Hi, guys and gals, I had two choices 6 years ago and I bought the wrong car, so now I just bought a 2004 Sebring convertible, but I could use some help:

1) In 2004, one cigarette lighter in the dash and another in the console was enough, but I'd like to add 1, 2, maybe 4 more! Right next to the one that is there, but can anyone tell me if it is empty back there, or is filled in with things?

They both stay on all the time, and I prefer that, but there is also a use for outlets that turn off with the car, so if it's not too much trouble, one of the new ones will be like that.

Two more questions to come, but I have to look at the car before I ask them. TIA

 

Getting to that 12v outlet in the dash is a chore. You will have to remove the entire center console to get in there and install your outlet(s). Before you start that job you might want to invest in a shop manual to help you through the process. The illustrations should help you decide if there's enough space for what you are contemplating. Depending on how much current you are planning on running through there, you might need a relay to handle the extra loads.

 

Thanks, DC.

I waited to reply until I got the shop manual and the Haynes manual. Taking out the console and the forward console is a possibility -- I've done it before -- but I was thinking maybe I could take out the CD changer and see what is underneath. If I could determine that it was empty in there, I could drill a hole for another cigarette lighter and snake the wires to where they should go.

Is the "escutcheon" around the face of the CD changer removable? Like around the radio and heater? I've tried with no luck to get a grip on the edges, but if it's supposed to come off, I'll try harder.

 

Invest less than $10 in a set of plastic trim tools and gently pry it apart to get it off. The trim tools are worth their weight in gold to remove interior pars without damaging them. Keep in mind that these interior trim parts are designed to snap together easily and quickly in the assembly plants and stay together once assembled.

 

Adding one of these may be easier, cheaper and accomplish the same thing: