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I got tired of having to leave my center console door open when charging my daughter's electronics.
I decided to install a dual USB socket for her (Scosche reVOLT 12W + 12W Dual USB Car Charger). It's a good charger that can simultaneously supply 2 x 2.4 Amps. It's also small enough to fit behind the rear panel.
It is an easy mod. Drill a .75" hole, epoxy the charger in place, then tap into the lower wiring harness (pins 1 & 11: Red +, White w/ Black stripe - ) I also tried my best to match the interior by spray painting it with Fusion paint.
The drill bit was 3/4". I had to file it larger just slightly (using a dremel). I also put a few shallow notches around the hole so that it wouldn't turn after I epoxied it in - just in case.
Yes, you do have to take apart the charger to solder in the wire. It splits in half using a thin putty knife. I then took out the metal tip and metal "wings", and soldered where the metal pieces attach. I think the tip is positive and the wings negative - I don't recall sorry. You can check with a multimeter.
Just a thought, you might want to consider installing a combo 12 volt + USB charger outlet to provide more options for the rear passengers. That would likely require a larger cutout however.
As you may know, the '13+ ES already have the 12 volt outlet in the back from the factory.
I have the charger, how did you manage to take it apart with a putty knife. I dont see where i can do it
The charger that I used, seemed to be glued at the halves so prior to cracking them open I used a pair of vice grips adjusted to slightly smaller than the charger's diameter to crack the glue first.
Ok thats why, Ill try that in hopes it doesnt break
If you don't want to open it up, maybe you can just solder onto the metal tip and wing. That may work.
I didn't test this method though. (i.e. perhaps the tip needs to be pushed in to make contact). Also check the clearance if you leave the tip in place.
Where did u tap into for power? Does this only work when the car is on?
tap into the lower wiring harness (pins 1 & 11: Red +, White w/ Black
stripe - )
You need to cut open the plastic sheathing a bit. These wires operate the power outlet inside the console box, and they are hot only with the ignition/acc on.
I used T-tap connectors to make the connection. I may solder them in permanently in the future, but for now it'll be OK.
08-12-14, 07:46 PM
Mod - adding USB socket for rear passengers
