Adding a Console USB Power Port to my 2007 Sport

[Bluesky 07]

Not that I've seen but it's an easy fix to paint the cover. See my original post for details.

Are there any that fit the finish of the other buttons?

Also, are there any plug & play kits by chance?

 

[DallasSR5]

I've since replaced the ones in the pics with the far better Scotchloks. I have extra Scotchloks and if you PM me your address, I'll send you a few. No charge, paying forward kindnesses shown to me. I just ask that you consider doing the same when the chance comes your way.

This is what's great. I'm fairly new here, but had been on ih8mud for ten years. Same thing. I got a tranny and transfer case for a 12 pack of Shiner and a good bs session from a member.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[laufer]

Installed USB charger, USB media/streaming audio, and AUX in blank console switches

Thanks to the OP for the inspiring writeup! I just completed a variation of this mod.

Parts list:

• Mictuning dual-USB charger & audio switch unit (optionally painted with with Krylon Fusion satin)
• 3.5mm panel-mount AUX terminal with locking nut
• SMOF (actually working) ground-loop isolator
• 1m USB extension cord (A-male to A-female)
• cut-off stereo audio cable with 3.5mm plug
• GROM Audio AUX cable mini-DIN to 3.5mm

When I received my Red Rhino in September 2013, my first mod was to install a GROM Audio USB adapter (USB2P), which supports USB media, USB streaming from an Android phone, and AUX via the above-mentioned cable. I mounted this to the front wall of the glove box only recently:

I got tired of not having direct access to the USB port and having an AUX cable coming out of the glove box but couldn't think of a good place for those connectors until I came across this great thread.

The first challenge was the AUX jack. I could not find one that fit into a switch hole, so I made one from a blank switch cover by drilling into it with a countersink bit, enlarging the resulting hole with a knife, and mounting the panel-mount jack to it.

Another challenge was to fish the USB and AUX cables from the glove box to the center console. I did this using a wire hanger and in two stages via the hole in the bottom right corner of the cubby below the climate controls. I ran the AUX cable first and then used electric tape to tie the USB cable to AUX cable, smoothing the edges of the USB jack with more electric tape. This was the most tedious part of the project.

The remaining challenge was to find power for the USB charging port in the Mictuning unit. Here I improvised a bit by cutting most of the power wires and sticking the ends into an unused connector right next to the 12V outlet (meant for the optional smoker's kit referenced elsewhere). I used electric tape to keep the connector plugged in more securely. I like this approach better than tapping into wires, and I'll see how it holds up.

Here is the final result:

For on-board music, I obtained some very low-profile SanDisk Cruzer Fit flash drives, which barely stick out of the port. I also like the clean look of keeping the compartment with the 12V outlet closed.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Nice work! Looks great. Pleased that this write-up has helped so many people.

 

[Jackkill1]

Shifter Bulb

What type of bulb is it? Is it the same as the HVAC knobs? Do you know if there are bulbs in each cup holder? Sorry to get off topic, But I plan on spending a day and completing some maintenance and upgrades.

 

[Iolaus]

Re: Slow charging...

Others have done this but for what it's worth, here's my experience with adding USB power ports in my 4th gen 4Runner. It's a very easy mod that didn't take 2 hours total despite the problems with the plug, painting, etc.

I used this product, which definitely presented some challenges as described in my Amazon review.

...I did notice, however, that it does not charge an iPad Air very fast at all. Obviously the wall charger will always be faster but I was hoping for more than an 8% increase in battery over the course of an hour-long drive.

Im cheap and got it less than OP's price.. Maybe amazon glitch it was 2 day prime ship.. Not anymore it look like,. Amazon.com: TURBO 2 Port Rapid USB Car Charger for iPhone iPad iPod CellPhone MP3 Camera Charger for Toyota Cars Series: Cell Phones & Accessories

...My question however, is does this charge up your phone pretty quick? Just don't want to go through installing it and all to find out i can barely charge up my phone. Any insight?

Charges as well as a wall charger. 1a. Not 2.1a. Worth plugging in for my 30 min commute.

