Upper Glove Box USB "Hack"

[Musichatesyouall]

Ok, this is something I did because I noticed that the USB port in my glove box wasn't supplying enough power to my phone to actually charge it while I was using battery draining apps and if it was low, it would shut off even though it was "charging".

Anyway, I had a little $10 rechargeable external battery (like this) laying around and figured I'd use it as a battery backup source.

Not only does it actually charge my phone, but it gets charged while the car is on, and the battery will continue charging my phone if I leave it in my car for whatever reason. Also, it's an emergency light and power source that's always in my car.

It fits real nice in the little weird area above the USB port.

Check it:

 

[Wgarider]

Great idea!!

Great idea!!

 

[StickyToes]

That's a good idea for a second phone or ipod.

 

[2014 Blue RS]

Excited by your solution I gave it a try as well. However that USB seems to only provide a trickle charge. After a few days my portable charger died because it's getting .5 and putting out 1.5.

Gotta figure out how to get more juice to the USB . .

Pics are related to my dash cam install.




Made sure the cable went BEHIND the airbag.
[/ATTACH]

From the drivers seat.

 

[2014 Blue RS]

USB Connectors

Back side of glove box


Where it connects.

 

[eggsalad]

Depending on a person's skill level, it may be possible to leave the two pins of the USB connector that send data to the radio alone, and wire the two power pins to a more powerful 5VDC source.

The technical specification for USB 2.0 is to provide a minimum of 500mA per port. That's precisely what GM has done.

 

[Natesriv]

I think that's more an input to the head unit than a charger. But a rewire seems a good idea!

 

[2014 Blue RS]

All i know not enough juice! Gotta figure something out.

 

[Natesriv]

skedusche!

12V Dual Port USB Car Motorcycle Socket Splitter Power Adapter Charger for Phone | eBay

I might do this... would fit in there nicely! Would need to tap into a fuse that's off with the car off, using one of those fuse taps... then ground to the metal framing of the dashboard that's right behind the mini-dash/dash

 

[2014 Blue RS]

That's a great idea.
Clueless on electrical but I did see a post about adding 12 volt cigarette adapter to the lower glove box. Have to look into that one again.

 

[Criket6]

That's a great idea.
Clueless on electrical but I did see a post about adding 12 volt cigarette adapter to the lower glove box. Have to look into that one again.

I'm looking into doing something like this in my 2012 lt and can't find that post....you've given me hope that it is possible to add another port.

 

[mja]

I have that USB port wired as an input to the aftermarket head unit. Seamlessly connects to Android Auto/Pandora & other apps that way. While plugged in, the trickle USB allows the phone battery to last twice as long as it would connecting via bluetooth to Android auto.

A proper fast charger in the 12V power source works just fine for charging purposes.

 

[Criket6]

I have that USB port wired as an input to the aftermarket head unit. Seamlessly connects to Android Auto/Pandora & other apps that way. While plugged in, the trickle USB allows the phone battery to last twice as long as it would connecting via bluetooth to Android auto.

A proper fast charger in the 12V power source works just fine for charging purposes.

Unfortunately, I am learning as I go and will have help to do all of this, so none of your reply makes any sense to me lol!
I am looking at buying a charger to go into the glove box and hopefully one on the back side of the cup holder.