RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

overhead USB installation

Old 08-05-14, 09:30 AM
  #1  
danielkwok
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
danielkwok's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: BC
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default overhead USB installation

Hi gang,

Looking to install a DC 12v to 5v convertor to provide power to either a dash cam or GPS. Where the best place to tap into to get 12v? Mirror or sunroof or map lights? Looking for a clean install and any wiring instruction pin outs or how to disassemble the moldings required to access the wiring appreciated.

This is for 400h if anything dissimilar to other models.
Old 08-07-14, 09:44 AM
  #2  
danielkwok
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
danielkwok's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: BC
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

bump for some help; i'm sure this is similar for any 2nd gen RX.
Old 08-07-14, 10:12 AM
  #3  
kingnba6
Pit Crew
 
kingnba6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: New York
Posts: 150
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

the best way to get the cleanest and safest power, is to get Add-a-fuse/fuse tap that you plug into the fuse box and then you can run the wires up the side pillars to the headliner.
Old 08-07-14, 11:24 AM
  #4  
smassey321
Lead Lap
 
smassey321's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: FL
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
Received 23 Likes on 22 Posts
Default

I just did this for a dash cam. I gave up finding switched power after poking around for 30 minutes. I ran a wire down the A pillar in 5 minutes and spliced into the back of the cigarette lighter. The gasket pulls away and makes it easy to tuck a wire behind the trim. Remove a screw on the visor clip and the headliner pulls down easily. I removed the overhead console and put the converter box up there. Then ran the USB wire down the rain sensor so it is nice and hidden.

Tap a fuse may be a little easier as long as they sell the right tap a fuse for our tiny fuses. There also needs to be room for the fusebox cover go back on.
Old 08-07-14, 12:46 PM
  #5  
kingnba6
Pit Crew
 
kingnba6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: New York
Posts: 150
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

they do sell the tap a fuse in the small size, but you can forget about putting the cover back on. i keep my cover in my glove box lol.
Old 08-11-14, 12:02 PM
  #6  
danielkwok
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
danielkwok's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: BC
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the info guys. Anyone have a wiring diagram for the sunroof plug? Just seems easiest to tap in there and put a fuse on the 12v line.
Old 08-12-14, 05:25 PM
  #7  
smassey321
Lead Lap
 
smassey321's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: FL
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
Received 23 Likes on 22 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by danielkwok
Thanks for the info guys. Anyone have a wiring diagram for the sunroof plug? Just seems easiest to tap in there and put a fuse on the 12v line.
I probed every single wire in there and only found constant power. Remember the sunroof will operate for a few minutes after the car is shut off. Homelink and visor mirrors are also constant. The auto dimming mirror could work but I gave up at that point.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Turismo
IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present)
3
06-20-17 03:00 PM
WolfManRCF
RC F (2015-present)
0
03-26-17 04:22 PM
needslipo
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
4
12-21-16 01:48 PM
black_LS
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
2
05-08-08 09:12 AM
TMitchell
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
4
03-10-01 10:08 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: overhead USB installation



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:29 PM.