USB Charger In 2nd Row

[sLADe781]

Has anyone found a solution to install a USB charger in the rear that looks factory?

I've read other posts about using the AUKEY charger (which I have) but when input into the port, it causes the cover to remain open and not close. Is there something on the market where we could just swap out the 12v port for a USB charger instead? I'm trying to go for a clean look back there which is why this is more difficult to do.

Also, going back to the cover, how does one remove it without breaking it? I was attempting to remove it last night and there appears to be a pin that goes through the cover and spring but I was not able to push it out so I could not remove the cover without breaking it. :nono:

 

[97BlackAckCL]

https://www.amazon.com/Ginsco-Charg...er+usb+socket&qid=1562695591&s=gateway&sr=8-3

 

[sLADe781]

https://www.amazon.com/Ginsco-Charg...er+usb+socket&qid=1562695591&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I get an error message when I click on the link.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I get an error message when I click on the link.

Works fine for me, just go to Amazon and search Ginsco Dual USB Charger Socket Power Outlet

 

[DarkPassenger]

Has anyone found a solution to install a USB charger in the rear that looks factory?

I've read other posts about using the AUKEY charger (which I have) but when input into the port, it causes the cover to remain open and not close. Is there something on the market where we could just swap out the 12v port for a USB charger instead? I'm trying to go for a clean look back there which is why this is more difficult to do.

Also, going back to the cover, how does one remove it without breaking it? I was attempting to remove it last night and there appears to be a pin that goes through the cover and spring but I was not able to push it out so I could not remove the cover without breaking it. :nono:

It's actually a very easy job to swap. The center console trim pulls off by hand, giving you unrestricted access to the backside of the 12v ports. Open the console lid about half way, then pull from the top edge down. I'll snap a few pictures for you and update this thread.

Once you have the 12v outlets removed, it's easy to solder or splice a USB charger. I used this USB port. I like it because it has a built-in volt meter. I didn't need a volt meter in the 2nd row, obviously, but I was swapping out the 12v in the center dash as well, so I just bought 2x of the same USB ports, since I like them and I know they work.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F84VVB4/

 

[Tejas]

It's actually a very easy job to swap. The center console trim pulls off by hand, giving you unrestricted access to the backside of the 12v ports. Open the console lid about half way, then pull from the top edge down. I'll snap a few pictures for you and update this thread.

Once you have the 12v outlets removed, it's easy to solder or splice a USB charger.

Which one are you using?

 

[DarkPassenger]

Sorry, I edited my post to include an amazon link to the USB port I'm using. I've had 2 of them installed for a few months and have no complaints with them. Only time will tell if the Quick Charge brains/circuitry has a decent lifespan.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F84VVB4/

It's worth mentioning: 99% of these dual USB charging ports are larger in diameter than the stock 12v. You will need to use a dremel or file to increase the diameter of the mounting hole in order to convert a 12v port to a USB. I used a dremel and enlarged the hole in my dash by hand. Enlarged by 1/8 or maybe 1/4 inch. I didn't measure. I just ground away, test fitted by hand, and ground some more until it fit correctly. Gotta go slow and be careful with a dremel, but it's super easy. Highly recommend removing the dash piece / trim piece and working on it outside of the car. Waaaay easier and less likely to scratch something by accident.

Standby for better pictures.

 

[sLADe781]

It's actually a very easy job to swap. The center console trim pulls off by hand, giving you unrestricted access to the backside of the 12v ports. Open the console lid about half way, then pull from the top edge down. I'll snap a few pictures for you and update this thread.

Once you have the 12v outlets removed, it's easy to solder or splice a USB charger. I used this USB port. I like it because it has a built-in volt meter. I didn't need a volt meter in the 2nd row, obviously, but I was swapping out the 12v in the center dash as well, so I just bought 2x of the same USB ports, since I like them and I know they work.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F84VVB4/

Very nice!!

Yes, if possible, please take pictures of how you took apart both the center dash as well as the rear center console to access the 12v ports.

For the rear swap, are you able to close the cover flush like before? Or did you just completely remove the cover (I can't tell from the picture because you are holding something up but not sure if it was the stock cover). If the over was removed, were you able to remove it without breaking it?

Thanks so much!

 

[Whippersnapper02]

I shoved one of these in the port:

 

[DarkPassenger]

Very nice!!

Yes, if possible, please take pictures of how you took apart both the center dash as well as the rear center console to access the 12v ports.

For the rear swap, are you able to close the cover flush like before? Or did you just completely remove the cover (I can't tell from the picture because you are holding something up but not sure if it was the stock cover). If the over was removed, were you able to remove it without breaking it?

Thanks so much!

Most USB ports come with their own covers that are designed to be pressed into the USB slot to protect from dust/moisture. Most of them are rubber and are simply held in place by a rubber ring that's slipped over the barrel housing, so you can remove the cover all together if you want. The stock 12v cover won't close cleanly over a USB port. It will stick out a little bit and be annoying.

This is the same brand USB port that I linked via amazon above. Installed in my front dash. Switched to the ignition key, so the USB ports (and the volt meter LED) only work when the ignition is ON or ACC. Same is true for the 2nd row ports - only get power with the ignition.

