2012 USB plug

I have a 2012 and have a question about the USB plug below the radio. Is there away to take it out of the holder and split it? What I want to do is split it and have one go back to the holder in the dash and have another BEHIND the dash so I can plug something in permanently. Any idea?

 

In theory, yeah. The USB protocol allows for cable lengths up to about 25 feet. However, you can't just splice the wires; there is actual circuitry involved. You have to buy a splitter/switch/hub/Y-cable whatever to do it. And then route the cables, and fit them.

In practice.... I dunno man. Every USB hub/splitter I have ever used has been utter shite. Some devices work great, others don't. And I don't know how well the head unit will do with multiple devices attached, but that should be easy enough to test.

If you try it, report back, I'd definitely be interested in hearing about it.

 

by splitting I mean use a y-cable. Does anyone know how to take the USB end out of the plastic holder thingy? Picture would be great.

 

First try plugging in a y-cable and see if it works with two devices. have you tried that?

 

no because I don't have a y-cable yet. I just wanna charge two things at once from it.

 

Oh, that should work no problem. I'm not sure how you would take it out. I have a 1st gen tacoma, and I had too add a usb plug myself.

 

What about just add a simple USB charger like this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Bullet...582248?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item19c97ccee8

 

I want it to be hidden a much as possible so you don't see the wires. I just don't know how to take the USB plug apart from the holder

 

I just plugged in a dual USB mini plug in the cig lighter, and it fits perfectly, hard to grap it to remove if needed. Almost looks factory. Now the acc plug is free for other toys...

 

What about adding a 12v cig lighter style socket behind the dash and plugging in one of the USB adapter splitters? You could tap the existing 12v or run a new one from the fuse box. Seems easier and cheaper while still getting the same result.

Plus this.

 

Same here, they are available everywhere and work great.

 

OK, is there a nice write up on how to do this? I know I saw something before

 

Here is one, did it for a gps, but tells you how to ad the lighter socket in.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/51313-how-easy-gps-hardwiring.html

 

As some others have mentioned - then wire up an additional cig lighter under the dash, then stick one of those USB plugs in. 12v wire is easier than playing around with USB. I did a similar setup for my wife's GPS so it looks hardwired. Easy to remove and I didn't have to chop the GPS cable.

 

I have a 2012 and in this picture there are 4 empty fuses, 1 at the top and 3 at the bottom. Anyone know what one I can use that turns on and off with the ignition? The one with the yellow dot I can't use since I have a fuse there? Also what size fuse should I use in my add a circuit, 7.5 and 3?

thanks

 

^^^^bump

 

What do you want to do with the USB port? Do you just want to use it as a charger, or do you want to use it as an alternate port to plug in a thumb drive? I have a 2008, so it didn't come with a USB port. I added one using a Gromm adapter, and also added a 12V power outlet. I located them in the center console. Here's my write-up.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/177642-usb-aux-input-12v-outlet-console-write-up.html

 

All I want to do is add an extra 12V power outlet. I just need to know where to plug it in so it turns on and off with the ignition.

 

I just tapped mine to the 12V outlet that's below the HVAC controls.

 

I don't know the answer to your question, but it would be easy enough to find out. With the vehicle ignition OFF, check the DC voltage on each location. Then with the vehicle ignition ON, check the DC voltage again. If you get 12V with it ON, but not with it OFF then you have found your match.