Dropped in to Mitsubishi parts for some oil filters and asked them for a price on the second 12v power outlet in the centre console bin. I think he said about $80 after GST, which I thought was a bit of a joke for essentially a cigarette lighter socket.

So, took my filters and went on my way, with the intention of dropping in to a wrecker and getting it for about $20. Went home and popped out the bottom of the centre console bin, and found a white two pin connector block blank hiding under there. Looks like this:
http://s18.postimg.org/b4muumfl5/image.jpg
http://s7.postimg.org/9yrgbkx4b/image.jpg

First wrecker (who on the phone after a lengthy description ASSURED me they had the right part) then presented me with the 12V outlet from just below the aircon controls which is different. Great.

So I googled and ended up at a Mitsubishi specialist in the Port Adelaide area.
Explained it all to him and he disappeared for 10 mins and eventually returned with the part. Took it home, and it's not the right one. Fits in the hole, but doesn't align properly, and doesn't have the correct wiring to the white connector block.

I figured I could hack into my bin to make it align and just cut off the car's connector block and solder in some new wiring, but was just frustrated that he had lied to me.

So took it back today so they let me go hunting. None of their six 380s had the centre console left. They got one from a CJ Lancer, but the connector was different.

So got my money back after spending half as much on fuel. Have been talking with Mitsibits on email, and they said they don't have any 380 consoles with the second plug, but said they think the late model Pajero one might have the correct connector. So I'm off to check that out in the morning.

Moral of the story is I should have just bought the new one and not wasted my time with people who don't listen.

Seems strange that the base model TL and TW all had the second outlet, but only certain 380s had it. It's entirely possible the Pajero one won't fit either, which would suggest the 380 part (or at least the electrical connector) was locally made and is not common with any other Mitsubishi models.

Oh, and you have to take the entire centre console out to install it!

http://s18.postimg.org/b4muumfl5/image.jpg

I just cut the wires and resolded a new line and socket to it....you went to way to much trouble...lol

FYI Flyboy, the L and W only have the outlet in the centre console bin. There are none below the a/c controls. Have you tried using the L/W ones to see if they line up and also have the same plug?

Never mind.

Bet you to it max, Mits, Ford, Holden and I think Toyota removed ashtrays and cig lighters as part of a government initiative for no smoking in cars or something like that. You can still have it if you opt for it.

Bet you to it max, Mits, Ford, Holden and I think Toyota removed ashtrays and cig lighters as part of a government initiative for no smoking in cars or something like that. You can still have it if you opt for it.

Thought I'd delete my whinge about no ashtray in the TL, us smokers are so antisocial! lol Not appropriate for a 380 thread anyway.

Thought I'd delete my whinge about no ashtray in the TL, us smokers are so antisocial! lol Not appropriate for a 380 thread anyway.

haha, the email notification contains the original unedited version lol
But on topic, OP, seriouly just get an aftermarket socket and wire it to the existing plug and leave it in the console bin or attach it to the side to prevent it from moving.

Success!!

First of all, many thanks to Mitsibits at Lonsdale. They took the time to respond to several emails, and while they didn't have the 380 part, they did some chasing. Turns out the wiring from one pajero model (not sure which one, probably a fairly late model) from the rear outlet in the boot is very, very similar. The terminal block just one tab in the wrong spot which I had to sand down. Thanks for their help, they were fantastic and went above and beyond for a small $20 part... I will be going back!

Once I had sanded the small tab off, it connects perfectly into the 380 connector. I then simply installed a generic Mitsubishi outlet and put it all together. I had to file a new notch in the hole inside the console bin to get the new outlet lined up so the lid would snap closed.

The Pajero part number you need is MR456357. If you can find that and a generic Mitsubishi outlet (say from a their gen) that's all you need. Also means when I take the console out I just have to undo the terminal block before lifting it out, rather than doing any unsoldering first.