Adding a Console USB Power Port to my 2007 Sport

[NuclearN8]

I'm curious why not just buy a plug-in cigarette usb charger... installing one of these, seems like a lot of risk for the same functional outcome. Additionally, simply using a plug-in prevents any permanent modifcation to the vehicle (which 99% of the time lowers the resale value).

 

[Marfy]

It's not permanent. Its a removable blank.

 

[MrEMan]

Several reasons ... first, I already use the existing 12V charger for my Garmin and the phones I charge are all USB capable, so this provides a clean way to provide additional outlets. Second, I don't see it as a high risk mod and it's easily reversible if needed. And while I might agree that some (but not 99%) mods don't help resale value, in my case I could care less ... I bought my 4Runner new and I intend to drive it into the ground. I'm at 223K now and hope to hit 400K before I have to think about replacing it.

 

[bamma]

I just soldered a pin to each wire of the usb plug and slid them into the whitr plug inside the console. Not cutting or splicing.

LOL at this mod somehow lowering the value of the vehicle.

 

[grapemilk]

I'm curious why not just buy a plug-in cigarette usb charger... installing one of these, seems like a lot of risk for the same functional outcome. Additionally, simply using a plug-in prevents any permanent modifcation to the vehicle (which 99% of the time lowers the resale value).

I'm installing this modification so that my passenger and I can simultaneously charge our phones without having to string a cable across the shifter.

 

[NuclearN8]

I'm installing this modification so that my passenger and I can simultaneously charge our phones without having to string a cable across the shifter.

again, sounds like people are just bored and need something to do... it's not like the 4Runner is a manual transmission and we're shifting. There's gonna be a cable coming out of the center console whether you do this mod or drop a plug-in usb into the cigarette lighter.

If this is really a concern then it seems like mounting it in the door panel is a better location.

 

[MrEMan]

again, sounds like people are just bored and need something to do

Such as make comments like this? op2:

Thankfully we don't all have to agree with, or even like, each and every mod. YMMV, but this mod suites my needs perfectly and I'm very happy with the end result.

 

[4Rnr4Evr]

again, sounds like people are just bored and need something to do... it's not like the 4Runner is a manual transmission and we're shifting. There's gonna be a cable coming out of the center console whether you do this mod or drop a plug-in usb into the cigarette lighter.

If this is really a concern then it seems like mounting it in the door panel is a better location.

Are you really advising against mods on T4R.ORG? I think you're on the wrong site

 

[Bluesky 07]

I'm curious why not just buy a plug-in cigarette usb charger... installing one of these, seems like a lot of risk for the same functional outcome. Additionally, simply using a plug-in prevents any permanent modifcation to the vehicle (which 99% of the time lowers the resale value).

Trust me, I value my time way too much to do anything to my 4R that doesn't bring value or some kind of benefit.

Check the 2nd pic in my original post and you'll see the base of the Skydock that enables me to use and charge my iPhone in the truck. So no room there for a plug-in charger.

I needed a USB port to keep my iPad charged while traveling and to power it during use if necessary. My job involves emergency response and if a call comes in while I'm out in the truck, I have to be able to work off my iPad to execute the checklist we use. To that end, I also carry a portfolio with supplies and a Logitech Keys-to-Go wireless keyboard.

Finally, I also plan to drive my truck into the ground and don't care about resale; but if I did, I can't imagine a buyer thinking a vehicle was less valuable because the owner added USB power ports, especially if some effort is made to get as close to a stock look as possible. I'd bet in fact that the large majority of buyers wouldn't even realize this is a mod.

Probably way more info than anyone cares about but hey, you asked.

 

[bpowa]

Trust me, I value my time way too much to do anything to my 4R that doesn't bring value or some kind of benefit.

Check the 2nd pic in my original post and you'll see the base of the Skydock that enables me to use and charge my iPhone in the truck. So no room there for a plug-in charger.

I needed a USB port to keep my iPad charged while traveling and to power it during use if necessary. My job involves emergency response and if a call comes in while I'm out in the truck, I have to be able to work off my iPad to execute the checklist we use. To that end, I also carry a portfolio with supplies and a Logitech Keys-to-Go wireless keyboard.

Finally, I also plan to drive my truck into the ground and don't care about resale; but if I did, I can't imagine a buyer thinking a vehicle was less valuable because the owner added USB power ports, especially if some effort is made to get as close to a stock look as possible. I'd bet in fact that the large majority of buyers wouldn't even realize this is a mod.

Probably way more info than anyone cares about but hey, you asked.

Im not sure what it is but it takes a long time to charge my phone with this usb outlet. Would cutting the blue light provide more amps to charge my phone faster?

 

[Bluesky 07]

That raises a question for minds far more knowledgeable than mine about things electrical: this USB outlet is rated at 2.1 amps but could the quick-splice method of connecting it cause it to provide less power? In other words, would an Add-a-Circuit ensure the USB socket is providing the advertised 2.1 amps?

