when I realized that the metal bracket under the radio is in the way.
I have pictures below to try to explain what I encountered. (Sorry about the glare, I have a rear camera lens protector which is blocking some of the flash)

Is this a well known issue that I'm not aware of? I had naive expectations that I could just pop it into place.

 

[mrdot]

you need to remove the metal bar? yes.

 

[nolaDre]

you need to remove the metal bar? yes.

Are there bolts that I don't see? Or do I cut it out?

 

[mrdot]

2x bolts, throw bar and bolts away.

 

[nolaDre]

2x bolts, throw bar and bolts away.

Umm. I don't think I have the same part you did. Not as simple as 2 bolts to remove.

 

[nolaDre]

Well, I'll be damned!! I kept feeling around and thought I felt welding to the rest of the structure but I found the bolts!!

 

[nolaDre]

ADDITIONALLY: Do you know if they make extensions for the power port harness? I have 2 up front but they are short. I would like have one for the back of the console. Or is it just easier to create new wiring for that?

 

[MAS Tequila]

18 gauge wire, solder, and heat shrink tubing.

 

[nolaDre]

18 gauge wire, solder, and heat shrink tubing.

Done!

2x bolts, throw bar and bolts away.

Thanks for your input & help!

By any chance, do either of you know if it's possible to extend the power point timeout to greater than 4500 seconds? I fooled with FORScan tonight and kept getting the error "Vehicle conditions are incorrect".

 

[mrdot]

75mins power on after car shut down, why? Use the police center console connections, find the upfitters guide per year for pin outs. That might work.

 

[nolaDre]

75mins power on after car shut down, why? Use the police center console connections, find the upfitters guide per year for pin outs. That might work.

Thank you. I already installed the civilian center console with the front and back power points working properly. I want the power point to stay on longer than 75 minutes after the ignition shuts off. I found how to do it in Forscan but for some reason it doesn't save.

 

[TwoEcho27]

Thank you. I already installed the civilian center console with the front and back power points working properly. I want the power point to stay on longer than 75 minutes after the ignition shuts off. I found how to do it in Forscan but for some reason it doesn't save.

Some items need to be enabled in more than one spot. Have you looked in the BCM?

 

[peterk9]

I don't think it matters how long the time is set for as I believe the Battery Management System will shut down all power when the battery voltage falls below a specified level.

Peter

 

[TwoEcho27]

I don't think it matters how long the time is set for as I believe the Battery Management System will shut down all power when the battery voltage falls below a specified level.

Peter

Forgot about that. This is true.

 

[Dennis J.A.A.]

you need to remove the metal bar? yes.

What is that bracket (metal bar) for?

 

[SanSebek]

Hello everyone,
I'm going to do the same, if you could see the photos and describe how to properly install the civilian front console to my PIU 2015.

The photos show the RCM module and a black plastic bracket with wires, and in the back I have a metal handle that is welded to the seat structure, is it to be left or need to be removed?

..I found 5 plugs from the radio / air conditioning console

I bought such a console from 2013 Explorer

..I have such plugs inside the console..

..I removed the metal bezel at the front that nolaDre fought at first. There are two screws bolted from the inside

All advice, suggestions and hints are welcome.

 

[SanSebek]

Will I need 2 brackets to mount a civilian console:
1. Console bracket
2. Console bracket
How to mount these barcets to the floor ?

 

[Dennis J.A.A.]

Hello everyone,
I'm going to do the same, if you could see the photos and describe how to properly install the civilian front console to my PIU 2015.

The photos show the RCM module and a black plastic bracket with wires, and in the back I have a metal handle that is welded to the seat structure, is it to be left or need to be removed?

View attachment 428437
View attachment 428450


..I found 5 plugs from the radio / air conditioning console
View attachment 428438View attachment 428439

I bought such a console from 2013 Explorer
View attachment 428440View attachment 428441
View attachment 428442View attachment 428443

..I have such plugs inside the console..
View attachment 428445View attachment 428446View attachment 428447



..I removed the metal bezel at the front that nolaDre fought at first. There are two screws bolted from the inside
View attachment 428454View attachment 428449

All advice, suggestions and hints are welcome.

One picture you are holding two small connectors.

Hello everyone,
I'm going to do the same, if you could see the photos and describe how to properly install the civilian front console to my PIU 2015.

The photos show the RCM module and a black plastic bracket with wires, and in the back I have a metal handle that is welded to the seat structure, is it to be left or need to be removed?

View attachment 428437
View attachment 428450


..I found 5 plugs from the radio / air conditioning console
View attachment 428438View attachment 428439

I bought such a console from 2013 Explorer
View attachment 428440View attachment 428441
View attachment 428442View attachment 428443

..I have such plugs inside the console..
View attachment 428445View attachment 428446View attachment 428447



..I removed the metal bezel at the front that nolaDre fought at first. There are two screws bolted from the inside
View attachment 428454View attachment 428449

All advice, suggestions and hints are welcome.

Those are for the cigarette lighter also known as the power outlet.

Yes, two are there for some reason.

 

[SanSebek]

Thx Denis for reply

I was able to mount the console.
(It is a pity that guy nolaDre, who had a headache did not speak up and did not help (as befits the forum; (

I know how to connect the cigarette lighter socket next to the aux socket, but there are two more. Second in the armrest and third in the rear A / C panel.
I know they are connected with a wire inside the console.

Question: what kind of connector should I have coming out of the car to connect the rest of the cigarette lighter sockets?

 

[Dennis J.A.A.]

Thx Denis for reply

I was able to mount the console.
(It is a pity that guy nolaDre, who had a headache did not speak up and did not help (as befits the forum; (

I know how to connect the cigarette lighter socket next to the aux socket, but there are two more. Second in the armrest and third in the rear A / C panel.
I know they are connected with a wire inside the console.

Question: what kind of connector should I have coming out of the car to connect the rest of the cigarette lighter sockets?

As far as I know all the Ford cigar lighters these days have that same plug BUT if you have the old fashion lighter then there is a nut that is on a bolt end that comes out of the bottom of the lighter which is positive and the jacket of the lighter screws on to a metal/grounded plate.
Like I said though since everything is going plastic that is why Ford has the newer connector.
Wow! I really hope that was clear.