How to Replace a 12v Cigarette Lighter Socket with a USB Charger Port and Voltmeter
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2024
- How to replace your cigarette lighter or 12v auxiliary port with a USB charging port and voltage meter combo. For this I am using my 2006 #Dodge Ram as an example, but I’ll try to keep this generic so it applies to any vehicle. I’ll go over all the important points like determining which port is switched with the ignition and determining polarity. For a regular cab truck, it has 3 of these cigarette lighter/ 12v auxiliary ports, so I thought this would be a great upgrade instead of carrying around an adapter for USB charging and I can keep an eye on the voltage when listening to the radio with the engine off. Not all vehicles are equipped with a live voltage meter on the gauge cluster or there can sometimes be issues with accuracy. #electrical #automotive #automotiveelectrical
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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-new usb port/voltmeter
-wire cutters/strippers
-crimp connectors
-drum sander with drill
-nylon trim tool
-screwdriver
-pliers
-multimeter or test light
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:13 Interior Disassembly
01:52 Testing the Wiring
03:54 Modifying the Wiring
05:20 Removing the Old 12v Port
05:59 Modifying the Bezel for the New Port
06:42 New Port Installation
07:40 Interior Reassembly
Procedure:
To install mine, the radio bezel needs to be removed. There will be various wires in behind that needs to be disconnected.
To determine which is the switched source. Some 12v ports remain on all the time or they can be switched with the ignition. First using a multimeter, set it to the two-digit dc voltage setting. Make sure you have the leads in their correct position, this will help determine which wire is positive and negative. With the key in the off position, test the plugs for the 12v ports. As you can see, one has no voltage and the other has voltage present, therefore it’s on all the time.
Next, I have stuck the probes in the back of the connector, then turning on the ignition, the circuit has power right away. Once the key is turned off, the circuit turns off as well.
Using a test light, this too can determine a switched source, along with the polarity. Instead of hooking up to both wires at the plug, the test light can have the negative wire connected to a known ground source. With a known ground source, the light will illuminate when it makes contact with a live power wire. As you can see its powers on the none switched 12v port wire, but won’t on the other when the key is off. When the key is operated on and off, you’ll see the light turn on and off.
With the key off, the connector casing can be removed and you may be lucky where the terminals will connect to the new port. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case here. I also tried sourcing a plug that connects to the factory plug but was unable to find one, so I’ll have to cut the wires instead. Slide the outer retaining frame on the connector forward, there are two tabs on the back that needs to be disconnected. Once forward, this will exposed tangs on the inside of the connection, pull those away from the terminals, then remove the terminals. I’ll provide a close-up in a moment. The test light is a sharp tip that works great for accessing these tangs.
With the connector removed, I just cut off the terminals. Then strip the insulation so the appropriate length of the conductor is exposed. Twist the wire strands. Using the correct sized crimp terminals based on the wire gauge, install the terminals on each wire and then crimp.
Remove the factory 12v cigarette light port, remove procedures will vary. The new port doesn’t fully fit and the hole isn’t completely round. So it does require some sanding, for this will be using a small drum sander on a drill.
Put the new port into place and install the large nut on the rear. To snug up the nut, it may be hard by hand so interlocking pliers can be used.
With the nut only being plastic, it can be damaged easier, so I would recommend wrapping electrical tape around the jaws. Don’t over tighten it, it’s only plastic.
Finally, the bezel can be installed back into the truck.
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© 4DIYers 2013
All Rights Reserved
No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author. 
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Well done. Clear , to the point and explanied in great detail.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!
No Porsche forums described how to do this and I was about to pull all of my hair out!!!
Great video, this is the only one I could find that actually helped. Thanks
Great video! I used to write tech docs for a living, and you did a terrific job. Thanks.
Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words!
Slick.... I love little upgrades like this. Thanks for sharing. Seems like good quality piece. I like that they made the face aluminum and not cheap plastic. I don't know if they do but they should make a usbc and usba instead of 2 a ports
Thanks for watching!
This is a main USB output port. Any other option like USBA or USBC, etc. Is accomplished with the cable of your choice. Just like in other USB charger port.
With this said. I've got at least one of these USb ports & voltmeter on each of my cars. Really practical and cheap. Totally worth.
@@crpth1 I get that, I just like usbc.... i have many usbc to usbc cables it is just better smaller and reversible.... all good for a car
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Quick question my Subaru has those same connectors you crimped on but one is big and the other is smaller (+ small - big) , can I skip that step or are they both the same size on the one you installed
Great job, well spoken in a clear, steady pace with great attention to detail of the task and what may be encountered. Appreciate it!
