The bL1X method for additional USB
I didn't want to start yet another additional USB mod thread and since the 2012's are being delivered, I have decided to resurrect this one with the technique that I used. OP, hope you don't mind.
I wanted to run my USB to the center console storage bin with a neat install with no cable visible even inside the bin.
I apologize in advance but I forgot to take pictures during the process between the OP's pics and mine along with descriptions you shouldn't have any issues.
I purchased this
cable - 39 inches cost me $16.45 shipped. This is the perfect length to reach my plug position to the same two cable splice position that NoCaDiver depicted. I had no extra cable whatsoever in this mod. Just got lucky.
I also used a cable I had purchased online years ago for my wife's old phone. I don't remember the length but for my set-up,
if your cable does not reach from the Sync unit to the floor, as depicted in NoCaDiver's eighth picture in the first post of this thread then you more than likely will not have enough cable for my particular method with the cable I linked to above.
I followed all the steps of this thread plus a few additional steps:
1. Remove the dashboard speaker
2. Lower the glove compartment
3. Remove console lids three torx screws and remove lid
4. Remove the front cup-holder assembly by pulling up from the rear and swinging up towards the dashboard
5. I disconnected the three plugs and remove the assembly by putting the shifter in drive and lifting over the shifter
6. Raised the center console cover by lifting from the rear cupholders - no need to remove the entire thing just swing it up a bit
7. Remove the two screws (identical to the screws on step 1 above) above the two rear vents and swing this pane down towards the floor
8. Remove the two connections and pull this panel out of the way
9. Slide your seats forward to get two screws at the rear of the entire center console. There is a screw on each side, ie., the driver and passenger side at the rear of the entire center console. Remove them as this will allow you to raise the center console up just enough to make the wire routing easier between it and the floor carpet.
A zoomed out pic so you know exactly where this screw is:
A closer look:
10. Put the passenger seat all the way back and pull off the passenger lower kick panel by pulling from the narrow rear end of the panel first
11. Route your cable either from USB1 thereby moving the factory plug to the USB2 position by shaving off the corner of the factory cable's plug or you can just plug your cord into the empty USB2 position (remember if you are reversing your cable connections, you must squeeze in the little tab that is centered on the top of the factory cable's plug to remove. Then you must shave down the corner so that it will fit in the other position. I used an exacto knife and it took about a minute to do.)
12. Route the cable down to the glove compartment and then to the floor.
13. Plug the male end of the cable from your sync unit to the smaller female end of the cable I linked to above and begin pushing your cable between the center console and the floor. Remember, we removed those two screws off the back of the console so that we can lift it from the back to make this step extremely easy. There are spots along the way that will prevent the cable from being pushed all the way under without doing this.
14. Once your cable has been routed all the way to the rear of the console, you can select a spot for your hole that the large female cable end can reach. The only position I could use on the rear end at the lower passenger corner. Lucky for me, this is where I wanted it anyway. I used a 7/8ths inch wood bit and drilled through from the back side.
15. Now if you mounted as is - just sticking it in the hole and threading on the nut from the other side, it will protrude a little too far for my taste. So, I had some 1/4 inch thick plastic that I use for other projects and with a drill press using a hole saw and the bit we used a second ago, I made a spacer washer. I did have to sand the thickness down a small bit. I have the tools to do this very easily and quickly. It might be simpler to go to Lowes and buy some 7/8ths inch washers of different thicknesses to use as a spacer. Place your spacer or washer on the plug, insert through hole and tighten with the nut from the inside.
I think this mod turned out nice and clean. It looks great and gives my HDD a nice secure home where it wont slide around...much.
