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Is there a socket adapter for the “cigarette lighter”?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by ceenvee703, Nov 8, 2024.

  1. ceenvee703

    ceenvee703 New Member

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    Location:
    Arlington VA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    2005 Prius, Gen 2.

    I installed a CarPlay head unit, and unplugged and popped out the “cigarette lighter” 12v port in order to run its USB cable from the back of the stereo out of that hole in the dash. After that, I had the original cable and the plug that used to plug into the back of the 12v port.

    I then realized I could get a 12V USB outlet and use that wire. However, the factory plug (that used to plug into the original “cigarette lighter”) has different positions for its + and - poles than the USB outlet I’m trying to add. (I’m sorry if these things have names that I don’t know).
    1. is there some kind of adapter I could get so I could just plug into the outlet to the original plug, and not have to solder anything?
    2. is there a way to “free” the wires from the plug so I could (say) solder spade connectors to the ends and slip them onto the new 12V USB outlet?
    3. is the only way to get rid of the plug to cut the wires, strip them, solder to the wires that came with the outlet, and plug in?
    4. the wires that came with the outlet have a fuse; do I need to retain that?
    Thanks, hope this all makes sense. Pictures included
     

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  2. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I would cut the original connector in half (lengthwise) and then plug the 2 resulting pieces onto your usb thing. Just be sure to get + & - correct.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    ceenvee703 likes this.
  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Since your hacking up your dash, you may want to try this - for a cleaner, factory looking solutions.
    Dual USB Car Lighter Socket Splitter 12V Charger Power Adapter Outlet | eBay
    There are other combinations that'll even give you a reading of your 12V battery. This will preserve your option of being able to plug a cigarette lighter appliance in.

    Hope this helps...
     
    #3 BiomedO1, Nov 11, 2024 at 1:08 PM
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2024 at 1:13 PM
    ceenvee703 likes this.
  4. ceenvee703

    ceenvee703 New Member

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    Location:
    Arlington VA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    N/A
    Thank you both for your suggestions. I ended up cutting the wire, connecting it to the wires that came with the 12V plug, and mounting it to the rounded dash part of the Prius. Photo attached. You'll notice the hole I drilled next to the previous location wouldn't fit the plug. I plugged that hole with a 3D printed "stopper"
     

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