Honda Civic 2006 centre console USB ports

Sick of using a lighter socket charger and wanting to use that for a cheap TPMS monitor, I wanted to replace the blanking plates used in better models for heated seat switches.

Rather than cutting holes in the existing panel, which in hindsight would have been MUCH easier, I printed them.

Add in short USB extension cables and then splice a USB charger and a fuse between the loom and the existing lighter socket, and it all works. There's plenty of space in the centre console to fit it all.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

CEL

Printer:

Robox

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

Fine

Infill:

40%

Notes:

Black ABS printed at Fine resolution on a Green Beta Robox. Printed as two separate parts.

Post-Printing

Sanding

It just required a light sanding with wet-and-dry (600?) to get rid of the stair steps, and a very light polish with Brasso.

To get a better fit in final installation, the positioning holes were trimmed slightly with a diamond needle file.

Wiring

Two short (15cm) cables were bought from Amazon and shoved in the holes. However, due to clearance concerns, I replaced them with soldered sockets, although in hindsight this was unnecessary. The sockets were fixed in with Sugru and a strain relief moulded in.

An extension harness with a fuse and charger in between the existing lighter socket and the car's wiring loom was added, using crimp spade terminals, which were then encased in epoxy putty to form a plug. All critical parts were heat-shrinked and/or wrapped in silicone amalgamating tape.

After soldering in a new charger (worrying that there wasn't enough space otherwise) it turns out the new charger was faulty. However, as there was easily enough space for an inline lighter socket and a low-profile dual USB charger, this was an easy replacement.

The addition is entirely non-destructive, so the extra wiring and charger can be removed and the original blanking plates replaced.

How I Designed This

Blender, and measurements with cheap digital calipers.

Category: Automotive