The USB port in the center console of my 2012 ML 350 does not have power. Might this be a blown fuse?

 

Are you using it as a charger? I don't think it is designed for that.

The ones inside the storage compartment of the console are on their own fuse, yes. Owners manual should have it listed, if not I can check Starwiring tomorrow for you.

 

I belicighe fuses are under the floor of the rear passenger side. My cig lighter blew a fuse and that is where I replaced it. In the box there is a sheet guide for location.

 

Whats the usb port for then?

 

Connecting to the media system

 

I tried plugging an iPhone cable usb to my iPhone 5se and it did nothing? how can I play sound through my head unit?

 

Any of the newer vehicles only use the USB ports around the vehicle for connecting to a USB stick with media already on it, or for media/songs on your phone. The USB ports only have about 0.7amps and are not intended for use as a charging cable for your phones or devices. Some of the newest cars will actually have USB specific ports in the center console for Apple Carplay or the Android version. But again, the USB ports are for media only, not for charging devices.

You may see it display something like it is charging for a few seconds, but I assure you its not enough and your device will not charge.

 

My i pod is connected with the usb in the console.

 

It's common these days for other brands (at least Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Toyota from recent rental experience) to have dashboard USB ports that can charge phones and tablets. It seems like a competitive design error that the Metris's dashboard USB port doesn't do this as well.

Does anyone know of an aftermarket fix for this issue?

 

Somewhat related........I had a CL550 that the cigar lighter had no power to. Changed the blown fuse and tried again. No go. Got an inspection mirror and looked down in the cigar lighter hole. It had a penny down there shorting the fuses. Removed same, now the charger devices work.

 

That's almost always why the fuses blow on power outlets, the penny does the trick every time.