Always on Power

I tried searching for this, but didnt quite get the answers I was looking for.

I want to add 2 USB charging ports to where the switches go in the center of my dash. Id love to remove that Qi charger button that just makes my phone hot. My current plan is to crack open the dash, put in the buttons, and then use an Add A Fuse to tap into an always on power.

Does anyone have advice or a guide about how to get to the lower switches in the dash? Also looking for a diagram of the always on power sources in the dash, not particularly interested in going through the firewall to get it, if I can avoid it.

 

If your Taco has no sliding roof, the fuse to that circuit is empty and is an always ON one.

 

For removing the switch in the center console, you'll see write ups about removing a bunch of trim panels to get to it from behind. Not necessary. I used one of the small metal 'spatulas' from

$22 XOOL 82 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set, Magnetic Electronics Repair Tool Kit with Flexible Shaft and Extension Rod, Compatible for PC, Laptop, iPhone, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Camera, Computer, Tablet

this tool kit to slide underneath one of my switches to release the 'paw' holding it in (there's one on top and bottom). The dash plastic is soft and cheap so don't pry very hard. If you wanted to be extra careful you could use a

ABN Premium Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit - 11 Piece Pry Bar Set, Fastener Remover, No Scratch Trim Removal Set

plastic pry bar/trim tool. Just slide it under the switch into the gap that allows the switch move until you hit that 'paw' and pry up a little to release it.

 

Quick question.
I’d like to have a constant power on for the power outlet in the center console, (one at the bottom of it). Think it be safe to connect that sunroof fuse to it? I don’t have a sunroof. Thanks.

 

Safe? If you connect an item that requires power when all is OFF, it might deplete the battery enough that could prevent starting.(If you forget about it)

 

@monoman, you could identify the circuit side of the power outlet.
I know the Battery side on the sliding roof fuse is the pin on the outer side.
The circuit side of the roof sliding fuse is the inner side on the fuse panel.
You could place 2 add-a-fuse on each circuit. Then leave the bottom fuse slot on the add-a-fuse empty. Join the add-a-fuse's wire, thus bridging the battery circuit to the power outlet circuit. But you must identify the circuit side of the Power Outlet, else you'll send juice to the IGN circuit, not good at all.

 

Ok. Gotcha. I realize that you have to remember that it's always on. I mainly use the outlet for charging my phone so not much power is used. So with my last Tacoma, (first gen) I had an outlet that I switched to always on. I did the constant on mod where you remove the relay, put in a jumper wire where the relay is that's in the main fuse box under the hood. I'm gonna put in an external fuse box anyways but I thought I'd try to use a circuit that's already in the truck for constant on. Thanks for the info.

 

There is non-keyed power in the trailer brake connector behind the left kick panel.

Be sure to add a manual switch in line just in case you are parked long term.

 

T7 Towing Brake T harness info

 

Right on!


I just updated that with a connector harness that @daveeasa made for me and added an inline switch as the USB outlets all seem to have an LED of some sort.

Previously, I just had a fork spade stuck in there.

 

I had a plug and play harness to the trailer brake pigtail for my always on outlet. I had to remove it when I needed to add a trailer brake controller. Now I use the blank/empty spot under the AM1 fuse and an add a fuse.

 

We're still a bit away from getting a TT. When that happens, it should be easy to move it over as the harness runs right past the block now. I even have the @MESO cover since the stocker was so craptastic.

 

I’ll have to give that a try. I’d really like to add more switches. Do you know if anyone has installed the Tufskinz Center Dash Switch Panel (2016-2021)? It seems like you’d have to tear everything apart.

 

I installed a UPS battery and isolation charger that powers a few always on circuits. That way it can’t drain the starting battery. Write up in my build thread.