 

[DarkPassenger]

Center console trim removal for access to 2nd row 12v power ports:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGEimpYpRsU&feature=youtu.be

Front dash trim and HVAC removal for access to 12v power port:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t8UpMLWMVQ&feature=youtu.be

Take note of the 2x 10mm bolts at the end of my dash disassembly video. Remove those bolts to remove the mounting bracket that holds the 12v power outlet in place. Once that's in your hands, you can easily disconnect the Molex power connector, remove the 12v housing from the bracket, and swap for a USB.

The 12v port is sorta tricky to remove the first time you do it. It pushes out thru the front. The spring loaded cover stays attached and the entire unit comes out in one piece. Hopefully it makes sense when you look at it yourself. Disconnect the power and set it on a table for a good view. You have to release some retaining pins that are inside the 12v connector, then push the whole unit forward out of the mounting bracket. Same is true for the 2nd row seating power outlets. Exact same design holding them in place.

Don't start this project if you're not willing to dremel out the factory dash hole to make it large enough to fit a USB port. No turning back, because a 12v port will no longer fit snugly in there if you ever try to swap it back.

 

[GripT4R]

I have the same exact setup as DarkPassenger (as posted above). I love the samsung quick charge capability.

I still have to install inside the armrest (haven't really looked into how to get the armrest/center console apart.

 

[DarkPassenger]

I have the same exact setup as DarkPassenger (as posted above). I love the samsung quick charge capability.

I still have o e to install inside the armrest (haven't really looked into how to get the armrest/center console apart.

Good timing. See my minty fresh youtube posted above. Center console disassembly is even easier than the dash - No tools required. I think it took me 25 seconds.

 

[GripT4R]

Good timing. See my minty fresh youtube posted above. Center console disassembly is even easier than the dash - No tools required. I think it took me 25 seconds.

I have the 2nd row one already. I need to know how to replace the 12v outlet inside the center console, under the armrest.

 

[DarkPassenger]

I have the 2nd row one already. I need to know how to replace the 12v outlet inside the center console, under the armrest.

Ah. I installed a ConsoleVault in mine back in 2015. I don't recall the details, but I think it was just a bolt or two holding the center console body to the floor. Hardest part is probably emptying out all the junk we stash in there.

 

[GripT4R]

Ah. I installed a ConsoleVault in mine back in 2015. I don't recall the details, but I think it was just a bolt or two holding the center console body to the floor. Hardest part is probably emptying out all the junk we stash in there.

Its all good, one of these days when it isn't 110 outside ill look into it and figure it out.

 

[sLADe781]

Center console trim removal for access to 2nd row 12v power ports:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGEimpYpRsU&feature=youtu.be

Front dash trim and HVAC removal for access to 12v power port:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t8UpMLWMVQ&feature=youtu.be

Take note of the 2x 10mm bolts at the end of my dash disassembly video. Remove those bolts to remove the mounting bracket that holds the 12v power outlet in place. Once that's in your hands, you can easily disconnect the Molex power connector, remove the 12v housing from the bracket, and swap for a USB.

The 12v port is sorta tricky to remove the first time you do it. It pushes out thru the front. The spring loaded cover stays attached and the entire unit comes out in one piece. Hopefully it makes sense when you look at it yourself. Disconnect the power and set it on a table for a good view. You have to release some retaining pins that are inside the 12v connector, then push the whole unit forward out of the mounting bracket. Same is true for the 2nd row seating power outlets. Exact same design holding them in place.

Don't start this project if you're not willing to dremel out the factory dash hole to make it large enough to fit a USB port. No turning back, because a 12v port will no longer fit snugly in there if you ever try to swap it back.

This is perfect. Thank you so much!!!

 

[houben]

This is that I'm looking to do too. Thank you much.

 

[DarkPassenger]

This is perfect. Thank you so much!!!

Happy to help. I still have one more 12v outlet to replace, so I'll take the opportunity to record how to remove it from the housing. It's kinda awkward, but not hard once you figure it out. A small, flat blade screwdriver helps a lot.

I cut the Molex connector off the 12v unit and soldered it onto the raw wires of the new USB unit. The USB charger is then plugged into the the factory wiring harness via solid, vibration resistant connection.

Overall it's a pretty easy project and well worth the effort for very little money. Feel free to ask if you need help with wiring.

Cheers!

 

[sLADe781]

Happy to help. I still have one more 12v outlet to replace, so I'll take the opportunity to record how to remove it from the housing. It's kinda awkward, but not hard once you figure it out. A small, flat blade screwdriver helps a lot.

I cut the Molex connector off the 12v unit and soldered it onto the raw wires of the new USB unit. The USB charger is then plugged into the the factory wiring harness via solid, vibration resistant connection.

Overall it's a pretty easy project and well worth the effort for very little money. Feel free to ask if you need help with wiring.

Cheers!

So last night I attempted to take out the 12v port but got stuck when trying to pull the face plate that the port is connected to out due to some other trim piece in the way:



This trim piece prevented me from being able to pull out the face plate...does your 4Runner have this piece? Any ideas on how to remove it? It seems like it is under the center console trim so not sure if the whole center console has to come out too or not... :shrug: