Dual USB socket install

[sdnative]

I posted over on Expo, but wanted to put it here also.


Replaced the cigarette plug in my 2003 100-series with a Powerwerx dual USB plug. Essentially the same as the Blue Sea, maybe even made by them not sure.


Removed the trim. Took me a bit to figure out how to get it off. There are 5 clips holding it in place, just pull straight out.

Removed the connector from the back of the cigarette lighter plug. Also pulled off the connector for the light ring (will not be used). Pulled the wire and connector out of the plastic plug

Removed the cigarette lighter plug from the trim. Had to enlarge the hole slightly with a file. I didn't want to enlarge it too much as I wanted the threads on the new plug to engage the trim for a nice tight fit. I really didn't even need the nut on the back but installed it anyway.

Test fitting. Turns out it was a direct fit to the new plug with no cutting wires necessary. Solid color wire goes on positive terminal, Wire with stripe goes on negative terminal.

Not shown, but I used heat shrink before the final install to avoid a potential short.

Left over pieces

Pretty easy, just take your time so you don't break anything.

 

[Tapage]

I did the same in my 80 series and 60 series .. just use protected terminals instead of the factory ones ..

 

[onlyonedr]

That is a great little product idea. I need to get one to swap out one of my lighter sockets.

 

[roberto84]

Neat.. For me I still prefer to have the cigarette lighter. I do have some area in my dash board where I can mount my USB socket. I just need to tap wires from my cigarette lighter lines to supply the USB socket. I might also add an inverter outlet somewhere for my laptop adapter because I travel a lot and this may come in handy.

Regards,
Roberto
http://blog.7pcb.com

 

[stonekutters]

Here is the thread if someone wants to easily remove the lighter socket.

Cig lighter no longer working....

 

[stonekutters]

Hi folks - fun story for the day.

I got the Powerwerx USB installer, removed the socket, plugged it in with heat shrink, turn on the car and no blue LED light. I am thinking maybe the LED light is busted, take a USB cable and stick it in an iPad and POOF - smoke and burning smell!

After re-reading this thread and taking a look at the wires seems I swapped the positive and negative!

Luckily I put back the cigarette lighter and everything works normally! I'll see if I can get a replacement for the USB adapter and try again!

 

[george_tlc]

^ well, I guess the powerwerx usb folk (whatever made in china device they sourced) felt $0.20 for a series diode to protect from 'certain +/- impaired folk' was not necessary

cheers,
george.

 

[sdnative]

Yea, that's disappointing. Next one will be Blue Sea.

 

[stonekutters]

Got a new USB adapter and it worked well - looks neat. Thanks @sdnative

 

[SmoothLC]

Thanks for posting this "how to" @sdnative.

I noticed that over on the Expedition Portal thread (Vehicle charging solutions for iPad Mini) that @RobRed said the cigarette lighter already has a fuse.

Does anyone know if the lighter in the center console under the lid ('99 100 series) also has a fuse?

Thinking about doing the center console one as well and place the port on the back of the center console blank.

 

[RobRed]

The console socket is on the same circuit - so yeah fused.

 

[toyotaspeed90]

I did something similar but very different in my 80. Who knew that 2 heat seaters and a USB charger would be enough to kill the stock socket?

The wiring is 14ga marine wire from battery directly to the unit (2 sets of wires - 1 for USB charger/voltmeter that's on a standalone ACC switched relay) and 12V source has constant power, with separate fuses.

Had the relay/harness, had the wire, and this 3 way unit was about $20 from Amazon:

The voltmeter display is visible while driving.