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j_anderson

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Today, I tackled adding a wireless charger. I am an iPhone guy and I wanted to make sure I am getting the highest wattage wireless charge since wireless charging is super inefficient anyway and wireless CarPlay is a battery leech.

For iPhone to have the highest wattage wireless charge possible, you need a power source which will supply enough power and a MagSafe puck from Apple or a certified MagSafe puck from another manufacturer. There are a ton of magnetic wireless chargers available on Amazon, eBay, etc that say "MagSafe compatible" but that is not the same as certified and those do not allow full power wireless charging. I chose the one from Apple since the 3D printed holder is designed for the Apple dimensions.

This CNET article dives into the power requirements for speed charging via MagSafe.

On to the install. I chose to buy a power source from a company called CoolGear (linked in list below).
Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY Screen Shot 2022-05-02 at 1.35.47 PM

edit: I changed out the charger to this one so I would have enough ports to supply power to the USB dash-mounted ports Installed. Link below is also updated



I installed my charger where the factory one from the Lux package would be located. It is found below the HVAC controls in the floor console. There is a block-off plate located below the rubber mat.

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY IMG_6763.JPG



To get to that block off plate, you have to remove the top plate of the console.

  • Release the retainers and remove the trim panel.
Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 1640919976602


  • Release the retainers and lower the steering column opening trim panel.
Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 1640919976800


  • Open the glove compartment.

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 1640919976866


NOTE: Vehicles not equipped with a handle are equipped with a trim plate. The bolts and trim plate must be removed.
  • Remove the bolts and the handle or trim plate.

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 1640919976930


  • Remove the screws
  • Release the retainers
  • Remove the lower instrument panel trim panel.
  • Disconnect the electrical connectors

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 1640919977015


Insert a trim tool between the selector lever boot and the trim ring to release the retainer tabs from the trim ring.
Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

  • Lift the selector lever boot upwards.

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 1640919977095


Release the retainers, feed the shift boot through the panel opening, and remove the floor console upper trim panel.

Note, the shift lever must be moved to the drive position to remove the panel.
  • Disconnect the electrical connectors.
    • Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 1640919977164



Once the console top plate is removed you can remove the block-off plate.
  • Remove the 4, star shaped torx screws
Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY IMG_6971.JPG


With the plate removed, use a pencil and a straight edge. Find the center of the plate by drawing lines from each corner

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY IMG_6972.JPG


X marks the spot!
  • Drill a pilot hole.
  • Using a 2.5" hole saw, cut the opening for the 3D printed MagSafe holder (link to 3D printer file below).
  • Use a sharp blade to clean up and enlarge hole slightly to fit the holder.
  • Insert the MagSafe holder into the block-off plate.

It's a tight fit so, I didnt glue it in.
Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY IMG_6973.JPG


  • Install MagSafe Puck.

I skinned mine so it wouldn't be silver/gray. (link to skin below)

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY IMG_6974.JPG



With the upper console bit all done, time for the power source install.

Before installing the accessory harness, extend the wires to the correct length and attach the included power source connector. The harness comes with crimp style connectors but I removed those and soldered the extra length wire and shrink wrapped the joints. I used cloth harness tape to dress the wires.

To gain access to the consoles 12v power port connector
  • Remove the back side of the console by pulling the panel toward the rear of the vehicle. The panel is held on with clips. It pops right off.

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY Screen Shot 2021-12-31 at 11.07.30 AM


With the back of the console removed
  • Unplug the gray 12v power port plug.
  • Insert the accessory power T-harness (4dtech harness linked below).
  • Route and feed the extended wire through the console along the floor and up to where the power source module will be installed.

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY Screen Shot 2021-12-30 at 10.45.41 PM



I installed the power source module by removing one of the grab handle structure bolts circled below.

  • Remove the bolt.
  • Slide it through one side of the power source case flange
  • Reinstall the bolt.

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY Screen Shot 2021-12-30 at 10.22.34 PM


  • Plug the wires from the power accessory harness into the power module.
  • Plug the MagSafe puck into the power module's USB-C port.
  • Reinstall everything else by reversing the tear down instructions above.