Can someone verify that both of these ports are each 2.1A? Some of the other similar ones on amazon are 2.1 and the other is 1.2

I don't know if it's just advertising hype, or if it means something; but I noticed that, while both cite the same specs, bpowa's link actually specifies "Rapid Charging for Apple.../High Speed Charging for Samsung."

 

[Bluesky 07]

Just edited my original post as follows and thought I would add it here too for those who start at the end of the thread:

Edited 09Dec16: Though supposedly providing 2.1A, in practice the Mictuning product I originally bought does a poor job of charging my iPad. Based on another member's recommendation, I am in the process of swapping in a Blue Sea 1039 4.8A model. Some minor tailoring of the switch opening is necessary but I haven't done the install yet so more info on that will be coming soon along with my experience with the Blue Sea port.

 

[AuSeeker]

Just edited my original post as follows and thought I would add it here too for those who start at the end of the thread:

Edited 09Dec16: Though supposedly providing 2.1A, in practice the Mictuning product I originally bought does a poor job of charging my iPad. Based on another member's recommendation, I am in the process of swapping in a Blue Sea 1039 4.8A model. Some minor tailoring of the switch opening is necessary but I haven't done the install yet so more info on that will be coming soon along with my experience with the Blue Sea port.

Bluesky,

Great thread!

You stated that the USB device you got was 2.1A, but all the links you provided show that it has both a 2.1A and 1.2A port, are you sure you using the 2.1A port and not the 1.2A port when trying to charge your iPad, since it's not marked which port is which, you may be using the 1.2A port thus resultng in a slow charging process?

I'm posting the link which your link lead me too, and the product description with the port amps highlighted in red.

https://www.amazon.com/MICTUNING-Socket-iPhone-Charger-Toyota/dp/B010KC0JZI/ref=cm_rdp_product

"Mictuning Toyota USB Charger for Toyota Switch Plant - with Fuse 2.3ft Wiring 5V 2.1/1.2A Dual USB Power Socket"

 

[jjbodean]

i just installed the mictuning port in my 2007. using a fast charge usb cable connected to the port gives me the same charge speed as when connected to my fast charge wall charger. device being charged is a samsung galaxy s7 edge. when charging using an older cable connected to my grom audio usb port the charge time is twice as long.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Bluesky,

Great thread!

You stated that the USB device you got was 2.1A, but all the links you provided show that it has both a 2.1A and 1.2A port, are you sure you using the 2.1A port and not the 1.2A port when trying to charge your iPad, since it's not marked which port is which, you may be using the 1.2A port thus resultng in a slow charging process?

I'm posting the link which your link lead me too, and the product description with the port amps highlighted in red.

https://www.amazon.com/MICTUNING-Socket-iPhone-Charger-Toyota/dp/B010KC0JZI/ref=cm_rdp_product

"Mictuning Toyota USB Charger for Toyota Switch Plant - with Fuse 2.3ft Wiring 5V 2.1/1.2A Dual USB Power Socket"

Well, that's embarrassing.

First, thanks for the kind words about the thread. Just paying forward all the time, money, and effort I've saved through this board and the one for my former ride (xterraownersclub.com).

You're right, one of the ports is 2.1A and I tried it and got improved performance charging the iPad, but that was just one of the issues I had with the original port. I didn't spell all of it out in my revision for brevity but have now amended the original post as follows:

==
Edited 12Dec16: Though one port provides 2.1A, turns out I need a more powerful option in practice, for example when traveling, when we have multiple devices to keep charged. Based on another member's recommendation, I am in the process of swapping in a Blue Sea 1039 4.8A model. Some minor tailoring of the switch opening is necessary but I haven't done the install yet so more info on that will be coming soon along with my experience with the Blue Sea port.
==

I'm also going to put the Blue Sea ports on their own Add-A-Circuit.

 

[AuSeeker]

Bluesky,

I agree that the Blue Sea is much better for your purposes, plus it's name goes well with your username :madgrin: and I knew that you would be still going with it, but for others that installed and are still using the Mictuning thought I would post my observations on it in case they weren't aware of the 2 different amps ratings.

