DIY: Add USB Port into Upper Dash Tray

[EddyArnols]

That's what I wanted to do.
Your work inspired me.
It's fantastic.
The cable is no longer exposed when connecting the carplay.

How long of a cable did you end up using?

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[mferrara91]

How long of a cable did you end up using?

For all the work he did he could have just gone wireless. Check out this thread for some ideas:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jeep-jl-car-play-project.54033/

 

[EddyArnols]

For all the work he did he could have just gone wireless. Check out this thread for some ideas:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jeep-jl-car-play-project.54033/

Anything (good quality) that works for android? I haven't seen any good reviews for addon wireless android yet...

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Anything (good quality) that works for android? I haven't seen any good reviews for addon wireless android yet...

@EddyArnols

With my JL, I have been using/enjoying Wireless Android Auto... for 6 months..

Read here:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ess-wireless-android-auto-adapter-talk.86856/

 

[mferrara91]

Anything (good quality) that works for android? I haven't seen any good reviews for addon wireless android yet...

I believe there is a Motorola one out there that I have seen mentioned in the threads. I think it‘s called the MA1. I don’t know if it is capable of being wired in and hidden like the thread I shared with you.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

Anything (good quality) that works for android? I haven't seen any good reviews for addon wireless android yet...

The Motorola offering is supposed to be really good.

 

[cripton805]

I can confirm the Motorola MA1 works with Android Auto. I placed mine inside the center console under an aftermarket tray. It disconnects every now and then. I keep my phone in my pocket now.

For really long drives. I still need to connect to power. Wireless Android Auto uses a lot more battery. Wireless AA uses about 10% of my battery per hour. But that's all depending on your specific phone. I have a OnePlus 8T and it charges really fast. I could careless if it uses that much battery because I can charge it in no time and it has a good battery capacity. I still don't think 10% per hour is that bad for the benefit of being wireless. I still make it the whole day without charging.

If you have a crappy or old Android phone with a worn battery. It might use a lot more battery percentage.

 

[galloperkid]

How long of a cable did you end up using?

I used it for about a year
But like many of the forum's owners, it's been disconnected
So I changed the cable to C type again and connected it using adapter, so the problem was solved

 

[FireJeep]

I added a USB port to the upper dash tray to charge devices while in the phone mount and not have a loose cord dangling all over the place. My JL is a base sport with the garbage 5" Uconnect so I only wanted power not CarPlay compatibility.

EDIT: I later discovered that the AUX wire bundle comes with an "ignition on" wire and "always hot" wire for accessories, in addition to the 4 buttons. I moved power from the cigarette lighter to the "ignition on" wire accordingly.

End product:

Parts:
The USB port is USB-C, USB-A QC, and a voltmeter. I had this on hand from a different project but skip the voltmeter because it does reflect onto the windshield at night. If it bothers me I'll just put some black tape on it.
Mount is a Bulletproof Mounting Systems 2-ball JL mount.
Misc wires, connectors, and T-tap. Multimeter to confirm hot wire on cigarette lighter.
Phillips screwdriver for trim screw removal, 10mm for ground bolt. Wire strippers and pliers for the electrical.

I started by removing the HVAC controls, radio, and lower dash as seen in this video: Note to self, buy trim removal tools next trip to Harbor Freight.

With those parts removed, you can see the underside of the dash tray. Be careful where you drill the holes for the USB port, you need to leave clearance to put the radio back in without hitting the new USB port sticking down. Drill more towards the engine side of the tray, I centered it and got lucky because it's pretty close to the back of the radio. I don't know if Uconnect 7/8 are deeper, check before you drill.

I ran two wires down along the existing wiring bundle, one for power tapped into the cigarette lighter and one for ground to a bolt behind the HVAC controls. There is minimal metal up near the dash tray for a ground. I don't have anything that uses the cigarette lighter so I'm not concerned about tapping in there, and never using that and the USB at the same time.
EDIT: I later discovered that the AUX wire bundle comes with an "ignition on" wire and "always hot" wire for accessories, in addition to the 4 buttons. I moved power from the cigarette lighter to the "ignition on" wire accordingly.

Trim the rubber dash tray insert to fit the phone mount and the USB port. Don't try and use the same hole saw as it will grab the rubber and walk, scratching it all up . Use a razor blade and go slow.

Button everything back up and don't forget to put the screw back into the radio surround trim like I did. Next time I have the dash apart I'll put it back in. The port I ordered came with a dust cover which I will use if it's dusty or may get water in it.

I haven't ordered cables yet as I wanted to measure length from the port, down the mount arm, and to the phone. I'll probably get 90° cables so it tucks in nice.

Do you recall which wire in the AUX switch bundle was ignition hot? TIA

 

[Terrymo]

Do you recall which wire in the AUX switch bundle was ignition hot? TIA

On my 23 besides the 4 main aux switch wires under the dash, pink wire with orange stripe is ignition accessory, and red wire with white stripe is 12 volt constant. If you’re doing any of your own wiring I would suggest you invest in a multimeter or at least a digital 12 volt circuit tester.

If someone (like me) gives you wiring information, always verify it for yourself with a multimeter of digital circuit tester.

Heres an alternative. Instructions are on the product page
https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/12-volt-power-adapter-jeep-wrangler-tj-jk-jl-jt

 

[FireJeep]

Yep, I looked in the owners manual??who knew there was actually some worthwhile info in there?
Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

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