Desperate, Please help! Trying to install new usb.

[HunterDonahue]

So I bought this, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FFL2E6Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share , off of amazon. And plan on installing in the blank on the center console area near the shifter. I originally planned on connecting to the power of the cig lighter in the console box but the wire was too short. I now plan on trying to wire to the cig lighter under the radio. How can I wire this so that the cig lighter works and the new usb works? Also, the cig lighter has two wires, one white with black and one green. Which do I connect to red and which do I connect to black of the new usb wire? Here is a pic so far, Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Sorry if I don’t make sense, kinda freaking out since it’s my DD and cost $40k. If you need more pics, I can get them.

 

[garc1809]

If I’m right there should be another cig in the center console you can used that as power. Thats what I’m doing with my Because I need the extra usb.

 

[12Mk6gti]

I used an add a circuit connected to one of the fuse blocks for power with key on/engine on. The fuse block I used is next to the obdII connector under the driver side of the dash.

 

[cutty01]

I would add a dedicated circuit as suggested in the post above. This is the best way since this is your DD and it's best not to screw with the factory wiring harness. Also you need to be careful you don't exceed the amp draw of the cig ligher, those wires aren't that thick.

If you want to tap into the cig wires, you can use a quick splice (similar to this) for the gauge of the wire. Sorry, I don't know which is live and which is ground off hand, but if you have a voltmeter you can check pretty easily.

 

[12Mk6gti]

I used a 5amp slot on my fuse block and I have a 5amp fuse in my add a circuit since that is the way it came from factory. My usb ports are rated at 2.5amps each so I feel a 5amp fuse is sufficient...

 

[wcjeep]

As suggested, run a dedicated hot wire to the fuse block. Makes future troubleshooting very easy. Only takes a few extra minutes. The add a fuse works great.

 

[nglayton]

The wire was too short to reach? Any auto parts store and sell you a roll(s) of wire that will do the job of extending the wire 1-100 feet.

The green and black/white wires - one is hot(red) one is ground(black), same with your red and back wires on the new usb port you bought. I don't recall off hand which is which, but testing with a multi meter should clear that up in about 2 seconds. If I recall the hot wire (should be red) is the one attached to the center post of the cig lighter. I can't really tell from the picture, but I would not hook it up without testing it with the meter first anyway.

Yes, it would all be easier if Toyota just used all red and black, but imagine looking at a bundle of 15-20 wires and they are all red and black, you have no way of knowing which wire ran to which part of the truck.

I added a similar USB port to that same spot. However I just ran a hot wire (red) all the way (with a fuse) to my second battery. Black wire is simply grounded to the body or bracket someplace) Plain and simple, it's always hot and makes charging things a bit more flexible for me.

If your worried about your 40K just buy a couple of these couple of these one for the front, one for the back, the glove box, center console, back seat or where ever you have a cig port and be done with it.

 

[HunterDonahue]

So here is the status. I learned how to use the tap crimps. I wired (red to black and white) and (green to black). I did not have enough wire to be able to cut it and test with a multimeter and so, upon the advice of an electrician, I decided that green was ground. Unfortunately, I picked wrong, or the device was dead to begin with, and the project failed. The wire is also too short. For now, I reinstalled the blanks and left the tap crimps on. I don't believe there is any way to undo a tap crimp. I now plan on buying some good quality cig lighter usb's. I may try to do the add a fuse.

Thank you for all of your suggestions.

 

[cutty01]

I don't believe there is any way to undo a tap crimp.

A tap crimp just puts a small incision into the plastic insulation to tap into the bare wire underneath. Just remove it and wrap with electrical tape. You won't even notice since it's hidden.

 

[HunterDonahue]

A tap crimp just puts a small incision into the plastic insulation to tap into the bare wire underneath. Just remove it and wrap with electrical tape. You won't even notice since it's hidden.

Should I try to undo it and switch the wires to try to make it work?

 

[HunterDonahue]

Bump

 

[nglayton]

Bump

In my experience hooking one up backwards shouldn't kill the device. It just doesn't work correctly.

If you can easily reverse the leads and test the USB device with the wires reversed, yes.

But I would caution you on undoing the taps or re-tapping the wire in the same location. It can be done easy enough, but they aren't really designed to have too much stress, especially in the same exact spot.

It's also possibly for those crimp taps to completely fail when you crimp them down. I have many miss the wire inside and had to start over.

And again use a test light or a multimeter and this project would be finished in minutes..........

Easiest way to test the usb plug, is pull it out and hook it directly to the battery and see if it works. It should be fused of course...... red+ and black - and see if it works, if not it's dead.