Adding USB to center console

[iamdub]

I found the thread outlining adding the OEM USB port to the dash, but found nothing on adding the one to the center console. All I did find was that this was a 2010, probably mid-year 2009 feature. I'm collecting parts to swap in a 2010 radio that has the USB function into my 2008. I have the part numbers for the USB socket and for the cover. Does anyone have the part number for the correct cable? I found a few that were obviously too short. One: part # 19303328, is the longest at approximately 38". Measuring and estimating, this looks like it would be on the ragged edge of being too short to mount the USB port in the console on the back wall, on the other side from where the power port is.

Am I overestimating the length of cable needed or is the USB port on the newer models in the front or do I have the wrong part number?

 

[iamdub]

Ok... I think I found my answer: The cable isn't available as a separate part as it's part of a harness for the USB-equipped consoles. I could get the cheapest OEM cable (probably the one for the dash-mounted USB port) and splice in wire to extend it or just keep it simple and do the dash-mounted USB port. I could always relocate it to the center console later if I decide to. After sitting in the seat and thinking on it for a few minutes, the dash port wouldn't be so bad. I just wouldn't be able to stash the thumb drive or iPod in the center console to keep that area wire-free. It always has to be complicated with me!

 

[ISU-152]

Theres all kinds of plug and play adaptors/wires...I'm not familiar with the oem deck on those put if it has a USB port already just check out eBay or future shop whatever for the cables you need. Tuck it under the carpet and slide it in under the console.

 

[Rocket Man]

There's USB outlets that just plug into the accessory outlet and turn it into dual USB ports.

 

[ISU-152]

There's USB outlets that just plug into the accessory outlet and turn it into dual USB ports.

You're talking the auxiliary input so his stock deck could run USB without changing decks?

 

[Rocket Man]

Oh, I think I misunderstood what he was trying to do. My idea is only for a charging port, I'm guessing the OP wants to input to the HU through the USB. I forgot about that use, I've been using Bluetooth for too long!

 

[ISU-152]

Oh, I think I misunderstood what he was trying to do. My idea is only for a charging port, I'm guessing the OP wants to input to the HU through the USB. I forgot about that use, I've been using Bluetooth for too long!

Haha that's cool but you brought up a valid point in my mind. My stereo gear is just collecting dust these days but it wouldn't surprise me if there was an adapter to play music via USB to an auxiliary input now. You'd just lose the charging (as you pointed out) and the controllability on a HUD

 

[ISU-152]

Also he mentioned a thumb drive...which wouldn't work. But ipod could I bet

 

[iamdub]

Theres all kinds of plug and play adaptors/wires...I'm not familiar with the oem deck on those put if it has a USB port already just check out eBay or future shop whatever for the cables you need. Tuck it under the carpet and slide it in under the console.

My stock HU has nothing more than an AUX port on the front for input. I'm swapping it out for a touchscreen DVD/NAV unit from a 2010 and it has a USB Mini port on the back. Depending on the package and/or vehicle, there was a USB input on the dash or inside the center console that was connected to the HU with a double-male USB Mini cable. I'd like to use the OEM USB dash port and OEM cable because the terminating ends lock together. Also, the cable should be of good quality and I wouldn't have to worry about "This accessory not supported" error messages that are common with aftermarket parts.

Oh, I think I misunderstood what he was trying to do. My idea is only for a charging port, I'm guessing the OP wants to input to the HU through the USB. I forgot about that use, I've been using Bluetooth for too long!

Yes, I want to input and charge through the USB. The OEM DVD/NAV HU I'm swapping in will control and play from a thumb drive (maybe, but not a concern for me), smart phone, iPod, USB harddrive, etc. I'd prefer the USB port to be in the center console so I can leave my iPod connected and stored in there instead of having a cable hanging out of the dash all the time. Or, I can run a short cable from out of the console and plug in my phone to play Pandora through the HU. Bluetooth would be great, but that would require special and expensive add-on module(s). For now, I just want to utilize that USB port since it will cost me only the cable and port. Besides, I find that audio quality varies significantly when compressed for BT streaming.

I have all of that sorted out already. My problem is finding an OEM male/male USB Mini cable long enough to reach from the back of the HU to the back wall of the center console. Apparently, this isn't available separately. But, I can solder in a length of USB cable from a junk computer mouse to extend an OEM cable. Then I'd have the length I need AND the locking ends. I really don't want to have to take my console or dash back apart because a USB cable worked it's way loose.

USB Mini port on back of OEM HU:




GM USB cable has locking ends:




GM USB port has USB Mini on back for cable to lock in to (pic taken from other forum):

 

[Rocket Man]

I see. That might be a GM proprietary connector, I've never seen that exact one before. Could you install that USB outlet somewhere like the lower area of the dash (maybe hidden) and then just use a long USB cable from there to the console area where you want to leave your IPod? That way the only place it could come unconnected would be accessible.