A method (700) for reconfiguring pin assignments on a connector (100) is provided. The method (700) includes reading a present accessory type (34a) from an accessory (30) coupled to the connector (100) having a plurality of pins (110) wherein the present accessory type (34a) is associated with an accessory pin assignment (31) of the connector (100), and comparing the present accessory type (34a) to a stored accessory type (18a) associated with a connector pin assignment (17) to determine if the accessory pin assignment (31) is compatible with the connector pin assignment (17).