 

[bpowa]

That raises a question for minds far more knowledgeable than mine about things electrical: this USB outlet is rated at 2.1 amps but could the quick-splice method of connecting it cause it to provide less power? In other words, would an Add-a-Circuit ensure the USB socket is providing the advertised 2.1 amps?

I did not bother reading any of the instructions and chucked it.

It is spliced through a 12v source. This is before my 12v plug outlet. Its not in use so I wouldn't think it would draw any power.

 

[dchild]

That raises a question for minds far more knowledgeable than mine about things electrical: this USB outlet is rated at 2.1 amps but could the quick-splice method of connecting it cause it to provide less power? In other words, would an Add-a-Circuit ensure the USB socket is providing the advertised 2.1 amps?

I can't think of a reason an Add-a-Circuit would provide more power than the quick splice in a low-power application like this. There's nothing in the circuit limiting the power except the fuse which is either blown or not. The additional 2.1A draw just makes it slightly easier to blow the fuse, but that's true with or without the quick splice. I wouldn't worry about blowing the fuse unless you are simultaneously charging 2 devices while running a high-power device off the 12V socket. (BTW, Amazon doesn't list the input amperage, but depending on how they built the thing it could draw as little as .875A @12V to deliver 2.1A @5V.)

 

[bpowa]

i like having it.. but at this point. it does not charge anything and is useless.

none loss it only cost a few bucks.

 

[MrEMan]

i like having it.. but at this point. it does not charge anything and is useless.

none loss it only cost a few bucks.

That's too bad, sorry it didn't work out for you. Mine works like a charm.

 

[magert54]

Hey Fellow 4th Genners,

I did this mod last weekend and it worked great but I had a small issue. My issue was the DAC button was in the way because i already have my roof and bumper switches wired and installed in the center area. Moving the USB to the other side of the car wasnt an option. I felt i didnt make sense to use a USB way over there. SOOO i relocated the DAC switch to the empty slot on the far left next to the steering wheel. It was a simple job, toyota provided enough wire to run across without being tight all you as a DIY'r must do is trace the wire up until you get up to the mini storage unit and you should have enough room. Now after reinstalling the dash cover and other items im a happy camper.

 

[Bigshankhank]

Hey Fellow 4th Genners,

I did this mod last weekend and it worked great but I had a small issue. My issue was the DAC button was in the way because i already have my roof and bumper switches wired and installed in the center area. Moving the USB to the other side of the car wasnt an option. I felt i didnt make sense to use a USB way over there. SOOO i relocated the DAC switch to the empty slot on the far left next to the steering wheel. It was a simple job, toyota provided enough wire to run across without being tight all you as a DIY'r must do is trace the wire up until you get up to the mini storage unit and you should have enough room. Now after reinstalling the dash cover and other items im a happy camper.

Would like to see a picture of the new location for clarity, as I don't like having the DAC down on the console. My dogs have a tendency to stand their front paws on the console storage lid and will from time to time slip or step down onto the console and press the DAC switch. Not a big deal but I don't like seeing lights flash on my dashboard unexpectedly.

 

[MrPiBB]

Clean mod I will be adding this to my todo list. Thanks for the post!

 

[magert54]

The glovebox didn't need to be removed. I was installing cabin filter and new LED.

In the photos you will notice the center console is stripped of wire cover/electric tape so I can trace it back. Once I had enough room I removed the drivers side cover holding the extra buttons. Popped in the DAC and protected the wire with plastic and electric tape. I reinstalled the drivers side cover and moved back to the center console area. In the end I moved my buttons to a light, usb, light switch configuration and did some cable management on the remaining wires.

The Rig prior to the operation.



My first step was to install LED glovebox and shifter light. Then remove all center console covering. After that i move to the center dash and remove the plastic cover.



Next I stripped the electrical tape/plastic sleeve from the wiring harness (i used a rounded exact-o knife for accuracy.



I stripped up to the point on the right of the photo. I removed the driverside dash under the steering wheel and prepped the area (just took out the empty button). Next i routed the DAC wires (notice on the left of the picture three visible wires running from right to left along the middle bottom area) to the drivers side where i removed the empty button.



Mounted and covered the exposed wire with plastic sheath and electrical tape ( No Picture )

As you can see from the photo on im starting to clean up the cable and recover it with the plastic/tape.
Dont worry about other wires in this picture they are related to another project I was working on. I was wiring my PIAA 520 to a FJ switch without a harness (previously worked but the backlight wast hooked up)



Final product, next step as stated in previous posts are the blue light and USB hole

 

[RUN-4-LIFE]

Do you all know if the DAC can be moved to the panel on the left of the vehicle. I dont have room for this mod and i dont use (dont know how to turn on) the DAC.

Go to a slight hill. Put in 4lo hit, hit Dac.. Wait for solid green and then let go of brake and listen to the antilock braking system go wild