I'm planning on doing the same install as you did but I'm waiting on seeing how the Blue Sea works for you before proceeding.

 

[theladyviola]

Well, that's embarrassing.

First, thanks for the kind words about the thread. Just paying forward all the time, money, and effort I've saved through this board and the one for my former ride (xterraownersclub.com).

You're right, one of the ports is 2.1A and I tried it and got improved performance charging the iPad, but that was just one of the issues I had with the original port. I didn't spell all of it out in my revision for brevity but have now amended the original post as follows:

==
Edited 12Dec16: Though one port provides 2.1A, turns out I need a more powerful option in practice, for example when traveling, when we have multiple devices to keep charged. Based on another member's recommendation, I am in the process of swapping in a Blue Sea 1039 4.8A model. Some minor tailoring of the switch opening is necessary but I haven't done the install yet so more info on that will be coming soon along with my experience with the Blue Sea port.
==

I'm also going to put the Blue Sea ports on their own Add-A-Circuit.

Also interested how the Blue Sea works out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[theladyviola]

Well, that's embarrassing.

First, thanks for the kind words about the thread. Just paying forward all the time, money, and effort I've saved through this board and the one for my former ride (xterraownersclub.com).

You're right, one of the ports is 2.1A and I tried it and got improved performance charging the iPad, but that was just one of the issues I had with the original port. I didn't spell all of it out in my revision for brevity but have now amended the original post as follows:

==
Edited 12Dec16: Though one port provides 2.1A, turns out I need a more powerful option in practice, for example when traveling, when we have multiple devices to keep charged. Based on another member's recommendation, I am in the process of swapping in a Blue Sea 1039 4.8A model. Some minor tailoring of the switch opening is necessary but I haven't done the install yet so more info on that will be coming soon along with my experience with the Blue Sea port.
==

I'm also going to put the Blue Sea ports on their own Add-A-Circuit.

Update?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[probwhite1]

If I'm understanding your picture correctly, you used the rust colored wire coming off the console power plug as power and the striped one for ground, correct? Just did this exact mod and can't get power. I'm stumped. Yes, I've checked fuses, key on, quick connect splice, etc. Totally stumped!

 

[Bluesky 07]

Update?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Been buried with work & a major home reno project. Haven't had time to get to this yet.
[MENTION=91564]probwhite1[/MENTION], yes, you have the wire colors right. Don't know what the issue could be.

 

[AuSeeker]

If I'm understanding your picture correctly, you used the rust colored wire coming off the console power plug as power and the striped one for ground, correct? Just did this exact mod and can't get power. I'm stumped. Yes, I've checked fuses, key on, quick connect splice, etc. Totally stumped!

Have you checked to see if the power plug outlet has power?

If it does then try grounding the ground wire directly to another ground source, i.e. under a bolt or screw to the body of the vehicle.

 

[JoshuaDudee]

Looks clean I'll have to add that to my 4runner

 

[Three50Bowtie]

This is nice! I definitely need to this to mine!

 

[Bluesky 07]

Finally got the new Blue Sea Systems 1039 installed. It takes some work to modify the console opening. You have to cut or Dremel out the side "ledges" inside the opening for it to fit. Nothing dramatic, but once you do it, you're committed - there's no going back to a standard Toyota switch in that space.

Rigged it up with a quick disconnect and it's working. I'll post an update once I have a chance to use it a while.

This is [MENTION=92273]EdmundGTP[/MENTION]'s pic of his install and it's what mine looks like except I installed it the other direction, with the lettering right-side-up from the driver's seat POV.

<strike>Now up for grabs, under "pay it forward," is the USB port shown in the installation guide at the start of this thread. It works fine, I just wanted more juice at the outlet for charging my iPad and my wife's tablet. Free shipped, including 2 dust plugs and wiring, to the first PM request. Be sure to include your address.</strike> Spoken for.

 

[krunner53]

Nice

Looks great and easy.. I was thinking about doing this. I like the flat black