How (Not) to Add USB-C to a 5th Gen 4Runner

I know many people would like the front USB port to be USB-C instead of A. So, I have the STL for that.

But before we get started, you should know that per the USB Type-C Spec, this is not allowed.

"USB Type-C receptacle to USB legacy adapters are explicitly not defined or allowed. Such
adapters would allow many invalid and potentially unsafe cable connections to be
constructed by users."

I asked AI, as one does, "what's the worst that could happen?"



That looks pretty cool, actually. However, proceed at your own risk.

So here is what the adapter looks like:




I downloaded a 3D file from the mysterious figure known as Turb0Y0da. I made some slight modifications to it so that it has a hole for the adapter.

Here is my version:



I had it 3D printed in Nylon using SLS. I chose SLS for the quality (no layer lines visible) and Nylon for the durability. The material, "MJF Nylon 12" has a "Heat Deflection Temperature" of 175°C. I know cars get pretty hot in the sun but I've never seen water boil in them, so I think that should work. The 3D printing company offered black dye, so I had them do that. If you want, I think fabric dye for synthetics should work as well (you could add some flare with a color of your choice).

Here's what it looks like when printed:



I made the hole a little small on purpose to account for variations in tolerances. So some hand filing is necessary to finish the part. It took a few minutes and I left it very snug. I might glue it later, but for now it is just friction fit.



Here is what it looks like in place, sort of.



The clips are pretty loose. I think I might try using a heat gun and bending them out a bit. But the main force is pushing inward and the clips keep it from pulling out. So I don't think it will be an issue.

If you want to get the adapter I used, it is available from some sketchy website that sells counterfeit, unsafe, and other harmful products. Just search for B0D2YWR6WJ and it will come right up.

The STL should be attached to the post.

 

Welcome! I like your style, approach to safety, and responsible use of AI. You’ll fit right in! Too bad 4runners that burst into flames rarely have salvageable parts. Otherwise I’d call dibs on a few things.



But truth be told, I’m not sure I follow what the USB-A side of the adaptor is connecting into. I thought maybe you were going to push the factory USB port into the dash and connect it to that, but that’s on the right side of that bin in the picture. And if you are planning to plug it into the existing USB port, is the adapter able to pass data?

Or are you just putting it on the left side, splicing a USB end to a 12v wire, and then plugging it into the adaptor so you have an extra charging-only outlet?

 

The shelf is the version used in the higher end trims, so that is where the normal USB/AUX would be located. Yes, the idea is to remove the normal USB/AUX from there (which is a pain), and hide it behind the panel with the adapter plugged into it. That way the change is completely reversible.

And yes, do test the adapter first. All I can say is that data works for my phone.

 

Ok,

 

For the sake of simplicity, I bought Mophie USB-A to USB-C charging cables when my wife upgraded to iPhone 16

Having dealt with plenty of bad cables and chargers over the years, re-engineering the usb charging system wasn’t worth the risk to me.

 

I just bought a USB adapter from Amazon that you plug into one of the 12V sockets:

INIU USB C Car Charger, 66W Total [USB C+USB A] Car Charger Adapter with PD & QC, Fast Charging All Metal Tiny Car Phone Charger for iPhone 16 14 13 12 11 Pro Samsung S21 Pixel iPad Macbook Air Tablet

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0946VSWKH?th=1

Works like a charm (and even displays the battery voltage).

Mike

 

I really like that printed piece, OP. Nice work!

For those who are down to violate the "no USB-C to USB legacy adapters" edict, I'll offer the Anker 321 cable. (Link here.)
It plugs into the standard USB port, and offers connected adapters for USB-C, Lightning, and Micro USB. Handy as a pocket on a shirt!

I have a couple of these, and (so far) haven't burned a car to the ground.

 

That is the kind of cable that you are supposed to use.

The problem is with female C to male legacy. I mostly want to call out the spec so people know why this is something hard to find. Toyota made USB-C ports for charging in the last of the gen 5 but this explains why they didn't upgrade the data USB port.