Front power outlet out

[Bajaknot]

Hi all,
I was recently trying to power a drill by plugging it into the front power outlet. The outlet worked properly prior to this event but has since been non-functional. I've checked the fuse and it is intact. All other electronics are functional. My guess is I've either committed a blunder by trying to power a device that doesn't match the wattage of the Cruiser or I've blown a connector prior to the power surge getting to the fuse. I went down a rabbit hole on this forum and found a thread where someone took apart their dash and found the issue. Can't find that thread now and it didn't look like something I'd be willing to tackle on my '17 200. The drill was a simple DeWalt handheld so any help would be appreciated.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

When I had my Tacoma, the power outlet had a built in circuit breaker of sorts. Draw too much power and it flips. I believe I simply had to go and press the dash button to turn on the outlet again. Not sure whether the 200 has a button like that. Don't recall one in my LX. Perhaps try disconnecting the battery for 10 mins?

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

A lot of times these 12v outlets have little fusible links built in. Here's a thread from the 80 Series forum with more details:

Cigarette Lighter Not Working?

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Bajaknot]

That was the thread I couldn't find. Thanks for the link! Although pulling apart the dash is likely outside my skill set.
Has anyone else used their outlets for power tools or the like?

 

[Markuson]

That was the thread I couldn't find. Thanks for the link! Although pulling apart the dash is likely outside my skill set.
Has anyone else used their outlets for power tools or the like?

When you look behind the various outlets, you realize why they are output-limited. Very small gauge wires and small inverter.
It’s not difficult to add a wired inverter though.
Doesn’t have to be huge...

For me, the better alternative (even though I have a monster inverter in my LC that can run a normal microwave oven) going with cordless power tools. There is plenty of power to keep Milwaukee, Dewalt or other power tool *batteries* charged and ready.

 

[Bajaknot]

I hear you with cordless power tools. My wife would always forget to place the battery on the charger and when I would go to use it it would be dead. That would usually delay the project for another week as I was onto something else. Hence the corded drill.

I'll keep exploring options. Thanks for the responses.

 

[Markuson]

I hear you with cordless power tools. My wife would always forget to place the battery on the charger and when I would go to use it it would be dead. That would usually delay the project for another week as I was onto something else. Hence the corded drill.

I'll keep exploring options. Thanks for the responses.

One solution:
Plug in (and keep plugged in inside the truck) a battery charger using the stock 110 outlet in the cargo area. This will only charge while truck is on, but with modern lithium batteries/tool chargers, this is more than sufficient to keep a batteries topped off. Keepi g the battery off the tool also avoids accidental tool-on.

Works a charm.