Electrical (12V Aux, USB, etc) Parts and Installation?

[LinuxHack3r]

One of the first upgrades I plan on doing is to update the electronic/mobile device systems.

I plan on throwing a CarPlay headunit in, but when I do that I also want to do two, maybe three or even four things.

1) I want to fix the aux/cigarette lighter next to the driver. It is intermittent, and while using a phone charger it comes and goes and sometimes I have to wiggle the charger to get a good connection. I imagine it is just worn from 11 years use. Where can I purchase an OEM replacement for this?

2) I want to add 1 or 2 USB ports into one of the blanks between the driver and passenger. These will be power only. These will be for use by the passenger and/or rear seat passengers. I think I'll use this one, unless someone says there is a better option:
Blue Sea Systems BelowDeck

3) I would potentially like to add another 12v aux power in the center console if easily done. Currently all that is in the center console is an AUX IN for audio. Would love to have a 12v adapter in there for charging random stuff at random times.

4) This is very much something I may change, but my current plans are to in that same "compartment" referred to in #1, adding a USB port that goes to my CarPlay unit. This will be for hooking the phone up to CarPlay as well as updating firmware.

So, I'm very curious about all of this. In my mind, it will make sense to do it all at once since I will have all the panels removed, etc. I have never really did any wiring in a vehicle before, (with the exception of the obvious head unit) is this all something I can splice into the existing aux I'm going to fix?

 

[Bluesky 07]

See the link to my USB installation in my sig, which should be helpful.

 

[JONBOY345]

Might be worth checking this out if you want quick charging: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FCZC933/ref=twister_B07FD1LZCZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Dubbs_Malone]

Might be worth checking this on out if you want quick charging: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FCZC933/ref=twister_B07FD1LZCZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That thing looks pretty cool. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Jazz30-06]

If I were you, I'd take a look at using one of these and just running a single power wire to it: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Sys...=UTF8&qid=1546479402&sr=8-4&keywords=fuse+box

 

[Snagglepus]

Contemplate having at least one live 12 volt outlet

I am in the same spot-just purchased my 4Runner and thinking about charge ports and 12 volt plugs. There are a tremendous number of posts related to this subject with great discussions about various attributes based on different needs.

LinuxHack3R, I would agree that you should do as much as you can afford as long as you got it opened up.

Speaking of budgets, one really good suggestion on this forum somewhere is to invest in a smokers kit mod (mine was $20 on-line). What you get with the kit is two new outlets that plug and play into the existing harness. This will likely fix your intermittent power issues when wiggling. There is a modification on the forum that shows how to jump the relay so one of the plugs in the smokers kit is always live (along with the outlet in the rear compartment) but the lighter outlet in the kit is still switched which could have a dual usb charging plug inserted. I know that the thought of an old fashion lighter doesn’t sound very appealing but I just put it in and the mod actually looks better than the flip up top tray especially with a dual usb exposed and lit-it’s very convenient. I just put a extra usb plug in the ash tray compartment for those times I need to use it on the live plug-that pretty well fills it up and it’s always handy.

What are the advantages of having a always on 12 volt plug you ask? I favor it to be able to use an outlet to charge a portable battery, utilize devices when camping out the back without having to have the ignition on or trickle charging your 4Runner with a 2A charge if you are leaving it for anymore than a month. Disconnecting the battery is certainly an option but you will need to reset the clock, your radio presets, the one touch sunroof, the back window and drivers one touch window. By plugging a trickle charge into the 12 volt live feed you return to a fully charged battery without the reset hassles.

Another thing to consider is some head units provide extra power ports and aux ports that can eliminate having to put power into the console.

Good luck on your projects and let us all see your results to share.

 

[Terminator03]

I am in the same spot-just purchased my 4Runner and thinking about charge ports and 12 volt plugs. There are a tremendous number of posts related to this subject with great discussions about various attributes based on different needs.

LinuxHack3R, I would agree that you should do as much as you can afford as long as you got it opened up.

