DIY 12v Conversion to 2x USB + Voltage Gauge
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Joined: May 2022
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
DIY 12v Conversion to 2x USB + Voltage Gauge
I just bought a 2005 CLS55 and I noticed it still had the old 12v cigarette lighter, which nowadays is a bit irrelevant. I did a similar mod on my last car, swapping it with 2x USB ports and an added voltage gauge. This way, I can also see something is wrong with either the battery or alternator.
Item: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33007643559.html
Step 1) Remove the trim around the shifter (remove the chrome trim first, then push in the 2 pins to release it)
Step 2) Remove the cigarette lighter part (it comes right out with some gentle force) and unclick the cable
Step 3) Remove the KeylessGo module from the bracket by unclicking it
Step 4) Remove the bulb holder from the cigarette lighter (it clicks on it with 2 flaps, simple removal with a flathead screwdriver)
Step 5) Remove the cigarette lighter from the bracket. It has a plastic retainer clip on the top and bottom. These are quite hard to push in, I used quite some force with a big flathead screwdriver
Step 6) After removing it, you need to file away some of the retaining lip on the bracket. Don't overdo it, just file away small portions bit-by-bit until you are able to fit the new module
Step 7) Fit the USB/Voltage module and tighten the retaining ring
Step 8) Connect the power and ground using the existing cable. It has 3 cables, but I only used the ground (I believe it was brown) and the switched 12v (the red wire). The other wire is probably if you switch the fuses in the engine bay to permanent 12v
Step 9) Refit all the trim parts
Step 10) Profit!
End result:
Taken when I had it mounted in my Mini Cooper S JCW
Item: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33007643559.html
Step 1) Remove the trim around the shifter (remove the chrome trim first, then push in the 2 pins to release it)
Step 2) Remove the cigarette lighter part (it comes right out with some gentle force) and unclick the cable
Step 3) Remove the KeylessGo module from the bracket by unclicking it
Step 4) Remove the bulb holder from the cigarette lighter (it clicks on it with 2 flaps, simple removal with a flathead screwdriver)
Step 5) Remove the cigarette lighter from the bracket. It has a plastic retainer clip on the top and bottom. These are quite hard to push in, I used quite some force with a big flathead screwdriver
Step 6) After removing it, you need to file away some of the retaining lip on the bracket. Don't overdo it, just file away small portions bit-by-bit until you are able to fit the new module
Step 7) Fit the USB/Voltage module and tighten the retaining ring
Step 8) Connect the power and ground using the existing cable. It has 3 cables, but I only used the ground (I believe it was brown) and the switched 12v (the red wire). The other wire is probably if you switch the fuses in the engine bay to permanent 12v
Step 9) Refit all the trim parts
Step 10) Profit!
End result:
Taken when I had it mounted in my Mini Cooper S JCW
