I got the Carlinkit device to enjoy wireless CarPlay but I did not enjoy having the device obstructing important real estate i.e. a cupholder or charging pad, so I moved the USB Data port to the glovebox, out of sight and out of the way. I bought another USB port to fill the vacant hole in the console, I was going to just leave it as is but decided to convert it to a charging port so it's there if someone needs it. The most difficult part of the process was removing the panel under the dash/footwell. There's a hook at the back of the panel and you have to fish a screwdriver through the panel and pry open a spring loaded latch. I am very pleased with the outcome and thought I'd share a DIY if anyone else has cable anxiety.

I took the new USB assembly apart, I was hoping it was going to be a simple wire extension but that wasn't the case. I removed the circuit board and carved out a new board that matched the size, this is just a basic bread board. There's an alignment tab in the usb housing and a small notch needs to be carved in the new board. I ordered some usb breakout board connectors and attached it to the board to line up the vertical height, then just put a drop of super glue on it and used some tweezers to line it up and secure it to the board.

















12 volt USB-C adapter



You will need a USB C extension cable with a female connector one one end. USB-C cables have 24 pins at the connector but the actual cord will have 5 or more wires for a usb c to usb c cable. The cable I got has 5 wires, red = VBUS (power), silver wire with no jacket = ground, green = D+, white = D-, blue = CC (Configuration Channel). I stripped the male end of the cable so I could see where the wires were soldered and confirm I was wiring the new connector properly. Once the cable was soldered I tested it to make sure it was working and then covered the connector in JB Weld epoxy which should withstand having cables plugged/unplugged in for a while.

















Taking the console apart is surprisingly easy, you can search on Youtube for the guy that sells the full screen CarPlay thing for instructions. I had to disconnect three cables under the console to get it to lift up and to the side.



The usb cable extension (to the glovebox) just runs to the far right side of the head unit, very easy.











You can get switched power and ground for the 12 volt usb power adapter from the 12v socket (cigarette lighter) - it's right there.









This is the lower dash cover, note the location to insert a screwdriver and release the latch.

 

Respect!

 

damn, so much work but as the other guy said, mad respect

 

Amazing work. It's a nice project but I don't understand the need. My CarLink tucks up into the back of the compartment and doesn't block anything. I really don't know it's there. I admit I don't often use the charge pad, but it seems to work fine. (On long trips, I use a superfast charger plugged into the AC outlet, but normally I have plenty of battery.)

 

All this aside, it's a tragedy that a 140k+ car in 2023 doesn't have wireless apple car play or full screen apple car play.

 

Thank you! It's just personal preference, things that don't bother most people will make other people's skin crawl. Seeing this adapter and cable stuffed into the console will bother me every time I get in the car. I want to be able to charge my phone without having to pull this thing out of the way and definitely not putting it in a cup holder. It looks like a lot of work but I own a 12 volt business and this was one of the easiest mods I've done to a car.

 

I second (third?) the mad respect. Clearly you have good soldering skills. Those are small connectors. I just goobered up my center console. I bought a Valentine One and plugged it into the cig lighter. When done I pushed the cable into the cubby and closed the lid. But the lid didn't close all the way and it won't open. Through the 1/2" slit I can't see what's going on, but after some fussing, I'm afraid it's off to the dealer. If it's as easy to get in there as you show, I can hope it's not too many minutes at the elevated shop rates charged in Silicon Valley. Things are much easier when you know how and have done it a bunch.

 

I threw 3 wrenches across the room just looking at those pictures. Your patience is astounding.

 

Agree. If ever the "We're not worthy" meme gets trotted out, this is it.

For me, part of it is, "what ever happened to the guy that would try something like this?" I remember cutting up my 1973 340 Duster to put 5-1/4" Jensen speakers in the door and 6x9s in the rear side (two door car with space-saver into the trunk).

Now, I look at this car in my garage that is so nice and perfect and... I just take it to the dealer.

P.S. The stereo powered by a Concord stereo from Crutchfield sounded very awesome. Audiophile approved.

 

Same here. Factory warranty, extended factory warranty...they have a free coffee machine? What a joke, that lady is probably here for washer fluid....oh yea I figured I needed yet another new battery...wait, where even is the battery again? Just do it.

Killer mod, OP.

 

Very cool stuff - nice work and documentation