Center console removal 2025 CX-5

[PanicButton]

I recently received my 2025 CX-5 Preferred and I'd like to run a USB-C cable from the center consoles storage box between the seats to the front where the small tray is that's in front of the shifter. I plan on using Android Auto and want the cable out of sight rather than it exiting under the console lid, running across the top of the center console and on top of the shifter area. This car doesn't have the charging feature and I ordered a phone holder that snaps onto the dash rails where the hazard switch is just above the small tray.

I'd like to run the cable out through the bottom on the box, then forward under the console then through a small hole in the tray so it will exit straight up to the phone. That way there's no cable running across the top and makes for a cleaner look and it's out of the way.

I don't know why Mazda didn't put a USB port in the front next to the existing 12 volt power outlet that's in the front tray, would have been much more convent for connecting the phone to the car for Android Auto.

Has anyone taken the center console loose or removed it to gain access for running cables/wires from inside the box to the front? Not sure if things just unsnap using a plastic trim tool but I don't want to break anything since I haven't even had this car a week yet.

Thanks, PB

 

[Mazdiod2]

I know the side panels of the center console and the front console just unsnap. They are similar to the fuse panel kick panel on the driver's side so they are easy enough. For the tray etc., I haven't done that. Probably there are some details in the RESOURCES section under CX 5.

 

[PanicButton]

Thank you @Mazdiod2 and I have already had the fuse box side panel access panel off and the driver's side sill plate too in order to tap into an empty unused key on power source and to run wires for my OBD-2 display that attaches to the windshield and my front/rear dash camera that I pulled out of my '06 HHR. I'll tackle the center console project and soon as I know a little bit more about taking it apart without breaking anything. My phone mount and NAV SD card should be here today, so I'll be messing with that first.

 

[Waldo0007]

Could you use the existing 12 volt power outlet that's in the front tray and attach a USB car charger?

 

[PanicButton]

I guess if I just wanted to charge the phone that would work okay, but since I want to use Android Auto, as far as I know the phone has to be plugged into one of the two center USB ports. Android Auto doesn't seem to work if the phone is connected via Blue Tooth.

 

[ADS-B]

Have you considered something like this?

 

[PanicButton]

No not really since I want the cable out of sight as much as possible and I don't want it sticking out from under the lid of the console box. Here is a photo of the phone mount I ordered, so when the phone is attached, the USB port will be facing down towards that tray and I'd like the cable to enter through a hole I drill in the tray then plug into the phone which should be only a few inches away. The phone holder is supposed to be delivered today, so maybe I'll take a few photos to post later.

 

[ADS-B]

I've got the same clip to the vents, just the phone attaching part is different. Can't think of a better clip for a CX-5.

 

[PanicButton]

I had a magnetic mount for my 2020 C8, via cupholder and it worked okay. Since I already the metal attachment disk on the back cover of my phone, I decided to go with another magnetic type mount. This one looked nice so that's why I ordered it. It's nice to know that someone else with a CX-5 is happy with it, as I'm sure I will be happy with it too.

 

[Moonlighter]

A possibly better option would be one of these wireless Android auto/CarPlay adapters.

OTTOCAST | Leading Wireless CarPlay Adapter Provider

OTTOCAST wireless CarPlay adapters seamlessly connect your phone and vehicle console unit, supporting both CarPlay & Android Auto. Meet your rich in-car entertainment needs, such as watching Youtube, Netflix, online navigation, etc. Elevate your driving experience with wireless connectivity.

www.ottocast.com

I was having terrible issues on my other car (Mitsubishi) with wired CarPlay not connecting, and eventually got the Ottocast adapter and now it connects just fine 98% of the time. Really regret not doing it sooner.

Only time it doesn’t connect seamlessly is if the phone is active (ie you are using an app) at the time its connecting.

It takes about 45 seconds to connect.

 

[PanicButton]

Thank you @Moonlighter I will keep this in mind if I have any issues. I have used Android Auto with the cable in this car and it works flawlessly, no issues what so ever.

 

[SimpleCanuck]

A possibly better option would be one of these wireless Android auto/CarPlay adapters.

OTTOCAST | Leading Wireless CarPlay Adapter Provider

OTTOCAST wireless CarPlay adapters seamlessly connect your phone and vehicle console unit, supporting both CarPlay & Android Auto. Meet your rich in-car entertainment needs, such as watching Youtube, Netflix, online navigation, etc. Elevate your driving experience with wireless connectivity.

www.ottocast.com

I was having terrible issues on my other car (Mitsubishi) with wired CarPlay not connecting, and eventually got the Ottocast adapter and now it connects just fine 98% of the time. Really regret not doing it sooner.

Only time it doesn’t connect seamlessly is if the phone is active (ie you are using an app) at the time its connecting.

It takes about 45 seconds to connect.

I tried the Ottocast in my '22 CX-5 and was not able to get it to connect no matter what I tried. I later read that its functionality in Mazda's was hit and miss among reviewers. So I got the Carsifi adapter, which has worked well in the 1.5 years I have used it.

 

[Martyd]

I'd run the cable if in your shoes. I don't need yet more electronics to screw things up.