Installing USB plug on the top of the dash, like the Lux package -- DIY install how-to & photos

[OldHippy]

Howdy all,

Just sharing a thing I did in case anyone is having similar thoughts. I don’t have the Lux package, but wanted to fasten my dash cam to the dash top threaded mount without wires dangling over the inside of the dash, so I decided to fit a USB extension cord. I took out the ”accessory ready“ part and carved out a 3/4” x 1/2” hole on the passenger side. I could snake the cable pretty well, but the back side of the panel mount socket didn’t have “airspace” due to the plastic structure the dash cap mounts to. If that doesn’t make sense- check the pictures. With the dash cap off, I hogged out a space for the plug baking (yes, it’s rough looking, but is not visible when buttoned up). That was the only real surprise. Once that was addressed, everything went pretty well. I snaked the other end down by the glove box door and plugged into the USB plug and all is well.

I’m going to find a better path for the lower part of the cord once my hands thaw. I have a Kicker Key that needs to go in when a warmer day comes along, and at that point I’ll dress up the plug end better. I’m pleased with the result, and it was $10 for the extension on Amazon (https://a.co/b6b9JT4) and surprisingly allows a data connection to the vehicle (versus just powering).

Cheers!

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[RC Bronco]

Pretty much exactly what I did (except to power my phone) - great work!

 

[Hossfire]

Some of the stuff on the "Lux" package should be standard mid package items. More USB ports and the garage door controller are classic examples.

 

[Vandy]

I would tap the new USB power off the internal fuse box so you can free up the USB on your lower dash.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Welcome to the gang. We meet every Thursday.

There's room for a double too.

 

[Butzy]

Welcome to the gang. We meet every Thursday.

There's room for a double too.

I thought you were the OG on this one....

 

[CKXVII]

If you have an Aux Switch to spare, there’s another method for accomplishing this, but with a cleaner, more integrated ‘Lux’ look:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-ford-emails-starting-today.25955/post-916180
Credit: @Hart4523

Personally, I went w/ this USB/USB-C dual port from Amazon:

 

[Pseudoko]

I have my dash cam mounted up by the rear view mirror so this product works great. But different application since you are mounting it to the dash

https://www.stickerfab.com/collecti...th-auto-dimming-mirror?variant=40734053302383

 

[805Bronco]

If you have an Aux Switch to spare, there’s another method for accomplishing this, but with a cleaner, more integrated ‘Lux’ look:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-ford-emails-starting-today.25955/post-916180
Credit: @Hart4523

Personally, I went w/ this USB/USB-C dual port from Amazon:

That is exactly what I did in my '92 Eddie Bauer. The one I got also gave me a value for my voltage, which was handy once my dash meter stopped working...

 

[OldHippy]

I would tap the new USB power off the internal fuse box so you can free up the USB on your lower dash.

I’m thinking of that for a different reason. My wheezy little dash cam knows if there is data, and prompts me every start if I want it to be a camera or storage device. Hmm. Power only might be the best approach. Cheers!

 

[OldHippy]

Welcome to the gang. We meet every Thursday.

There's room for a double too.

My tribe!

 

[jbigfoot]

Thank you for showing how you did this. I thought all broncos were supposed to have a USB plug or 12v outlet by the dash mount, I was disappointed when I got mine and found a USB plug lacking. I wish they would go to blank out $0.50 panel plugs like in the 80s and 90s instead of having different bits of plastic for different trim levels, especially for a vehicle that they tout as customizable. I haven't bothered to hook up my aux switches yet because it seems like a pita to get behind the glove compartment to connect the wires. My first mod was new dash speakers because the stock ones suck for being on a 40k vehicle, and the factory dsp settings make them sound like trash at much over volume 10. I wish there was a factory radio delete option with a $500 credit so we could put in our own infotainment system (that doesn't require a subscription ), USB ports, etc. Seems the manufacturer trusts us more to bolt on suspension and body components that may severely affect the ride and safety of the vehicle than electronic interior doodads.

 

[OldHippy]

If you have an Aux Switch to spare, there’s another method for accomplishing this, but with a cleaner, more integrated ‘Lux’ look:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-ford-emails-starting-today.25955/post-916180
Credit: @Hart4523

Personally, I went w/ this USB/USB-C dual port from Amazon:

I’d considered an approach like that, and there are some advantages to be sure. In the end, I didn’t want to have to cut up the larger dash top (that is to say, I was pretty dialed in on modding the “accessory ready” part, in case I totally made a dogs lunch of it) and I don’t want to see it or have any additional lighting up things so close to the glass. Had Ford made that center tray/recession area in the center a separate smaller part, I think I would have gladly started there. Tricky Dick’s idea to get two plugs in that space was impressive, and I’m wondering if he had the same “airspace” problem underneath to address. Cheers!

 

[OldHippy]

I thought you were the OG on this one....

He is

 

[WuNgUn]

Howdy all,

Just sharing a thing I did in case anyone is having similar thoughts. I don’t have the Lux package, but wanted to fasten my dash cam to the dash top threaded mount without wires dangling over the inside of the dash, so I decided to fit a USB extension cord. I took out the ”accessory ready“ part and carved out a 3/4” x 1/2” hole on the passenger side. I could snake the cable pretty well, but the back side of the panel mount socket didn’t have “airspace” due to the plastic structure the dash cap mounts to. If that doesn’t make sense- check the pictures. With the dash cap off, I hogged out a space for the plug baking (yes, it’s rough looking, but is not visible when buttoned up). That was the only real surprise. Once that was addressed, everything went pretty well. I snaked the other end down by the glove box door and plugged into the USB plug and all is well.

I’m going to find a better path for the lower part of the cord once my hands thaw. I have a Kicker Key that needs to go in when a warmer day comes along, and at that point I’ll dress up the plug end better. I’m pleased with the result, and it was $10 for the extension on Amazon (https://a.co/b6b9JT4) and surprisingly allows a data connection to the vehicle (versus just powering).

Cheers!

You should put a regulator on the AUX line in the glove box and power them that way

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