USB UPgrade

Hey everyone,

I just installed an aftermarket dual USB port from Amazon (

$18 QC3.0 +PD3.0 USB Power Socket, 60W Output, Type C & Quick Charge 3.0 Car Charger USB Adapter for Smart Phone PDA iPad iPhone Android GPS Use for Toyota (Type A)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8NS1281?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1), to replace the OEM USB/AUX jack next to the cigarette lighter in my 5th gen 4Runner. The new unit connects directly to the 12V lighter socket for power, but it completely omits the original plug that was connected to the OEM USB/AUX module.

My question is:
Where does that original plug come from, and what exactly is it for?
Why is it being bypassed in favor of just tapping into the 12V outlet?

Is this plug connected to the head unit for data (e.g. CarPlay or audio input), and if so, does skipping it mean I’ve lost functionality?

Appreciate any insight or wiring diagrams if someone has gone down this road. Thanks in advance!

 

The original USB port is generally data only and barely charges.

 

Data from phone? My phone connects (I think) thru wirelessly or bluetooth but not have the CarPlay functionality ('17 TRD PRO) so I can continue with this set-up without loosing any functionality? thank you again for your quick feedback.

 

Originally intended for USB music and Entune connectivity since Toyota refused to add Carplay/Android Auto because they're 20 years behind with their features.

You will be fine without it if you don't use it.

 

I use the OEM USB Port for music mainly or updating the head unit software.
Since my T4R is a 21, if I plug my iphone into it, after removing the usb drive, I can run Apple CarPlay. Otherwise I just have my phone connected via Bluetooth.

 

Yes I wish we had the newer headhunt to be able to connect to CarPlay!

 

On my 2011 it's to play music directly through usb-iPhone, iPod...usb drive with songs on it. The charging from that port is incredibly slow and low powered, near useless. I doubt that new port transmits data to you oem headunit.

 

$15 12V USB Outlet Wire USB Charger Multi Port, Dual PD3.0 USB-C and Quick Charge3.0 Car Port Socket with Power Switch, Fast Charge for Phone lPad Android Phones, Suitable for Car Boat RV Marine ATV

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX6F1ZP9

I removed my cigarette lighter and added a dual usb charger adapter.

 

Did you keep the OEM USB and Plug on the side in tact and if so how did you connect the new USB instead of the cig.ligther?

 

I keeper the original usb port and just removed and wired the new one in the cigarette lighters spot . I don’t smoke so it wasn’t an issue for me losing the lighter.

 

It was a direct wire from the cig lighter connection to the new USB port?

 

Funny how that keeps being referred to as a cigarette lighter. I'm pretty sure Toyota stopped putting cigarette lighters in their vehicles sometime late in the last century.

 

I cut the connection and spliced in the adaptor . I figured the cigarette port or what ever it is lol is fused in the factory fuse block . Once the car is on it turns on and the ports are active . The other usb data port I just connected an Amazon CarPlay adaptor that my phone connect to and I get CarPlay on my factory stereo via Bluetooth.

 

What year is your car and what is the head unit model that enables you to get CarPlay? As I am not able to get it to work on my ‘17 TRD PRO , and I want to have CarPlay for my son!

 

Mine is a 2021 . My sister in laws is a 2018 and her head unit is too old for the CarPlay adapter .

 

Same with mine and still looking for a solution. I will come up with one, or find a newer OEM unit to replace as I dont want to get a Chinese radio that will fail in couple months or years

 

I don't understand why this is done. For the same price you can get a higher quality Anker usb charger that if it fails is easily replaceable. You also maintain the use of the port if the need ever arises. The lower quality chargers can damage cell phones or devices.

 

What is an Anker USB charger, can you send a link?

 

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=anker+usb+charger+12v
I like the 323 model.

 

I replaced my 12v outlet (cigarette lighter) with an OEM dual USB port. It was plug & play. The hardest part was getting the old plug out.

https://autoparts.fowlertoyota.com/products/product/usb-dual-power-ports-pt97603201