Ooops!!! Phone charger/USB port console cover stuck

[Marc Collins]

Within a few hours of picking up my Stinger, I have "broken" it I plugged in a USB stick with music on it to try out the sound system and compare to iPod. I closed the console cover and carried on. Today, I tried to open the cover to switch back to iPod and the door is stuck. I am 99% sure it is the somewhat longer than average USB stick (a Lexar 3.0 64 GB) that is catching on the top of the console and allowing it only to open a few millimetres.

I already knew this was a stupid design. The USB data connection should be in the middle console between the seats so you can leave your iPod or phone or whatever in the large space, hidden from view. The USB port is also angled precisely so a longer stick will either not fit or get caught like mine has.

The dealer has no tools that will work to open the console. The only other Stinger they had was not a GT Limited, so it did not have the wireless phone charger and therefore has a different, console compartment. That car had a small outdentation on the underside of the console lid right around the spot where I believe my USB port is, but have no way to confirm.

Could someone with wireless charging please take a moment a feel the underside of your sliding console lid and see if there is anything there aligned with the USB port that a USB stick could get caught on? It feels and sounds like the lid is catching on the hard plastic of the stick, but it must be an unbelievably bad design if the rest of the lid is smooth and they chose to put an outdent right at that worst-possible spot. Otherwise, i have no idea why the lid won't open further

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[moinmoin]

Just checked......

the lid is completely smooth underneath.......except for a small nub just in line with the USB port. No idea why it is there, but it is.
The "obstruction" isn't much more (by feel) than say 6 x 6 mm, if that large.
A thin flexible flat offset (L-shape) tool could be useful. Get it either on top of the stick or push to the left or right.
You may want to put some masking tape on the aluminum part of the lid to protect it from scratches during the operation.

BTW, I use a USB extension cable to avoid premature failure of the car's USB port due to constant in/out activity.....

Good Luck

 

[Marc Collins]

Just checked......

the lid is completely smooth underneath.......except for a small nub just in line with the USB port. No idea why it is there, but it is.
The "obstruction" isn't much more (by feel) than say 6 x 6 mm, if that large.
A thin flexible flat offset (L-shape) tool could be useful. Get it either on top of the stick or push to the left or right.
You may want to put some masking tape on the aluminum part of the lid to protect it from scratches during the operation.

BTW, I use a USB extension cable to avoid premature failure of the car's USB port due to constant in/out activity.....

Good Luck

Bingo! My neighbour had such a tool and after a lot of struggle it worked. What possible fricking reason would there be for that nub exactly where it will catch on a USB stick????!?!?!?!

Your idea of an extension is also very smart. I will use one for sure.

Thanks for the helpful reply.

 

[Berzerker]

That's why I have this. Super small so no chance of that happening.

Also, USB ports are rated for 10s of thousands of inserts, so you shouldn't have to worry about your port failing.

 

[moinmoin]

Thanks for the helpful reply.

I am glad it helped you out.
BTW, what is the tool your neighbour has?

I have a stainless steel trowel similar what a bricklayer uses to clean up the joints between bricks. Mine is much finer and about an inch wide. Used in the kitchen to make chocolates and such. Very thin and very flexible...

Just curious.

 

[Marc Collins]

I am glad it helped you out.
BTW, what is the tool your neighbour has?

I have a stainless steel trowel similar what a bricklayer uses to clean up the joints between bricks. Mine is much finer and about an inch wide. Used in the kitchen to make chocolates and such. Very thin and very flexible...

Just curious.

It was a handle (that you can unscrew off) for a manual waffle maker!! L-shaped and just thin enough to squeeze in.

 

[Marc Collins]

That's why I have this. Super small so no chance of that happening.

Also, USB ports are rated for 10s of thousands of inserts, so you shouldn't have to worry about your port failing.

Yes, everyone should buy the small sized ones for the Stinger. I got mine at Staples before I got the car and didn't think an off-the-shelf stick would have a problem. WRONG.

 

[BPC]

THANKS guys. I had exactly the same issue as did Marc and I followed the advice from moinmoin (including masking tape) ...5 minutes later: BINGO, problem solved. Now, to get a smaller USB stick.

 

[Coast GT]

I agree there should be USB data ports in the main part of the centre console where there’s extra space to store devices, sticks etc, Kia dropped the ball on that one, the lack of ports and their current locations is frustrating.

Just playing devils advocate here but you could always leave the cover open while the USB is in use and remove the stick before you close the cover when the car or the port is not in use. I have he wireless charger but don’t use it due to my model of phone, but use the USB port daily for Apple CarPlay & charging my iPhone. I just leave the cover open when I’m using it although it’s mainly because I don’t want my phone to overheat. It cooked a few times until I disabled the wireless charging pad in the settings. It looks messy with the cable coiled up but it doesn’t get stuck.

 

[AV8R]

Sandisk Cruzer Fit mini usb cz33 flash drive is what you need. Be careful tho as other ones get very hot when using them. This one is ok.