Now I have a question, I have almost the same port from Amazon and I too have a ram, 2012 but same power situation. I was considering putting the port on the always on socket location as the one I bought has an on off button. I’d like to hear your opinion on that as well as why you selected the key power side. Thanks
Thank you so much! I was thinking if it ever failed, there would be less of a chance if it's on a circuit that turns off with the vehicle. And while it's only a small load, it reduces the chance of a parasitic draw too.
Great video, it helps us diy people.
You’re very welcome!
I have a USB port under the armrest lid in the center console in addition to a cigarette lighter and another jack that I don’t know what it is for but appears to be a jack for headphones. I was wondering, being that my car’s USB port is not working, if I can replace it with the same one that you are installing. I started to do some research online and found that my car’s USB port in addition to the positive and negative wires have other two wires. So I’m confused if I can replace my original USB with this replacement because I wouldn’t know what to do with those two extra wires or would it be easier and more appropriate to use the cigarette lighter socket? I rather use the non-working usb port but would appreciate your input on this one.
what's the drill attachment you used to shave down the opening?
Nice job
Thank you!
I did the same upgrade with my Ford ranger but replacing out a 3.5 headphone jack port. I ran different wires from the usb ports to a switch box panel to control the USB port power that has the power from a fuse block from the main battery. I have plans in putting a inverter with an isolator with a second battery (I can easily change the fuse block to go to the auxiliary battery when I'm done). PS would you think a 2000 Watt inverter with an isolated 2nd battery would have any issues with a 130 amp alternator ? It would only run constant for no more than 15-30 minutes max.
So far my switch box has switches for. Amber lights on top. Massager for my seat turn on the USB socket and turn on a dash cam and reverse alarm. I still have plans in putting in underglow lights, separate inverter on off switch and an LED light bar switch. Maybe 😏
You may run into charging issues on the long run. With cop cars, they typically had higher rated alternators to compensate for all the electronics inside. Some people were even running issues with sound systems and stock alternators. I have an installation video for a grill mounted LED light bar on a Ranger, not sure if you've seen that.
If i use wagos to conect the wires to the wires supplied with the usb port with the crimps already on.should this work as mine isnt.
Amazon links for the USB charging port/voltmeter combo which was used in the video.
Canada: amzn.to/362naih
USA: amzn.to/36xo9av
Both your links go to CA Amazon sites.
Thank you, link has been fixed.
Super confused at the beginning of the video. Are you using the existing wires to your cigarette lighter or using different wires?
Existing wires.
Can you send me a message, I have a few questions. Need help to do this. There is power all the time in all 3 cigarette outlets, the front dash ones I used the ground from the lighter wire and I had to use the wire that is used to turn the radio on and off when the key is turned. I also have a dangling wire that says power antenna that has power running in it, I thought about using that but if I turn the radio off then the USB ports don't work. I have a 3rd cigarette outlet in the back seat just behind the arm rest for the front. It also has power running all the time. How can I get it to turn off when the truck is off? I only have positive and negative leads going to it. 2006 Ford f150.
I would not recommend using the wire from the radio as it may overload the circuit. Some vehicles have cigarette ports which have power all the time. One in my truck is like that. Some vehicles can also have it switched so it turned off with the key, I believe my Dodge Ram has this feature and it's just a matter of changing over the fuse location. You could run a relay, use a low amperage circuit to switch the cigarette port on/off when the key is operated.
Thanks
No problem!
I want to do the same with my 2013 Honda Odyssey minivan. I am wondering whether I can avoid removing the panel as I have never done this before. I purchased a charger by Qidoe that also has the voltmeter. Any tips?
You can’t avoid removing the panel. You’ll have to either fine a tutorial or manual on the removal process. Depending on the trim panels, they always have clips and sometimes screws as well. To disconnect the clips, start at an edge and slowly work your way around.
@@4DIYers thanks for your reply. do you have a video on using trim tools to remove a panel? I have a Honda odyssey 2013.
How much watts do you think this port use at idle ?
It would be extremely small as it's only operating an LED display. I would guess under 1amp, much less than a car headlight.
I took mine out. It had two wires connected to the existing. Presumed this was live and neutral. I tried it and it didn’t work. Now the old one won’t either. 2016 Ford transit
If you cut the wires at the same time you’ve shorted/killed the fuse.
Woww i like
The reason why he checked to see which one turns on when he flips he's car switch on is because if it's constantly it will drain your battery.
Well I’m here for the opposite