Adding USB port for wired CarPlay

[deathnitte]

So this is somewhat variation on this thread. I was hoping I can do something very similar but instead of using wireless CarPlay (BTW, I bought MMB wireless adapter and bricked it within few hours by attempting to update ... ) just add a USB on top of my dash just next to my phone mount. Unfortunately no go. I really don't know enough about how USB/CarPlay works so hoping maybe someone can help me.

Long story short, I'm using that AXXESS adapter plugged into wire that goes into USB A (also tried C and same result) on the dash, after that F/F USB A adapter (I'm not using the one linked in the other thread but does that matter?) and than USB wire that goes to my phone. Done that way phone charges but CarPlay will not activate.

I just ordered a F/F mini USB to USB A that I will attempt to use instead of AXXESS adapter and F/F USB A. Two components replaced by one, figured it's worth a try just to make sure I didn't get a dud.

Anybody has any thoughts why it's not working?

Here are some pictures.

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[deathnitte]

Sorry, not sure why pictures posted without the actual text at first. Edited now.

 

[jollyjerry]

Are you trying to add an additional USB port that supports CarPlay? What’s wrong with the existing ports?

 

[deathnitte]

I'm one of those people whose OCD gets triggered by dangling wires on the dash . I'm perfectly happy to cannibalize one of the existing ports. I'll always have USB C in case I need to plug something else quick.

 

[WK2JT]

I'm one of those people whose OCD gets triggered by dangling wires on the dash . I'm perfectly happy to cannibalize one of the existing ports. I'll always have USB C in case I need to plug something else quick.

I *think* I recall reading something about the in-dash hub is required for CarPlay. If I’m following along correctly, the way this is wired is between the hub and head unit which might be the reason you aren’t getting CarPlay support on that extension.

I’m with you on the wires. I built and installed a wireless charger and have the wireless adaptor in the console. I considered trying to install it behind the dash, but there are times when I need to hard reboot the adaptor.

 

[deathnitte]

If you ever stumbled on that info again and you could link it for me I would be grateful WK2JT.

I'm a bit of a self taught computer geek but certainly no expert on how USB or CarPlay works. I just have hard time figuring out what type of hocus pocus they could be doing inside that hub that you can't pull off CarPlay without it while still using USB feeding it.

And if it works with wireless CarPlay adapter why wouldn't it with wires? The wireless part is just between phone and adapter, no? Starting with adapter everything goes through the same wire I'm using.

 

[deathnitte]

BTW, tried using a USB stick with music and it works through my 'new' connection. So it both charges and works with data. Just doesn't work with CarPlay.
Also CarPlay works with the USB port under center arm rest. So it's not restricted to the main dash USB port.

 

[jludave]

Anybody has any thoughts why it's not working?

Yes. It isn't working because you are bypassing the USB/Media hub, which is needed for CarPlay or Android Auto to work. What you are doing is simply extending the USB ports, which without the hub simply charge and can be used for data as you've discovered. The center armrest port has a hub connected to it and that is why it also works for CarPlay/Android Auto.

 

[TX_Ovrlnd]

You just needed to keep reading the thread.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jeep-jl-car-play-project.54033/post-1197992

 

[deathnitte]

You just needed to keep reading the thread.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jeep-jl-car-play-project.54033/post-1197992

I'm not sure if I follow. The specific post you linked talks about adding a charging port only. That's what mine does in addition to 'normal' data. But my goal was using it for CarPlay and that's where it fails.

 

[deathnitte]

Yes. It isn't working because you are bypassing the USB/Media hub, which is needed for CarPlay or Android Auto to work. What you are doing is simply extending the USB ports, which without the hub simply charge and can be used for data as you've discovered. The center armrest port has a hub connected to it and that is why it also works for CarPlay/Android Auto.

Are you saying there's some special sauce in that USB/Media hub or something very specific that makes CarPlay work? I would appreciate if you could elaborate if possible.
Also, any idea why this works with wireless CarPlay adapter? It only communicates wirelessly between phone and adapter. But from adapter to car it's using the exact same connection I'm using.

 

[TX_Ovrlnd]

I'm not sure if I follow. The specific post you linked talks about adding a charging port only. That's what mine does in addition to 'normal' data. But my goal was using it for CarPlay and that's where it fails.

I didn’t read it all either!? It should work if you go the wireless CarPlay route but change the module for a flush mount usb with data throughput. Most Amazon usb plugs look like they’re power only.

 

[deathnitte]

I didn’t read it all either!? It should work if you go the wireless CarPlay route but change the module for a flush mount usb with data throughput. Most Amazon usb plugs look like they’re power only.

I ‘enjoyed’ wireless CarPlay adapter for less than a day. It was pretty wonky from start. Never could get YouTube to work even though it was its selling point. So I figured I’ll try updating it and it bricked… I’m not sure I want to try it again especially since lots of people have intermittent issues with connectivity anyways. Not that taking dash apart is hard but I don’t want to be doing it multiple times a week to unplug/reset it.

 

[jludave]

Are you saying there's some special sauce in that USB/Media hub or something very specific that makes CarPlay work?

Yes.

Also, any idea why this works with wireless CarPlay adapter? It only communicates wirelessly between phone and adapter. But from adapter to car it's using the exact same connection I'm using.

The wireless adapter is seen as a media device just like your USB drive with music. It handles the connection between your phone and the vehicle.

 

[deathnitte]

Yes.

So hypothetically speaking, if I got another Jeep front dash hub (assuming it’s not molded into that whole dash piece) and managed to stuff it inside the dash (pretty sure not enough space), then connected to it my USB going to the top of dash, CarPlay would work?

Would it only require me to connect one of the the wires feeding USB or every wire going to that hub?

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