Can the USB/AUX Plug be separated?

as is standard my 2014 has the joint AUX/USB plug mounted just under the climate controls on my dash. Next to it are 3 empty spots with nothing but covers over them. I am anal about this and would like to see those spots used for something. I was wondering if the joint USB/AUX plug could be changed out for separate Aux and USB plugs, each occupying its own space? I guess the real question is does the joint plug attach to the back of the HU with one harness or are the USB and AUX connections separate into the HE?

 

heres one way... but its going to be a pain in the ass.

purchase an additional blank from toyota for that space. they are like $5.

remove center console all the way...
remove the stock block with the USB and 3.5mm jack. stash that behind the center stack.

plug in this

Rerii 2 Meters Length USB to USB Female Extension Socket Panel Flush Mount for Car, Boat and Motorcycle

thing to the stock USB you just removed and hid behind the stack, mount it into the new blank by using a step drill.

remove the other blank. Using a step drill, install

$15 Xtenzi Aux 3.5mm or Mp3 Input underdash Cable kit Extension Socket in Car Marine Dashboard Flush Mount Lead Cable Mounting Panel, 1 Meter

this 3.5mm jack into it. plug its end into the stock mini jack.

you will still have 2 blanks left. but your USB and mini jack will be separate.

there are no jacks behind the head unit to separate them. they are wired into the truck. hence this piggy back method. I would keep the other two blanks available should you decide to install seat heaters down the road...

 

Thanks for the idea. I have been considering adding seat heaters with the separate controls-that would take care of the last two blanks.

 

the only reason i thought to post that was because i recently did this on my tundra... the USB was located out in the open and i wanted to relocate it into the center console. i removed the stock USB block, hid it behind the dash, installed a blank plug in its former location, then plugged the male end of that USB cable into the factory plug, and ran the other end into the console and installed it there. essentially you're just linking 2 USBs together but its reversible, it works, and is not invasive to the vehicles wiring.

in your case your adding the mini jack to the next block over.

round switches install into those blanks pretty easily, like seat heat ect. just mark the center, set the drill to low speed and use the step drill bit to carve out the desired diameter.