How to power USB-C after replacing head unit

[Bnelsonjax]

Hi,
I replaced my head unit, so now my USB-C doesnt work. Im wanting to remove the cigarette lighter plug and put my sub volume control knob in its place. But then I need power for my phone so i want to take the USB-C plug and give it power again so it can charge a phone or whatever. How can I do that?

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[VKSheridan]

If all you want is the ability to charge devices off it, I reckon you could connect it to a DC to DC buck converter that will step the supply voltage down from 12VDC to 5 VDC.

If you’re want it to interact with your new head, your head will need a USB-C compatible input receptacle. If it does, you can cut a charger cable to plug one end into the head and solder the other end to your Jeep’s USB-C harness.

 

[Terrymo]

If all you want is the ability to charge devices off it, I reckon you could connect it to a DC to DC buck converter that will step the supply voltage down from 12VDC to 5 VDC.

If you’re want it to interact with your new head, your head will need a USB-C compatible input receptacle. If it does, you can cut a charger cable to plug one end into the head and solder the other end to your Jeep’s USB-C harness.

I was thinking the step down was already present on that usb module and since he’s ditching the cig lighter, and only wants to power the usb module, just splice into those cig lighter wires for power. Beyond that it’s above my pay grade.

 

[VKSheridan]

I’m pretty sure the USB outlets get their power from the head via the same harness that carries the data to the USB inputs. If they powered elsewhere, it seems unlikely they’d go just by swapping the head. That said, Jeep does some silly things so you may be right! A quick voltage probe should answer the question once energized.

 

[Bnelsonjax]

If all you want is the ability to charge devices off it, I reckon you could connect it to a DC to DC buck converter that will step the supply voltage down from 12VDC to 5 VDC.

If you’re want it to interact with your new head, your head will need a USB-C compatible input receptacle. If it does, you can cut a charger cable to plug one end into the head and solder the other end to your Jeep’s USB-C harness.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I just want it to charge the phone, not interract with the head unit.

 

[Terrymo]

I’m pretty sure the USB outlets get their power from the head via the same harness that carries the data to the USB inputs. If they powered elsewhere, it seems unlikely they’d go just by swapping the head. That said, Jeep does some silly things so you may be right! A quick voltage probe should answer the question once energized.

Makes sense. The usb module at the back of the centerconsole has 12 volt power running to it and it’s stepped down at the module itself. Now you have me curious about the one on the dash.

 

[GATORB8]

I’m pretty sure the USB outlets get their power from the head via the same harness that carries the data to the USB inputs. If they powered elsewhere, it seems unlikely they’d go just by swapping the head. That said, Jeep does some silly things so you may be right! A quick voltage probe should answer the question once energized.

I'd agree, there's power at the dash, but I wouldn't expect the USB-C power to die if that provided the power just from disconnection of the USB. Be interesting to hear if OP has power in the console:

 

[RatZero]

I would find the original wire that connects to the now non-functional USB C outlet that the new head unit didn't use and connect that to the 12v outlet. Verify that the USB C outlet can deal with the 12v source (stepdown/up if required)

But, if I was doing it I would just build a new USB hub and power it with the 12v outlet source you're replacing with the Sub knob.

 

[Price1961]

Just get this
Dual USB Quick Charge 3.0 Port &... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM3S5463?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And this

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1767617937/media-port-insert-for-jeep-jljt-models?ref=share_v4_lx
Drill it out to fit. If room behind the panel allows the deep outlet

And splice power from the original port

 

[THAW]

FYI, the connectors that plug into the back of the media hub are micro mini USB.

 

[Gregj]

I replaced all the cigarette lighter/power ports with those plugs.

Gregj

 

[Terrymo]

FYI, the connectors that plug into the back of the media hub are micro USB.

Thanks…good info

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