DIY rear console Type-C retrofit wire harness adapter

ThatTechnician5523 | 2026-03-04 19:39 | 47 views

Documenting my findings for posterity. I wanted to modernize my old '18 M3P's rear USB-A ports with modern 27 watt Type-C ports as many YouTubers have shown. Problem was the wire harness adapter was no longer available in the US without waiting weeks for shipment from Chinese eBay sellers. Decided to dive into Tesla's absolutely excellent and free [public](https://service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ElectricalReference/prog-18/connector/x195a/) connector and harness schematic info to look up the exact connectors and pinouts used. Then, I could order the appropriate mating connector parts off Mouser (you can search their site for the below) and crimp my own: * 1x Console-side female plug - Aptiv 12052856 * 4x Corresponding female crimps - Aptiv 12052217-L * 1x Car-side male receptacle - AMP 936121-1 * 4x - Corresponding male crimps - AMP 5-963716-1 * 1x - Basic 24-14 AWG hand crimping tool off Amazon (Reddit does not like me adding links) Worked like a charm! I don't think any other manufacturer gives such comprehensive documentation out for free. Pretty excellent stuff.

Comments (12)

bicball 2026-03-04 21:01

Awesome. I’m assuming you purchased the plastic surround and swapped?

ThatTechnician5523 2026-03-04 21:39

Yup, directly from [parts.tesla.com](http://parts.tesla.com), P/N 1111072-00-E

ScottRoberts79 2026-03-04 22:01

I still have a few adapters that never got sold - hit me up if anyone wants one.

bicball 2026-03-04 22:14

You have kids? I’ve never used those ports, and my dog always gets them dirty, so I put some electrical tape over them 😂

ChrisSlicks 2026-03-04 23:08

Well, it wasn't public until they got pressured by right-to-repair lobbyists but kudos to them to opening it to the general public and keeping it up to date.

ThatTechnician5523 2026-03-04 23:54

Cheaper to update these ports than the ones under the dash, and I can just run a cable to my phone up front.

ThatTechnician5523 2026-03-04 23:58

I've just never seen another mfg give me the direct connector vendor and part numbers. Regardless of the reasons, their docs are very comprehensive.

Suvi2k 2026-03-05 01:57

👏

IsoscelesCircle 2026-03-05 02:15

This is great. Thank you so much for posting the pictures and parts list. Does any know if there is any spot up front to do something similar? I don't need an accessible USB port, but I do have a USB-C wireless charging pad on my steering column and I would love to pick up power from somewhere up front and run the cable through the opening for the steering wheel.

ThatTechnician5523 2026-03-05 03:48

https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/2017-2020-model-3-usb-c-retrofit-ac-vent-hub-and-adapters-oem-wireless-charging-pad.304444/ This might help

IsoscelesCircle 2026-03-05 23:55

That's perfect! Thank you!

archbish99 2026-03-06 03:12

It is also possible to get 12V around the cupholders and fish it forward. I added a 12V outlet under the phones for a fast charger.

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