How to hardwire a USB charger to your cigarette lighter
I decided to hardwire a USB charger, since I use it a lot to charge my phone and to charge my GPS.
I've decided to expose the wire in the center cupholder by the radio, since that's where I keep my GPS, and that's where I also keep my phone. (Note: I'm still waiting for the GPS clip to arrive - will post pics once I get it, but what I have in mind will be pretty nifty.)
So, you start off with a USB Hardwire kit from eBay.
![]()
I installed a female adapter on each end. The blue piece will be used to tap into the wires.
![]()
I decided to tap into the cigarette lighter under the armrest, only because the cigarette lighter by the climate control unit had two purple wires and one black..didnt know what to do with two purple wires….the armrest one has one purple and one black - simple!
![]()
I installed the blue male adapters, making sure the tapping really cut into the wires.
![]()
Next, I drilled a hole in the cupholder, and ran the wire there. I ran it from the back.
To make the hole appear less drastic, I put a nice rubber protector over around it.
![]()
A better view. The cable goes from under the cupholder, through it and comes out on top through the drilled hole.
![]()
Cupholder installed back
![]()
Next step was to hide the black transformer box. I put a double sided tape on it and placed it out of the way, so it wouldn't rattle behind the climate control unit.
![]()
After running the wires through the center console, I finally connected them under the armrest.
![]()
Here, a proof that it works - my phone is charging! (notice the lighting thingy over the battery!)
![]()
Finally, this is what the hardwired USB cable looks like…I'm VERY happy with it.
![]()
While at it, I'll also showcase how I hardwired my radar detector. Ran the wire through the driver A pillar to the fuse box.
![]()
I also installed an on/off switch in the footwell so I can turn it off when I'm driving in the city
![]()
Oh, and this is how I mute the detector…a nice and tiny mute button. No worries, the double-sided tape will be trimmed
![]()
Nice and clean dash
![]()
Modified by tomedkaz at 5:17 PM 2-26-2010
I decided to hardwire a USB charger, since I use it a lot to charge my phone and to charge my GPS.
I've decided to expose the wire in the center cupholder by the radio, since that's where I keep my GPS, and that's where I also keep my phone. (Note: I'm still waiting for the GPS clip to arrive - will post pics once I get it, but what I have in mind will be pretty nifty.)
So, you start off with a USB Hardwire kit from eBay.
I installed a female adapter on each end. The blue piece will be used to tap into the wires.
I decided to tap into the cigarette lighter under the armrest, only because the cigarette lighter by the climate control unit had two purple wires and one black..didnt know what to do with two purple wires….the armrest one has one purple and one black - simple!
I installed the blue male adapters, making sure the tapping really cut into the wires.
Next, I drilled a hole in the cupholder, and ran the wire there. I ran it from the back.
To make the hole appear less drastic, I put a nice rubber protector over around it.
A better view. The cable goes from under the cupholder, through it and comes out on top through the drilled hole.
Cupholder installed back
Next step was to hide the black transformer box. I put a double sided tape on it and placed it out of the way, so it wouldn't rattle behind the climate control unit.
After running the wires through the center console, I finally connected them under the armrest.
Here, a proof that it works - my phone is charging! (notice the lighting thingy over the battery!)
Finally, this is what the hardwired USB cable looks like…I'm VERY happy with it.
While at it, I'll also showcase how I hardwired my radar detector. Ran the wire through the driver A pillar to the fuse box.
I also installed an on/off switch in the footwell so I can turn it off when I'm driving in the city
Oh, and this is how I mute the detector…a nice and tiny mute button. No worries, the double-sided tape will be trimmed
Nice and clean dash
Modified by tomedkaz at 5:17 PM 2-26-2010
