How to replace your cigarette lighter or 12v auxiliary port with a USB charging port and voltage meter combo. For this I am using my 2006 #Dodge Ram as an example, but I’ll try to keep this generic so it applies to any vehicle. I’ll go over all the important points like determining which port is switched with the ignition and determining polarity. For a regular cab truck, it has 3 of these cigarette lighter/ 12v auxiliary ports, so I thought this would be a great upgrade instead of carrying around an adapter for USB charging and I can keep an eye on the voltage when listening to the radio with the engine off. Not all vehicles are equipped with a live voltage meter on the gauge cluster or there can sometimes be issues with accuracy. #electrical #automotive #automotiveelectrical
#OEMTOOLS Pliers Set: [ Ссылка ]
Canada #USB Charging Port/Voltmeter: [ Ссылка ]
USA #USB Charging Port/Voltmeter: [ Ссылка ]
Website: [ Ссылка ]
Patreon: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
Tumblr: [ Ссылка ]
Pintrest: [ Ссылка ]
Tools/Supplies Needed:
-new usb port/voltmeter
-wire cutters/strippers
-crimp connectors
-drum sander with drill
-nylon trim tool
-screwdriver
-pliers
-multimeter or test light
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:13 Interior Disassembly
01:52 Testing the Wiring
03:54 Modifying the Wiring
05:20 Removing the Old 12v Port
05:59 Modifying the Bezel for the New Port
06:42 New Port Installation
07:40 Interior Reassembly
Procedure:
To install mine, the radio bezel needs to be removed. There will be various wires in behind that needs to be disconnected.
To determine which is the switched source. Some 12v ports remain on all the time or they can be switched with the ignition. First using a multimeter, set it to the two-digit dc voltage setting. Make sure you have the leads in their correct position, this will help determine which wire is positive and negative. With the key in the off position, test the plugs for the 12v ports. As you can see, one has no voltage and the other has voltage present, therefore it’s on all the time.
Next, I have stuck the probes in the back of the connector, then turning on the ignition, the circuit has power right away. Once the key is turned off, the circuit turns off as well.
Using a test light, this too can determine a switched source, along with the polarity. Instead of hooking up to both wires at the plug, the test light can have the negative wire connected to a known ground source. With a known ground source, the light will illuminate when it makes contact with a live power wire. As you can see its powers on the none switched 12v port wire, but won’t on the other when the key is off. When the key is operated on and off, you’ll see the light turn on and off.
With the key off, the connector casing can be removed and you may be lucky where the terminals will connect to the new port. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case here. I also tried sourcing a plug that connects to the factory plug but was unable to find one, so I’ll have to cut the wires instead. Slide the outer retaining frame on the connector forward, there are two tabs on the back that needs to be disconnected. Once forward, this will exposed tangs on the inside of the connection, pull those away from the terminals, then remove the terminals. I’ll provide a close-up in a moment. The test light is a sharp tip that works great for accessing these tangs.
With the connector removed, I just cut off the terminals. Then strip the insulation so the appropriate length of the conductor is exposed. Twist the wire strands. Using the correct sized crimp terminals based on the wire gauge, install the terminals on each wire and then crimp.
Remove the factory 12v cigarette light port, remove procedures will vary. The new port doesn’t fully fit and the hole isn’t completely round. So it does require some sanding, for this will be using a small drum sander on a drill.
Put the new port into place and install the large nut on the rear. To snug up the nut, it may be hard by hand so interlocking pliers can be used.
With the nut only being plastic, it can be damaged easier, so I would recommend wrapping electrical tape around the jaws. Don’t over tighten it, it’s only plastic.
Finally, the bezel can be installed back into the truck.
Thank you to all those who watch my videos and support my content. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for future tutorial videos and like my video if you found it helpful. New videos are always being uploaded every week!
© 4DIYers 2013
All Rights Reserved
No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.
