Replacing auxiliary port in dashboard

Hi,
First post. Just wondering if anyone has replaced the auxiliary port in the dashboard with a USB/C type charger? If so please share a link or product name. Thank you in advance!

 

Welcome

 

Welcome

 

What year? What exact port are you wanting to replace? Auxiliary port if vague.

 

I wonder if something like this would help to charge your devices-
https://amzn.to/4o5aIE1

And you leave the USB A port as is for media use. Like plug in a thumb drive with music. (Newer 4runners use it for Android auto / Apple car play)

 

I’m sorry…2012 Limited. I want to replace the auxiliary port in the console under the radio next cigarette lighter with a charging port for my phone.

 

Anything will have to be universal on the electrical side. It will be a T tap into the factory wiring. Even the dealer did this with a Toyota kit you wanted to add more USB ports. I randomly found this but I'm no sure if he wiring will work. I believe the spots are 22mm.

 

Look here.

$12 Anker USB-C Car Charger, 30W 2-Port Type-C Car Adapter, iPhone Car Charger with Power IQ 3.0, for iPhone 17/16/15/14/13 Series, Samsung Galaxy S25/S24/S23/S22/S21 Series, iPad Pro, AirPods, and More

And here.

 

I would advise against tapping any newer USB chargers in place of the OEM equipment. Newer fast chargers may exceed the power capacity of the existing wiring; the best/safe option is to use a high quality 12v charger the plugs into the cigarette lighter.

if you need USB-A compatibility with a newer phone, buy a high quality USB-A to USB-C or whatever you need. It’s much easier to replace a cable than an aftermarket dongle that’s tapped into your wire harness.

I certainly would not be looking at options on Amazon; you just don’t know what you’re getting.

 

Where do you suggest?

 

welcome

 

As far as cable go, I think the last time I ordered from Anker. I got some Mophie cables from Office Depot/Walmart/Target.

other specialty items… like a replacement USB aux port, I would order from a trusted vendor… for example Dongar for dash cam interface has a good reputation. I wouldn’t order a bootleg Dongar adapter from Amazon.

The problem with Amazon is in many case you don’t know what your getting, who it is coming from or whether it’s a genuine product. It’s really become a cesspool for bootleg products.

If I were ordering a cheap widget that has no impact on my life if the quality sucks, then I’m okay with getting it from Amazon; for example, got some cheap socket organizers for a fraction of the price of an identical Harbor Freight product. I’m not going to risk my phone or car burning up to save $10-15 on a cheap charger or cable.

 

May be able to achieve this using OEM part PT976-03201. Not USB-C, but they are 2.4A fast charging ports. Previous comments about power demands on existing wiring are valid, however, if you're replacing the cigarette lighter plug with this I would expect it to be fine.

Install doc can be found here

 

I agree with this, but I don’t trust big box stores any more than Amazon. And ordering straight from the manufacturer is often the most expensive option.

 

OP never stated why they wanted to upgrade, but I would imagine it’s because they have a newer phone with USB-C charging and buying USB-A > USB-C cords can be annoying. I get it, I have the same problem now with both Lightning and USB-C phones. I have that double USB-A fast charger installed my 4Runner and it would be easier to accommodate my cable situation if I just had a 12v cigarette lighter port.

Replacing the AUX port gets a little more complicated because it’s primarily for data transfer, not for charging.

 

100%. I experience this with Walmart dot com. Some products don't accept by the store customer service returns, you have to ship them via UPS or similar. Such a pain.

I absolutely love the convenience of Amazon returns. No questions asked, no need to face attitudes of store customer service ppl or wait till someone comes to the customer service area and all that BS at stores.

I would 100% pick Amazon over stores. Sometimes when I prove something is damaged or lost I even get a gift balance added to my account while getting a replacement or refund calling Amazon customer care. even when I return stuff to the Kohls Amazon returns (almost walking distance) I get Kohls coupons, so I can make Mrs happy giving them to her, LoL.

I choose stores for buying items physically available in stores.

 

we can thank our abundance of MBAs for enshittifying our supply chain. Amazon’s model of serving as a digital storefront and fulfillment service is destroying retail. Unfortunately, customers seem to be okay with it in most cases.

 

This actually a part of the problem. A LOT of customers abuse the return policy (I’ll admit I’m guilty of it too). Large vendors can absorb the cost, or rather pass it on to consumers. But this really hurts small business
Who are just trying to compete using Amazon as a storefront service.

Walmart.com has the same vendor accountability (bootleg products) problem as Amazon. It’s just a storefront for vendors, Walmart serves as this fulfillment service/distribution network.

 

Yeah I got the first one, works for charging but not for carplay.

 

That return is already is amortized in the price of the item, and Amazon sells returned goods by palet making extra money. Knowing that I still shop at amazon, it's addictive, click a button and have it show up in a day or two.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice. The OEM part is the best option to replace the cigarette lighter. I’ll have to buy another auxiliary port since the other broke. Thank you!

 

Think before you change.
Me personally like the 12v outlet as I use it for both my laptop charger that has cigarette lighter plug and flush type USB charger for phone charging.

Laptop charging? Sometimes I take my meeting while I wait for my kid at pickup lane.

 

Absolutely this. The 12v cigarette lighter gives you more options than the double USB charger.

 

I purchased a marine grade "cigarette" style 12v receptical and replaced a broken lighter socket in my sisters old Volvo so she could run a small fan. It was good quality and had 2 wires - 1 hot & 1 ground, it fit the dash hole perfectly.

 

I disagree with experience. I replaced a cigarette port with

$17 Upgraded 4 Port 12V USB Outlet Aluminum Charger, 78W Dual PD & QC Multiple USB Port for Car, USB C Cigarette Lighter Replacement 12 Volt Socket with Voltmeter Waterproof for Marine Boat Motorcycle RV

this and it's been working fine. Used it for phone charging up to full PD laptop charging. No load issues here. Look for over voltage protection and an additional fuse if possible. Highly recommend.

 

I see that it supports 4 devices simultaneously. Be aware that all 3 12v power outlets combined are rated for 120 watts.

 

V*A=W.

Fuses are important.