USB Always On

Yes I searched and no I didn't get any results bc usb is too short

Any mod on keeping the USB always on to charge?

Thanks, JB

 

I haven't seen one done but I know there's some wires that keep power to the radio to save presets and time so you could tap into that. DO NOT however tap into the air bag system, it stays on but not something you want (literally) blowing up in your face.

 

I installed a double USB charger from banggood (Chinese website) that installs perfectly into one of the blanks beside the 12v accessory plugs. I used a add-a-fuse and plugged it into the horn on the fuse box. Super simple and a flawless install. It's always on and never any issues of power draw from its little blue LED light (That is hidden by the cover when not in use).



http://m.banggood.com/1224V-Dual-US...-Car-Charger-Adapter-For-TOYOTA-p-958489.html

 

I converted one of my existing cigarette lighter outlets to be "always on". I cut the switched (+) wire at the back of the outlet and spliced in a wire I pulled direct from the battery. It is fused at the same amps as the socket is rated. If you do this be sure to insulate the old wire you cut as it will be energized when the ignition is turned on.

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed electrician. I know just enough about auto electrical systems to burn my truck to the ground.

 

Seems like some good options here. I'm going to play around with it this week. Thanks all!

JB

 

I just bought a 2 USB port unit to replace one of my cigarette lighter plugs. I'm assuming the current cigarette plug is not always on? Good idea running a wire direct from the battery, what gauge wire and fuse size did you use? Is it wired in like this:
Then you used the cigarette ground wire?

 

Yes, I used an inline fuse holder almost exactly like that. I am almost sure I pulled 16 ga. and also almost sure it is a 15amp. fuse to match the rating stamped on the cig. lighter door. I am sure that I matched whatever the outlet is rated for.

The back of the socket has two wires coming out of it. One (+) and one (-). (I think the (+) is red but don't quote me) I cut the (+) wire with enough left to strip and use a butt connector to attach to my new always on (+) to the socket. I did not touch the (-) wire. I then taped up the old (+) so that it did not short when the ignition is turned on.

If you zoom in you can see the back of the drivers side cig. lighter with the two wires sticking out.

 

Very cool, I think I'm going to install mine into the cigarette lighter in the center console and just use the current wires for now. Only time I'd use it is when I'm in the truck and driving, so shouldn't need constant power. I can always rewire it later, but that is for sure cool to know.

 

This is what I got:

 

It says that it replaces the cigarette lighter plug, but I'll see how well it does this weekend when I can install it.

 

Seriously boys, use an add a fuse and pop out that blank between your cigaret outlets. Wire this dual USB from Amazon to the add a fuse and the negative to ground and plug it into your horn fuse using the add a fuse.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014...toyota+usb&dpPl=1&dpID=41VP-ugErML&ref=plSrch



15 min tops and it will always be on so you can charge your phone at the campsite without worrying about leaving your keys in the ignition.

 

I might have gone this way but I was already pulling wires from the battery and had the dash apart.

I used the cig lighter not a USB because I can always use an adapter from cig to USB but not the other way around.

 

Snapped some pictures of my USB plug.

 

Nice! Wish I would have known about this before ordering the other part. O'well..

 

That looks great. Is there a write up on how to remove the dash/media pieces?

PMG

 

I'd install that one in your armrest and still tap it into the horn. That way if there is an LED light that says on its hidden within your arm rest.

Just my thoughts.

Ps. Seriously how many 12v accessory plugs do you need in a truck, and yet no 120v. COME ON!

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B73I5ZU?psc=1


Not exactly what your talking about, but I leave this plugged in, in my console and it pretty much accomplishes the same thing. I attached it with some stick on Velcro to keep it neat, I get two usb plugs and a flashlight( not that I need another one of those counting the Maglite and the tac light on the glock, both of which are in the console as well).

 

why did you install upside down?

 

I wanted the cover to hang down to hide the blue LED light lol. I'd catch lol

 

Plus it matches the text on the top of the 12v power plug aswell duh

 

lol both good reasons. looks great by the way!

 

I'm replacing one of the cigarette lighter plugs for mine, but not sure which one yet. The far left or right, or also thought about the one in the center console.

 

Center console is my vote
#hideyourwires #ocdkeepingdashclutterfree

 

Thought I'd share here as well since the info is relevant. Very happy to report that I got the USB port installed. Hardest part was figuring out how to get the existing cigarette plug out.

Took the negative off the battery, parking brake and popped the tab to put it in neutral. Unscrewed the shifter and popped off the center console.


That exposed the cigarette lighter plug.



Took a little finagling but got it out.



Put the new one in and it fit like a champ. Tightned the nut down and good to go.




Next was to wire it in. It came with wire taps but the original harness had 2 red and 2 black. Wasn't sure what to use and on examination I noticed the prongs at the end of the new wire looked exactly like that of the original plug. Looked the right size so I used a razor blade to trim the plastic around the prong.



Plugged them into their proper side and fit perfect.



Battery back on to test it and I'm high 5ing myself, It Worked!!!



Plugged in the phone and it's charging!!



Wrapped it in electrical tape to make sure they stayed plugged in, zip tied the excess wire and put the console back together.

 

Where did you get this part and how much? I prefer the hidden wires in the middle console rather than an extra plug in the bottom of the dash personally.

 

I got it from Sparks Parts http://www.sparksparts.com/
I went on to get a direct link and I'm not finding it on there now. Maybe they are sold out? Humm...

 

Nice and clean. Did you find constant power off the fuse pannel or leave it at status quo. The other set of wires on that plug power the socket on the back of the concole. (Which should also be replaced with your fancy USB plug.). Nice write up man.

 

I just left it as is and plugged direct into the existing wire harness. Maybe later I'll rewire it if I feel I need constant power, but for now its fine how it is. Thanks!

 

Is this the one you used?

http://www.sparksparts.com/accessor...ed-dual-usb-powerport-00016-00222?parent=1325