USB power anytime mod

Looking for any ideas on how to simply and neatly turn the USB port that’s located under the nav system into power anytime. I’d like to be able to charge things with the truck off. Thanks in advance

 

In accessory mode?

 

That is powered from the head unit directly, so not an easy plug n play mod. You can either modify the connector at the back of the plug, or source a bunch of cables.
To modify the plug, (remove the 2 power wires but leave the two data wires), then power the socket from any 12v to 5v dc to dc adapter that connected to a constant power source.
With cables. You’ll need the head unit to USB connector from an aftermarket stereo, and the exact opposite of that, then a usb Y cable that separates power and data, then again use a dc to dc adapter. So you end up with a set of cables that’s HU to Standard USB, USB Y cable, Standard USB to inverse HU. And you plug that between the HU and USB socket.

it would be easier to make the cig socket a USB socket and power that from a constant 12v.

 

I bought this from Amazon and just added to the left side switch panel where there was blank. wired it to a direct 12 volt source. The blue LED light draws about nothing. That left the dash wiring stock. Regards Scott

$13 Cllena Toyota USB Charger for Toyota Switch Plant with 3.3A 5V Dual USB Power Socket Blue Light (2.1/1.2A)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CFWIXPE?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

 

I have your solution. Just did it on my taco. Wanted the oem look with it functional

 

About less then 20 bucks. 1 wire from aliexpress and a converter from Amazon
Buy a 12v to 5v DC Converter on AMAZON. 10 bucks. It has one usb that’s all you need.
then buy car aux audio data cable from aliexpress. 3.11 shipped. Grab the power from the
Cigarette lighter in the armrest. Black w/white is neg, yellow is positive. It’s plug and play.
If you have a question PM me. Sorry I didn’t take any pics. It took 10 mins to install

 

Works 100 percent

 

The cig lighter in the center console has constant power?? Didn't know that...

 

I don’t know what taco you have. But my 2017 Tacoma turns off with the ignition. Even if yours stays on. I don’t think your leaving your phone in your truck.

 

You can always wire it to a constant power source. And Aliexpress also sells the converter for 4 bucks.

 

IMHO You maybe better off doing the power outlet/cigarette lighter mod I did. Then you can charge anything. Cost is 0 if you can find a 4 inch piece of wire and two male blade connectors. I did need to pull down the Maine Body Ecu and rotate it. I’m pretty sure the basic wiring is pretty much unchanged and you would need to just confirm the relay location to bypass..
I can charge anything with cig lighter end. Just a thought.

 

$5 Ali express Amazonian jungle and Chinese connections may just fail/short and burn your truck to the frame.
Are you a electrician? Will you use "fused" power?

If not, you will be in need of a Fire Investigator who will tell the insurance company the vehicle was "modified".
Next letter you will get is from the insurance company informing you of a claim denial.

Just saying because I see this crap all the time.

 

Under the left kick panel is that trailer brake harness connector. If you are not using a trailer brake controller, there is non-key power in that connector. Work great for me.

Also, there is a ground stud right behind the left side of the HVAC panel. So, it is pretty easy to wire in USB charging.

 

Here's the connector:

 

This is a great idea, thanks for sharing. Better than modifying stock since it's reversible and looks stock.

 

Did it fit your 2021?

 

Yes. I placed it in the blank on the left lower switch panel.