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Drilling a hole in the center console

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by wrhatt, Apr 11, 2012.

  1. wrhatt

    wrhatt Junior Member

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    I have the base model 2011 Prius. The audio jack is in the center console. The phone I connect to is near the radio in a holder on the dashboard. So the audio cord has to loop up out of the console box which prevents me from closing the arm rest lid. I’m considering drilling a hole at the bottom of the console box aiming toward the front of the car. I would then route the cable through the hole and be able to close the console arm rest lid. My question is will I hit something if I drill in that direction?
     
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    The only way to be sure is to remove the parts to look. You can never be sure until you look. It isn't hard to remove these parts, just not simple. Ask your dealer. They will often help no charge. It saves them the time and effort fixing what you broke. ;)
     
  3. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    Here is my suggestion: Run the cable from the center console into the bridge (the part with the shift lever), taping the cable into place, and then file a notch in the plastic that lets the cable come out of a hole right next to where the phone is. Or, perhaps find a rubber grommet that's the size of the audio cable, put the cable through the grommet, and seat it into the notch. Once you put the plastic covers back on, the notch will be a small hole, with a professional-looking rubber grommet. See what I mean?

    I've attached a picture showing how to remove the covers over the shifter and the rest of the bridge. (It begins at Step 2; Step 1 is to disconnect the 12V battery, which isn't necessary to simply attach an audio cable). You don't need tools to remove these if your fingernails are strong; both will unfasten by lifting straight up. With these covers removed, you'll see that you can run the audio cable from the console into the area you've opened up, (tape it down of course), and then find an outlet for the cable very close to where your phone will mount. You can also run the phone charging cable along with the audio cable, since you'll probably want that as well.

    Let me know if you have any questions. Send me a PM if you don't get a reply from me.
     

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  4. wrhatt

    wrhatt Junior Member

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    I'm almost due for my 25K check up so I can check with the dealer. Thanks.
     
  5. spiff72

    spiff72 Member

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    I drilled a hole in my console so I could route a USB cable into the cubby (from behind the audio head unit). I put in a Kenwood Ipod interface that I wanted to get the cables through. I put the hole in the front vertical wall of the compartment (not in the bottom).

    I had the entire top off the "bridge", and the cupholder, and ended up pulling the entire center console out because my drill was too big to be able to drill it out from the inside of the cubby. (It really isn't hard - I have pulled those parts off the bridge MANY times while installing audio gear.)

    The images posted earlier do a good job of showing what you need to do.

    I can't recall if there is anything in the way if you DID drill the box from the inside.