Where to Tie In USB Wire to Port thru the Dash

[GreyhoundGuy]

I've got a '10 LE without Nav/GPS built in, so I've been using my iPhone 5 for navigation. I hate taking my eyes off the road to look at the iPhone as I usually just put it in the front cup holder while I'm driving.

Update to request in post below… check that one out for clarification. Thanks.

To get the screen more at eye level, I bought a Ram Mount X-Grip for my iPhone. (It's the Large Twist Lock one ... the sixth one down on the page.) So far, I'm really happy. It keeps a firm grip on the phone, and I think it'll work for most larger phones in case we ever upgrade to a bigger phone. Plus the suction cup is keeping a death grip on the windshield!

Here's what it looks like as is with no power cord...

...without the phone in the X-Grip:

...with the phone in the X-Grip:

I'm planning on pulling the dash and drilling (eek!) a hole where I can run a permanent power cord. Ideally, the hole would be near the front left speaker. I'll also get a rubber grommet to make it look nice and purty.

I'm thinking a hole around this red spot would be great...

The question is where to tie in the USB on the other end. My plan was to get a longer cable (6.5') and just tie it in to the USB that's already in the glovebox... but I've had issues with streaming audio via that USB (it randomly cuts out), and I'm worried that it's an issue that will continue once I've tied in to it that connection... so I'm looking for other suggestions.

If you weren't going to tap in to the USB in your glovebox... where would you tap in to? Mind you... I'm not an electrician, so there's going to be a HUGE learning curve for me to deal with.

Let me know your thoughts, and THANKS in advance!!

-Joel

 

[Nolarola]

First of all, the best way to do this would be to install a new stereo with NAV or something like the 4000 NEX which will soon have Carplay. Also, I don't see the need to drill a hole. Just pop off the A Pillar, pull the cable and then put the pillar back on - I think there's enough wiggle room you won't notice it. I've never had any issues with an iphone and a long USB cord, the Amazon ones are pretty sturdy, so I really do not think this is a roadblock.

 

[RedSled]

Make sure you use apple cord or adapters or you may have trouble streeming. Not after market that says they are apple.

 

[Taco04]

You could put the cord between the windshield and the A pillar so you won't have to drill a hole. You might have to put a small notch in the pillar but it beats a hole in the dash. There is a plug on the A pillar if you pry it out there is a 10mm bolt once you remove this you can pull the pillar off. You can route it there then route it behind the rubber weather stripping that runs along side the dash this will get you under the dash. You could also run some fishing string where the A pillar sits down through the dash and pull the cord through as well. This would be a a shorter route than behind the weather stripping. Any way hope this helps a bit.

 

[GreyhoundGuy]

I like y'all's ideas of running out by the A-pillar. Much better than drilling.

Is there any way to power the cable so that I can still use it via BlueTooth instead of the other Aux input? (If I run it through the USB in the glovebox, it doesn't pull via BT. I'm trying to keep it BT, not Aux. Does that make sense?

Thanks again!!

-Joel

 

[mace.]

Just install a powered USB port near the fuse panel and power it from that.

 

[GreyhoundGuy]

Just install a powered USB port near the fuse panel and power it from that.

[MENTION=77504]mace.[/MENTION] - I did some digging and found this setup on a Chevy Camaro site. It looks pretty good and he used it to power an older iPhone (3GS?) ... although I think I'd clean up the install a bit. Do you think this would work?

Here is his soldering of the disassembled cigarette lighter USB adapter:

Here's his finished product:

Here's his finished setup after he tapped it into his fuse panel (5A, I think?):

I would probably use a shorter bit of wire, heat shrink a nice cover on, and call it good.

As I mentioned in my original post, I'm not an electrician, so this is all going to be brand new for me. (I've never soldered anything before!!) Would this work for what I'm looking to do?

Thanks again for your help.

-Joel