Just thought I'd share this real quick. I took apart one of those tiny USB 12-volt chargers and after looking at how small it was decided to mount it in one of the switch blanks on the center console. After some work with the dremel and the rectangular file, some quick set epoxy, more work with the soldering iron and a heat shrink here is the final result. It's wired into the 12-volt cigarette lighter with 2 wire taps and spade connectors, so I can move it to any other location that will fit the switch blank. Happy modding...
USB Mod: Center Console Switch Blank
- Thread starter dpodo
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GForce_4Runner
New member
Looks great! Do you have it only for charging devices or does it hook into your head unit?
nyc4runnin
New member
usb is 5vdc
Yep, it's 5VDC out. Just to clarify, I gutted the internals from a USB converter like the one in the picture on the left (which, BTW is like $5 from meritline) and built it right into the switch blank on right. I soldered wires directly on the leads of the USB converter and covered them with heat shrink for protection. I attached spade connectors to the other end of the wires, which in turn fit into wire tap connectors for 12VDC and ground on the cigarette lighter.
Seems like someone would have just made something similar for after market installation.
Seems like someone would have just made something similar for after market installation.
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BReardon21
Guest
Very Nice Mod, love the ingenuity
nyc4runnin
New member
i got mine from meritline for 89 cents shipped.
you should've tapped the 12v for the unused connector under the pannel for the 2nd power socket
Bedstraps
New member
How would one go about tapping the 12V?
CrimsonCountry
New member
Great idea. Another item added to my ever growing "To-Mod" list. I assume you going to keep it uncovered? I would hate for any debris build up down in the connection due to its upturned direction.
nyc4runnin
New member
search the forum for pics of the unused connector. i tapped it for power to my rear headrest screens
As nyc4runnin points out, there is an unused plug under the center console. I chose instead to tap the leads to the accessory 12volt outlet under the flip-up ashtray so that I didn't have another connector to unplug when I remove the center console ( the center console that surrounds the shifter lifts right out without tools--it's just clipped in place ). I used two wire taps and two spade connectors that you can get from any auto parts store (similar to the one in the picture).
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Good point. The particular voltage converter I cannibalized actually has a little rubber plug that came with it to cover the USB port, but for now I'm leaving it uncovered. Hopefully debris won't be a problem, but I guess I'll keep the plug handy in case I need it.
knightsfs4
New member
What did you use to cut through the blank and what is holding it in there?
I'm doing the same thing but fouled up a blank because I did it wrong lol
Jack
I'm doing the same thing but fouled up a blank because I did it wrong lol
Jack
gaterose
Senior Member
nytefog
Member
Where is this? I've used a add a circuit device to hard wire my Radar detector. Is this unused 12VDC tap near the shifter?
This usb add on is kinda pricey but works well
I used one of these kits on my center console dead panel. Turned out pretty good but kinda bulky looking... I use to work at a shop so I got the part for like $11.00...
Pac-Audio.com Product Details | iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future
This link below will give you an idea of the size of the adapter kit
20121204_164832 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
I used one of these kits on my center console dead panel. Turned out pretty good but kinda bulky looking... I use to work at a shop so I got the part for like $11.00...
Pac-Audio.com Product Details | iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future
This link below will give you an idea of the size of the adapter kit
20121204_164832 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
