Removed center console, studied underneath, came up with a solution.

Essentially there's spare/extra carpet underneath the console so I cut out a square roughly bigger than the hole the stock USB port displaces, then created a custom/carpeted blockoff plate. Yes a 3D printed plastic solution would've been neater but I don't know how to do that LOL. Looks like someone could create a plastic block off plate in 2 seconds though, maybe even with the Lexus logo.

The stock USB block/port is stuffed down below, and wrapped in foam (Lexus branded BTW!) factory insulation tape. Note: There's almost NO SPARE ROOM underneath. Took me half an hour to come up with a spot to create for the USB port and ACP device. It fits snugly and perfectly. No more room for anything else. Essentially the USB port is facing down in a spot underneath the carpet that looks like it was made for the block. The ACP device lays separately flat on top of it.

The best thing about this is everything is 100% reversible, except the extra cutout of the carpet square. But you'll see there's lots of extra carpet sticking out. All you're doing is using a small rectangle piece to create a plate. Notched out a little piece for the screw hole. I can post more pics in the next days but wanted to share this now. Everything buttoned up and working nicely.




Carpet plate is sandwiched and screwed down so it won't be going anywhere. Though I wouldn't be poking on it.

 

If someone wants to keep their stock box in tact, you could probably use something like this from ebay Toyota Lexus 2014 -2018 Car AUX USB Port Entry #861900E100


It appears to use the same connectors. it's advertised for Toyotas and Lexus.

There's also some used Lexus IS/RC parts that appear to be a similar box. i bet you could use it. The connectors on the back of the ES box looks just like this. a 12 pin and a smaller one for the aux.

 

Thanks for the post and info. I am trying to figure out how to make this work in my ES. I was thinking of taking one of the USB ports and connecting some sort of Y connection (soldered) run the one leg back to the stock box as you call it, then run the other leg into the center armrest to connect the ACP. That way I keep both ports for use up front and have a useable port in the arm rest also. I think it will work, just got to find the right parts, but your post has given me some ideas, so thanks!!

 

Yeah I don't know, I suppose it's possible though I'm not sure if regular wire will work especially when cut? since there's data going on and stuff. Also I prefer to not cut/modify the stock wiring.

So I took out the wireless car play box. It was nice and convenient but the audio quality was noticeably poor/muffled. Maybe cause I've upgraded my dash and door speakers and subwoofer so it's more noticeable now vs stock.

Instead I just have a lightning cable jutting out the left side by the driver's knee. It's convenient as well but doesn't look so nice. So I have another plan where I'm going to get two USB extension cables and just run them to inside the glove box.

I also want to remove the Qi Wireless charger or whatever it's called but it looks like i'll need to remove the whole lower console assembly to access the box. I'm not 100% sure but it looks involved. Removing the wireless charger would free up so much more space. That wireless charger has to be one of the dumbest ideas in automotive design history. 1) It's large and takes up 3/4 of the storage bin, 2) it's hidden (who charges their phone inside a covered bin) 3) It doesn't even work well. I find myself repositioning the phone to get it to charge.

 

Yeah, I may have to put some more thought into it for sure 😂 I agree on the whole wireless charging thing, useless for me and I looked into how to remove also. Looks like a lot of work.

 

I may give it a shot this weekend. The "cigarette charger" seems to be installed ON the wireless charger so my concern is if i remove the charger, where would the "cig" charger go. one thing I miss about my first ES, no wireless charger and a HUGE storage bin i can rummage through.

 

OK. Purchased a 6 foot braided cable to route it through the bottom of the storage compartment to meet the stock cable. I also removed the *ENTIRE* center console (actually wasn't hard) but it was needed to 1) route the cable nicely through a hole in the bottom and 2) to inspect the wireless charger to see if I can delete/remove it... looks possible but it appears the charger is integrated into the box somehow. I tried disassembling it further and got about 20% of the way but stopped short because it was hot and didn't feel like breaking something. But it seems that box might be a separate part that comes with the charger that they just swap out at the factory. So I just decided to leave it alone. Everything buttoned up back together working nicely.

have my fast-charging cable and my ACP cable coiled inside the storage bin for when i need it. Also the cable has a light on the end AND a right-angled flat bottom so I can sit it inside the phone slot facing down where it sits nicely.

Re-routed Apple Car Play cable so cupholder can close.