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Fast Charge USB Mod

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by Abushnell, Feb 10, 2019.

  1. Abushnell

    Abushnell Junior Member

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    Maybe it's just my Prius V (2015 three). The USB port at the bottom of the center console, next to the 12v port, can't charge my phone unless my phone is turned off. If my phone is plugged into it and I'm using the phone, I continue to lose battery power on my phone. Would it be possible to take apart the dash, remove that USB connection, and replace it with a USB connection that allows fast charging of my devices?

    I know, just buy the 12v charger on Amazon. I have, but it's big and ugly, and I'd rather plug directly into the USB port that's already installed in the car.

    • Ok, so it's not just me; apparently there are plenty of people out there who are surprised that Toyota didn't install a USB port that charges effectively. So my USB only puts out .5 amps? My question remains the same, to all you electronics wizards: could I disassemble the dash and swap out that USB port?

     
    #1 Abushnell, Feb 10, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2019
  2. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    For $10 you can install small lighter plug insert that delivers up to 2.5A and has a volt/ammeter display.
     
    fuzzy1 and Offline like this.
  3. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Yeah, but as the above comment, if you just want to charge fast, buy a 12v charger. I bought this one, it is super fast on a cell phone and it can even deliver enough juice on PD to a MacBook Pro. It really does not look that bad. If you need USB connectivity to the head unit and fast charge, that may justify your approach, but it may complicate the mod to preserve the connectivity at the same time to increase the charging speed.
    Annotation 2019-02-10 200800.jpg
     
    #3 Salamander_King, Feb 10, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2019
  4. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Big? Ugly? There are plenty, from zillions of sources, that fit neatly and compactly into the 12V outlet.
     
  5. tommy Wang

    tommy Wang Member

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    i was looking for the same thing, but it seems i can only find this in JPN market. it is plug and play according to the company's site.
     

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  6. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Yes and no. Mostly no.

    That port likely is also an input to the audio system head and gets it's power from there.
    So you can't get more power from that source than you see now.
    But you could put the electronics from a 12 V adapter behind the dash and bring it out to a new connector.
    And then you would have NO USB port for your radio.

    Like a lot of other things proposed here.......this would be a LOT of time and energy and money expended just to satisfy your ego.
    My advice is "suck it up and move on".
    What you have now it just FINE.
     
  7. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    2.4A each times two; enough to concurrently fast charge two ipads.

    Voltmeter and Ammeter displays alternate.
     

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    fuzzy1 likes this.
  8. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    But that thing is UGLY. :rolleyes:
     
  9. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Function and appearance are in the eye of the beholder.
     
  10. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Indeed.
    And the original post specifically said that he did NOT want to use something like that.......which he already has.
     
  11. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    LOL. Actually, he has an ugly one!