Place mat over the top and DONE!


Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY IMG_6975.JPG



I am going to run it like this for a few days but I think ultimately, I may need to cut the rubber mat and shim the MagSafe puck to come up through the mat and sit flush. This would be the strongest magnetic connection with the phone for the most efficient charge. As a bonus, I have a spare USB ports on the power source that I plan to use to power the port I want to add to the upper dash defrost panel.

Edit: I went ahead and cut the rubber mat to allow the MagSafe puck to sit flush with the rubber mat. This allows easier alignment. You can more easily feel the magnets grab the phone and know you've got it without looking.

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY IMG_8010.JPG






Item list:
Apple MagSafe puck
3D printable puck holder file on Thingiverse
Coolgear Power Source
4dtech Power Accessory Harness
O.E. Wireless Charger Rubber Mat (optional) Part number: M2DZ78047A74CA
EasySkins Matte Black MagSafe puck skins
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Last edited:

Bonnie6G

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Man. Amazing How-to. Thanks for this. Where did you get your diagrams? Is there some manufacturing manual somewhere I’m not aware of? Would love to know how to pull other parts of the trim around the bronco as well.
 
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j_anderson

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Man. Amazing How-to. Thanks for this. Where did you get your diagrams? Is there some manufacturing manual somewhere I’m not aware of? Would love to know how to pull other parts of the trim around the bronco as well.
Thanks! I got the console removal diagram from @flip !
 

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MrGreen55

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was thinking about changing the wireless charger out thanks for the info. Did this fix the over heating problem ?
 
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j_anderson

j_anderson

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was thinking about changing the wireless charger out thanks for the info. Did this fix the over heating problem ?
Wireless charging always creates some heat and sometimes extra heat is generated when the phone and charger are not in optimal alignment. If you have iPhone 12 or later series phones, the MagSafe will magnetically align the phone to the charge coil. The magnetic connection isn't as strong through the rubber mat as it is placed directly on the puck. Your results may vary with this mod but from what I hear, this will be a better solution than the underpowered factory charger.
 
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j_anderson

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Very nice!

Can you get the 7MT console diagrams?
I know the MT top plate is shaped a bit differently but I would think the removal process would be similar. @flip might be able to provide the MT process
 

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Tricky Dick

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I know the MT top plate is shaped a bit differently but I would think the removal process would be similar. @flip might be able to provide the MT process
The charging pad is also angled vs flat. The process should be close enough but those diagrams are slick and should prevent breaking things.

2021-ford-bronco-2-door-153-1594328613.jpg
 

Werkedperformance

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The charging pad is also angled vs flat. The process should be close enough but those diagrams are slick and should prevent breaking things.

2021-ford-bronco-2-door-153-1594328613.jpg
I really like that 3D printed piece. I was considering a recessed option, but just used VHB 3M tape to affix the charger to the MT “pad” area for a quick fix. Well played!
 

JJ Bronco

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Today, I tackled adding a wireless charger. I am an iPhone guy and I wanted to make sure I am getting the highest wattage wireless charge since wireless charging is super inefficient anyway and wireless CarPlay is a battery leach.

For iPhone to have the highest wattage wireless charge possible, you need a power source which will supply enough power and a MagSafe puck from Apple or a certified MagSafe puck from another manufacturer. There are a ton of magnetic wireless chargers available on Amazon, eBay, etc that say "MagSafe compatible" but that is not the same as certified and those do not allow full power wireless charging. I chose one from Apple since the 3D printed holder is designed for the Apple puck dimensions.

This CNET article dives into the power requirements for speed charging via MagSafe.

On to the install. I chose to buy a power source from a company called CoolGear (linked in list below).
View attachment 233953


I chose to install my charger where the factory one from the Lux package would be located. It is found below the HVAC controls in the floor console. There is a block-off plate located below the rubber mat.

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text



To get that block off plate, you have to remove the top plate of the console.



