Has anybody tried installing usb charging ports in the blanks beneath the rear AC vents in the center console? Been looking for a way to remove the center console panels so that I could route wiring to the 12v supply.

 

Did you have success with this mod?

 

I haven't had time to mess around in the car. Should be pretty simple once I figure out how to remove the center console. Would just need to tap into the power from the charging ports inside the center console just like how I tapped into the glove box light to do my accent lighting.

 

Do you know what is behind those two plugs? Honda is notorious for using the same wiring harness for all versions - maybe another model takes advantage of those plugs for something else? Maybe a Japan spec version???

 

The Canadian version of the 2016 RDX has heated rear seats. The 2 plugs are for the hi-low switches. I can't tell if the wiring is there in the US version.

 

There's nothing behind those blanks. I've taken that park off before. You can just pull on it and it will come off with some force.

 

Thanks !!!

 

how do you take them out? from the front or the back?

 

You remove the rear section of the console. Sit in the back seat, put your fingernails in the seam around the rear section and pull (you can also use a plastic panel removal tool). With the section off you can remove a couple of screws from the inside (below the vents) and the black panels will pop out.

 

Be sure to use a switched 12V line as the DC-DC converter in the aftermarket charger that you install will use power, even when there is nothing connected to the USB ports.