The power inverter module in a 2008 Mazda CX-9 is located beneath the center console assembly, bolted to the floor tunnel between the driver and passenger seats. While the actual 115-volt outlet faceplate sits on the rear of the center console facing the second-row seats, the metal box that converts the power is buried inside the trim. Accessing the unit requires removing the center console storage bin and side panels.
Many owners confuse the outlet with the inverter itself. If your laptop or phone charger isn’t getting power, you rarely need to touch the inverter module immediately. The problem is usually a simple fuse or a loose connection. However, if the unit has failed, you will need to disassemble the console to swap it out.
This guide explains exactly where to find the component, how to test the circuit, and the steps to replace it if necessary. We will keep the technical jargon specific but the instructions simple.
08 Mazda CX-9 Power Inverter Location
Finding the 08 Mazda CX-9 power inverter location is the first step in any repair. In this specific model year, Mazda engineers placed the DC-to-AC converter module deep inside the center floor console. It is not under the seats.
To visualize this, sit in the driver’s seat. Look at the storage box under your right arm. The inverter is mounted directly underneath that plastic storage bin. It is secured to the metal floor pan of the vehicle.
Key Location Details:
- Component: DC/AC Inverter Module
- Position: Inside center console tunnel.
- Outlet Position: Rear of center console (external).
- Access Point: Requires removal of console side trim and storage bin.
You cannot access the module without tools. You must remove the screws and clips holding the plastic console trim in place. If you only need to use the outlet, it is the standard household-style plug located near the rear climate controls.
Troubleshooting: Why Is My Outlet Dead?
Before you tear apart the interior of your SUV, you must check the basics. In our experience, 90% of power inverter failures are actually just blown fuses. The inverter in the CX-9 is rated for low-amperage devices (usually 100 watts max). Plugging in a high-draw device like a vacuum cleaner or a hair dryer will trip the circuit immediately.
Step 1: Check the Fuse
The fuse protects the wiring from melting. If you plug in something too strong, the fuse pops. You need to check the fuse box. The 2008 CX-9 has two main fuse boxes: one in the engine bay and one inside the cabin (driver’s side kick panel).
| Fuse Name | Amperage | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| P.OUTLET | 15A or 20A | Interior Fuse Box | Powers the accessory sockets and inverter relay. |
| INV | 15A | Engine Bay / Interior | Direct power to the inverter module. |
Grab a test light or a multimeter. Check for continuity across these fuses. If the metal strip inside the fuse is broken, replace it with a fuse of the exact same amperage. Never put a larger fuse in. That can cause a fire.
Step 2: Check the Relay
If the fuses are good, check the accessory relay. This switch turns the power on when the car is running. You can often swap this relay with another non-critical relay (like the horn relay) to see if the system starts working.
Accessing the Inverter Module
If the fuse and relay are good, the inverter module itself might be dead. This happens due to overheating or internal component failure. You will need to physically remove the unit to test or replace it. Here is the process.
Tools You Need:
- Plastic trim removal tool (prevents scratches).
- Phillips head screwdriver.
- 10mm socket and ratchet.
Removal Procedure
1. Disconnect the Battery:
Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on electrical components. This prevents short circuits.
2. Remove Rear Console Trim:
Go to the back seat. Use your trim tool to pry off the rear panel of the center console (where the AC controls and the outlet are). Be gentle. The plastic clips are old and can snap. Unplug the wiring harness connected to the outlet.
3. Remove Gear Shift Trim:
Move to the front seats. Carefully pry up the trim surrounding the gear shifter. You may need to shift the car into Neutral (with the parking brake on) to get the trim panel off completely.
4. Unbolt the Console:
Look for screws or bolts securing the console to the floor. There are usually two near the front and two inside the bottom of the storage bin. Remove them with your screwdriver or 10mm socket.
5. Lift the Console:
Lift the back end of the console up. You do not need to remove the whole thing from the car, but you need enough clearance to see underneath. Look for a silver metal box bolted to the floor. That is the inverter.
6. Disconnect and Replace:
Unplug the connector going into the silver box. Unbolt the box from the floor. Install the new unit and reverse these steps.
Technical Specifications and Limits
Understanding what your car can handle prevents future failures. The factory system in the 2008 Mazda CX-9 is not a heavy-duty generator. It is designed for small electronics.
Max Power Output: 100 Watts (approximate)
Voltage: 115V AC
Waveform: Modified Sine Wave
Safe to Plug In:
- Laptops
- Phone chargers
- Camera battery chargers
- Small portable DVD players
Do NOT Plug In:
- Hair dryers or curling irons
- Power tools (drills, saws)
- Space heaters
- Coffee makers
For more details on automotive electrical safety standards, you can refer to resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Aftermarket Alternatives
Replacing the factory unit is expensive. Used modules on eBay can cost over $100, and new OEM parts from Mazda are even pricier. If your built-in inverter is dead, it is often cheaper and easier to buy an external inverter.
You can purchase a 300W or 400W power inverter that plugs directly into the 12V cigarette lighter socket. These are portable, stronger than the factory unit, and require zero installation. You can store it in the glove box when not in use. This is a practical solution for older vehicles where parts are becoming scarce.
If you decide to wire a new aftermarket inverter permanently, ensure you use proper gauge wiring and fuse it near the battery. Poor wiring is a leading cause of vehicle electrical fires. You can learn more about general electrical components on Wikipedia’s Power Inverter page.
Summary of Repair
Fixing the power outlet in your Mazda CX-9 is usually a matter of checking a fuse. If the fuse is intact, the issue lies with the module buried under the console. While accessing the 08 Mazda CX-9 power inverter location takes some labor, it is a straightforward job for anyone comfortable with a screwdriver. Remember to respect the wattage limits of the system to keep it running for the long haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the fuse for the power inverter in a 2008 Mazda CX-9?
The fuse is typically located in the interior fuse box near the driver’s kick panel or in the engine compartment fuse block. Look for a 15A fuse labeled “INV” or “P.OUTLET” on the fuse diagram.
Can I upgrade the factory inverter to a higher wattage?
No, you cannot simply swap the box for a stronger one using the existing wiring. The factory wiring is too thin to support higher amperage. If you need more power, you must install a separate aftermarket inverter wired directly to the battery.
Why does the light on my inverter outlet blink?
A blinking light usually indicates a fault. This could mean the device you plugged in draws too much power, the inverter is overheating, or the car battery voltage is too low. Unplug the device and let the system reset.
How do I know if the inverter module is bad?
If the fuse is good, the relay clicks, and you have 12V power reaching the input side of the inverter connector but no 115V power coming out, the module is defective and needs replacement.
Is the inverter always on?
No. The power inverter in the CX-9 is ignition-switched. It only operates when the key is in the “ACC” or “ON” position to prevent draining the car battery.