Console removal instructions:

  1. Release the retainers and remove the trim panel.




Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text






1 Remove the bolt covers.





View attachment 233979





1 Release the retainers and lower the steering column opening trim panel.


  1. Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover




Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text









1 Open the glove compartment.





Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text






1 NOTE: Vehicles not equipped with a handle are equipped with a trim plate. The bolts and trim plate must be removed.


  1. Remove the bolts and the handle or trim plate.




Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text






1


  1. Remove the screws, release the reteianers and remove the lower instrument panel trim panel.
    • Disconnect the electrical connectors.




Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text






1 Insert a trim tool between the selector lever boot and the trim ring to release the retainer tabs from the trim ring.


  1. Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover
  2. Lift the selector lever boot upwards.




Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text






1


  1. Release the retainers, feed the shift boot through the panel opening, and remove the floor console upper trim panel.
    • Disconnect the electrical connectors.
    • Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover




Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text






1 Remove the bolts and the console reinforcement bracket


  1. Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)




View attachment 233986





1 Disconnect the floor console electrical connectors.





View attachment 233988





1 Remove the bolts, release the push pins and remove the floor console.


  1. Torque: 48 lb.in (5.4 Nm)




View attachment 233987


You dont really need to fully remove the console base, just the top plate. If you do this mod how I did it, you will need to gain access to the power connector port within the center console. The back of the console is held on with clips. It pops right off.


Once the console top plate is removed you can remove the block-off plate by removing the 4 star screws:
Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text


With the plate removed, use a pencil and a straight edge and find the center of the plate by drawing lines from each corner:

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text


X marks the spot. Drill a pilot hole first. Then use a 2.5" hole saw to cut the opening for the 3D printed MagSafe holder (link to 3D printer file below). Use a sharp blade to clean up the hole and enlarge the hole slightly to fit then insert the MagSafe holder into the block-off plate. It's a tight fit so, I didnt glue it in.
Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text


Install MagSafe Puck. I skinned mine so it wouldn't be silver/gray. (link to skin below)

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text



With the upper console bit all done, time for the power source install.

Before installing the accessory harness, extend the wires to the correct length and attach the include power source connector. I soldered the extra length wire then shrink wrapped the joint then used cloth harness tap to dress the wires.

Pop off the back of the console and unplug the power source. You are looking for the gray connector that feeds the 12v port inside the console below the arm rest. Plug in the accessory power harness (4dtech harness linked below).

Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text



I chose to install the power source module by removing one of the grab handle structure bolts circled below. I put the bolt through one side of the power source case flange and reinstalled the bolt.
Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text


Plug the wires from the power accessory harness into the module and plug your MagSafe puck into the power source's USB-C port. Reinstall everything else by reversing the tear down instructions above.

Place mat over the top and DONE!


Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text



I am going to run it like this for a few days but I think ultimately, I may need to cut the rubber mat and shim the MagSafe puck to come up through the mat and sit flush. This would be the strongest magnetic connection with the phone for the most efficient charge. Also, as a bonus, I have a spare USB port on the power source that I plan to use to power the port I want to add to the upper dash defrost panel.





Item list:
Apple MagSafe puck
3D printable puck holder file on Thingiverse
Coolgear Power Source
4dtech Power Accessory Harness
O.E. Wireless Charger Rubber Mat (optional) Part number: M2DZ78047A74CA
EasySkins Matte Black MagSafe puck skins

Excellent post. 👍
 
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j_anderson

j_anderson

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👏 Excellent post with step by step instructions/diagrams.

But am I the only one that felt overwhelmed by the process? I tried to follow along, but...
Ford Bronco HOW TO: MagSafe Wireless Charger Install in Factory Location - DIY 71257ee5-18d7-461e-b39b-3277361953dc_text
  1. 3D Print your holder in advance and order all the stuff from the list.
  2. Remove the top console plate.
  3. Cut the hole for the holder and install the holder and charge puck.
  4. Wire and install the power source.
  5. Reinstall all trim panels that were removed.
Sponsored

 
 


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