Speaking of budgets, one really good suggestion on this forum somewhere is to invest in a smokers kit mod (mine was $20 on-line). What you get with the kit is two new outlets that plug and play into the existing harness. This will likely fix your intermittent power issues when wiggling. There is a modification on the forum that shows how to jump the relay so one of the plugs in the smokers kit is always live (along with the outlet in the rear compartment) but the lighter outlet in the kit is still switched which could have a dual usb charging plug inserted. I know that the thought of an old fashion lighter doesn’t sound very appealing but I just put it in and the mod actually looks better than the flip up top tray especially with a dual usb exposed and lit-it’s very convenient. I just put a extra usb plug in the ash tray compartment for those times I need to use it on the live plug-that pretty well fills it up and it’s always handy.

What are the advantages of having a always on 12 volt plug you ask? I favor it to be able to use an outlet to charge a portable battery, utilize devices when camping out the back without having to have the ignition on or trickle charging your 4Runner with a 2A charge if you are leaving it for anymore than a month. Disconnecting the battery is certainly an option but you will need to reset the clock, your radio presets, the one touch sunroof, the back window and drivers one touch window. By plugging a trickle charge into the 12 volt live feed you return to a fully charged battery without the reset hassles.

Another thing to consider is some head units provide extra power ports and aux ports that can eliminate having to put power into the console.

Good luck on your projects and let us all see your results to share.

Yep, this is the route I’m taking myself. I don’t really like the look of the smoker’s kit, but the benefit is undeniable. Also having a constant 12v outlet is something I definitely want/need for when I’m on job sites and need to charge my phone. I often work in sketchy areas and need to either run my truck while charging, or at least have the key on to charge, which means sitting in my truck since I can’t lock it. Being able to plug it in, then tuck it out of sight would be a huge benefit. The other thing you mentioned about having an aux USB input for the stereo is something I’d like as well, but I need to be sure the stereo has a rear input. The Sony I just bought for my daughter’s Camry is a nice unit, but only has the input on the front for CarPlay. That’s not a total deal breaker for me, but I’d prefer to have a cleaner setup.

 

[LinuxHack3r]

After much thought, I think I have came up with the most optimized (for me) approach.

I'm going to buy the "Smoker's Kit". In the 12v/120w aux power, I will leave it as is. Where the "cigarette lighter" typically goes, I should be able to not put a cigarette lighter plug at all and instead install a USB port, such as this one:
USB Port

That will plug into the back of my head unit, which will likely be a Sony. That will charge my phone and hook my phone up to CarPlay.

However, I plan on potentially doing one of two things. I'll cut into the wires that would have went to the cigarette lighter, and either run it to another aux power in the center console or run it to a USB dual power outlet for the passenger as described earlier.

So, what does everyone think? I think it'll work perfectly.

The cost of those smoker's kits on Ebay are all over the place. There is one listing for $23.49 and then other ones for about $100.00. Any reason NOT to get the cheap one?

 

[LinuxHack3r]

This is exactly what I'm proposing. Any reason it wouldn't work? Are those "cigarette outlet ports" a standard, replaceable item? Should it just snap out and then I can get a replacement USB port that will fit the space as previously mentioned?

I will take detailed photos and document all of this if I do.

 

[RobD]

I used a Duttek USB flush mount jack and put a hole in the trim panel.

https://www.amazon.com/Duttek-USB-P...572775&sr=8-3&keywords=duttek+usb+flush+mount

Since then, I've also added a USB outlet with voltmeter above it. There is plenty of room to add sockets on that side, provided you don't mind drilling holes in your dash trim.

 

[ATLiott]

That’s weird. Your 07 doesn’t have a 120V plug in the center console? My 04 does and it came that way from the factory.

 

[Primetime4370]

That’s weird. Your 07 doesn’t have a 120V plug in the center console? My 04 does and it came that way from the factory.

Not all trim levels have this. My '05 SR5 doesn't.

 

[raamaudio]

Smokers Kit on Ebay, $23.96 shipped, OEM, new, got mine in two days

New OEM Toyota 4 Runner 4Runner Ash Tray Kit Cigarette Lighter 2003-2009 | eBay

 

[LinuxHack3r]

I bought the smoker's kit and appropriate USB piece. Figured I'd get them first and see exactly how they can fit together. I'll post a separate "How-To" when I do it.