Adding a Console USB Power Port to my 2007 Sport

[Bluesky 07]

Wow, this is a great writeup and thanks for updating the pictures! I'm not very good with any wiring projects, but I may have to give this one a shot! I love the clean OEM finish at the end.

edit: did you disconnect the neg terminal on the battery before starting? or is that not necessary since you're unplugging that white power port plug before splicing?

Thanks for your kind words.

Re the battery, no, and it was fine, probably b/c the power is unplugged as you noted. But obviously ymmv and it’s always safest to disconnect the battery.
[MENTION=267154]meltdowner[/MENTION], 16g should be fine, pretty sure that’s what I used.

 

[nwf_snake]

OP and contributors, thanks again for all the good info. Ordered a Toyota specific dual 2.1 amp USB port from Amazon and installed it in less that 15 minutes this morning. Works great!

Hope my new backup LEDs come today so I can put them in tonight!

 

[The Yin]

Buzzing sound?

Just replaced my original model with one of the Blue Sea ones yesterday. Also got one installed in the back.:whoo:

However, the one I put in the front has a low electrical buzzing sound. Has anyone else had this? it works fine so that's good, but the buzzing is loud enough that I could hear it even with my radio on.

I searched the reviews on Amazon and there is only one mention of someone getting a port that was making a buzzing sound.


EDIT UPDATE:
I checked again and it seems the buzz-chirp is only when I have my wireless charging pad plugged in, and nothing on the charger.
Might be it's using just the right voltage/current to cause some audible response from the components in the USB port.

More Update:
I've had this installed for some time now and I don't hear the buzz-chirp at all anymore.

 

[Diluitedpurity]

Does anyone know what this plug goes to?
Its under the shifter bezel with the 12v and window switch.

 

[4Climber]

For those like me that hate the blue LED, there's a version with AMBER LED!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GXH04P4/ref=psdc_404724011_t1_B019EJR7K8

I recently got a new head unit with a usb extension. Does anyone have a similar solution that doesn't give power but simply connects to a usb cord?

https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Charging-Digital-Cameras-Devices/dp/B07G757Y2D/ref=pd_day0_hl_263_9 and similar

 

[Iron Chef]

Going to do this mod soon. Going to tap the 12v cig lighter wire. Anyone know the exact gauge of that wire?

 

[Rjayy505]

that's real cool

 

[kingnba6]

I installed one of these from Amazon with a direct fit to the empty switch spots.

Amazon.com: Cllena Dual USB Port Charger Socket Quick Charge 3.0 & 2.4A for Toyota : Automotive

 

[Cadams84]

Thank you for this! I need to do this badly myself at some point!

 

[dldsm7]

I installed one of these from Amazon with a direct fit to the empty switch spots.

Amazon.com: Cllena Dual USB Port Charger Socket Quick Charge 3.0 & 2.4A for Toyota : Automotive

Did you end up painting them a matte?

 

[kingnba6]

Did you end up painting them a matte?

No sir, I left it the way it came. I have to remember to take a picture and attach it here.

 

[toyoman25]

Thank you for this write up. I used your guide and your updated choice of USB ports and couldn’t be happier.

Have a link?

 

[Bluesky 07]

Have a link?

I think his post was about this thread and a link to what he called the “updated” choice of USB port I ended up going with is in the very first post. It’s the one by BlueSea Systems. Hope that helps, LMK if you have any questions.

 

[toyoman25]

I think his post was about this thread and a link to what he called the “updated” choice of USB port I ended up going with is in the very first post. It’s the one by BlueSea Systems. Hope that helps, LMK if you have any questions.

This will not fit in the stock hole without some kind of Mod correct ?

 

[GBagwell]

I did this Mod about a year ago and went with the BlueSea dual USB charger feeling it was a quality unit. I’ve been very happy with it. But yes it did take just a little trimming to get it to seat right and I used a silicone adhesive on the underside to help hold it in place.
That plus a “GTA” Bluetooth kit to connect to the factory head unit with hands free calling really brought the vehicle up to a more modern experience.

 

[Bluesky 07]

This will not fit in the stock hole without some kind of Mod correct ?

Correct, minor trimming to enlarge the opening.

 

[Hitmanhink]

Nice! Buy once, cry once. Tnx for the info.
Many people write about intermittent problems with USB ports. This fixes one of the common causes - not enough capacity.
We appreciate people sharing their experiences, and details, to help others.

Good comments and great write up [MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION] … I’m curious any reason why you didn’t use the ‘add a circuit fuse TAP’?

If I did use the ‘add a circuit fuse TAP’ what fuse would you recommend I tap into?

Also I’m wondering if anyone has run the port into the inside of the arm rest compartment? Only because I like the thought of keeping the wires hidden. If I went this route it might make for an easier install if I went with the socket mount style like this one and just drilled the right size hole.
Amazon.com: Blue Sea Systems Fast Charge 4.8A Dual USB Charger Socket Mount, 12V/24V : Cell Phones & Accessories

I’d love to get some more thoughts on this? Any problems with this route or with the ‘add a circuit fuse’ route other than it being a little more complicated install?

 

[Bluesky 07]

Good comments and great write up [MENTION=114846]Bluesky 07[/MENTION] … I’m curious any reason why you didn’t use the ‘add a circuit fuse TAP’?

If I did use the ‘add a circuit fuse TAP’ what fuse would you recommend I tap into?

Also I’m wondering if anyone has run the port into the inside of the arm rest compartment? Only because I like the thought of keeping the wires hidden. If I went this route it might make for an easier install if I went with the socket mount style like this one and just drilled the right size hole.
Amazon.com: Blue Sea Systems Fast Charge 4.8A Dual USB Charger Socket Mount, 12V/24V : Cell Phones & Accessories

I’d love to get some more thoughts on this? Any problems with this route or with the ‘add a circuit fuse’ route other than it being a little more complicated install?

Thanks for your kind words. Glad to repay a fraction of the priceless help and advice this forum and others have provided through the years.

I tapped the OEM power socket b/c I didn't see any advantage to running wires for an Add-a-Circuit given I didn't plan to use the socket often, if at all, once the USB ports were available. Candidly, I'm not sure whether it's preferable or necessary to use an Add-a-Circuit if you do plan to use both the socket and the new USB ports. While I would have gone that route to be on the safe side had I planned to use the socket regularly, I've never had an issue on the few occasions where both were in use.

As to which fuse to use, there are many better sources for electrical system information that I and hopefully one of them will chime in. FWIW, I likely would have added it to either the fuse for the OEM socket (would that defeat the purpose though?) or the radio/entertainment system.

I agree that the round style you linked to would be easier to install inside the console if you choose that route.

Hope whichever way you go works out well.

 

[Dave4RCR]

So, newbie here! Found my first mod, purchased a double USB (C and regular). Read the 14 pages looking where to connect the ground and didn’t see it lol. I’ll figure it out. I’ll share pics when done (also need to figure out how to add pics)
Thanks OP for this post!

 

[Dave4RCR]

Success!

https://imgur.com/a/4runner-2006-usb-button-6cd6wKX

Edit. I give up. How can I upload the pic?!