So I'm finding the front USB inputs on my 2017 Mazda 3 GS (Canada) are totally useless for charging. I've read about how they barely output anything to charge the device and is more for connecting to the infotainment system. That's fine, I will use a 12v car charger... my question is, does anyone have any examples of a clean wire installation leading from the arm rest console to the front cubby holder? My 12V plug is in the arm rest and I like to leave my phone in the front cubby where the SD card slot and USB inputs are. I don't want a wire getting in the way of my shifter or control knob, and I just want it to look clean! I don't want to rip panels out to do this either. Thanks
Useless USB ports - how to run a clean USB cable?
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That is exactly my problem.
I'm running a cable from the arm rest 12V output to the front where is my phone with navigation in it.
My idea is, to hide the cable under the middle console, and come out from the front console somewhere behind the infotainment screen.
I have read, that it shouldn't be a problem to disassemble the middle console, you just need to first unplug the cable from the battery (which resets trip and some data, not sure what exactly) and unscrew some bolts. The pieces should come out one after another easily.
But I need someone who has done this already and need some how to exactly.
I'm running a cable from the arm rest 12V output to the front where is my phone with navigation in it.
My idea is, to hide the cable under the middle console, and come out from the front console somewhere behind the infotainment screen.
I have read, that it shouldn't be a problem to disassemble the middle console, you just need to first unplug the cable from the battery (which resets trip and some data, not sure what exactly) and unscrew some bolts. The pieces should come out one after another easily.
But I need someone who has done this already and need some how to exactly.
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671 Posts
You might consider adding another circuit (just use a fuse tap) at the fusebox and running the wire right to where you want it.
wire the fuse tap to something like this
https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Futu...14&keywords=car+usb+charger+cable+wiring+2.1a
then it's as easy as plugging in the fuse tap to the fuse box and running the wire under the dash (shouldnt have to disassemble anything)
wire the fuse tap to something like this
https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Futu...14&keywords=car+usb+charger+cable+wiring+2.1a
then it's as easy as plugging in the fuse tap to the fuse box and running the wire under the dash (shouldnt have to disassemble anything)
On the "6", you just grab the center section of the console where cup holders are on the "soft feel material" and pull straight up, it's that simple! I wire-tied my iPhone lightening cable to the holes where the console snaps in and you can see in my phones above where the lightening cables come out. This is a 5 minute job, no tools required.
don't know if it helpe but you can take a look here: https://www.mazdafrenchclub.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=131&t=31774&start=220
This topic comes back every few weeks.
First, your USB ports may not be as useless as you think. See the following two posts of mine, with pictures:
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2014-2017-mazda-3-skyactiv-discussion/192858-usb-ports-useless-3.html#post1989018
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2014-2017-mazda-3-skyactiv-audio-electronics/192954-mazda-says-apple-carplay-support-coming-soon-including-retroactive-upgrades-5.html#post2001090
If all you want is charging the phone faster and you don't care about the data connection with the car, a simple "charging only" USB cable may do the trick. Otherwise use the hub (there is now a slimmer version available as well, e.g. here)
The pictures in my second post linked above show how I ran a USB extension cable from under the armrest to the front (my model had no USB ports in the front at all). You could do something similar with 12V if you want. Be advised that if you want it to look neat, you will have to pull the panels. It's quite easy and I have more pictures I can share though my car is 2016 so the center console is different than yours... Disconnecting the battery is completely unnecessary BTW.
First, your USB ports may not be as useless as you think. See the following two posts of mine, with pictures:
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2014-2017-mazda-3-skyactiv-discussion/192858-usb-ports-useless-3.html#post1989018
http://mazda3revolution.com/forums/2014-2017-mazda-3-skyactiv-audio-electronics/192954-mazda-says-apple-carplay-support-coming-soon-including-retroactive-upgrades-5.html#post2001090
If all you want is charging the phone faster and you don't care about the data connection with the car, a simple "charging only" USB cable may do the trick. Otherwise use the hub (there is now a slimmer version available as well, e.g. here)
The pictures in my second post linked above show how I ran a USB extension cable from under the armrest to the front (my model had no USB ports in the front at all). You could do something similar with 12V if you want. Be advised that if you want it to look neat, you will have to pull the panels. It's quite easy and I have more pictures I can share though my car is 2016 so the center console is different than yours... Disconnecting the battery is completely unnecessary BTW.
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