Adding 12v cig lighter outlet and additional USB to my 24 LT/Z71

64BAwagon · November 11, 2023

I decided to add a 12v cigarette lighter style outlet to my truck. Since I was taking everything apart anyways I figured I would add a couple of USB chargers also that were not linked to the entertainment system. It simplifies my wife charging her I phone while my Android is connected. The wiring is pretty basic stuff. I tapped the fuse that controls the existing USB in the dash, that way the new ones would cycle on and off like the OEM ones. I used a metal tap that slips over the center leg of the 3 leg fuse. This gave me power on a new circuit without running any of the load through the existing fuse. I placed a fuse in the tap line but you could also buy a piggyback fuse tap and accomplish the same thing. I did all this in the right side fuse panel. I then ran the power along the area above the glovebox and then dropped it through the side of the HVAC control. For a ground I used a stud that was on the floor behind the cover panel on the right side of the trans hump. It was a 6mm nut and I used a tooth washer on it. To access everything you must take the panels off in this order. The right side fuse cover, the right side lower panel next to it (2 screws), Next the trim panel between the upper and lower dash panels that goes all the way over to the steering wheel (1 screw on the right side and the rest were clips). Next was the left side lower panel below the steering wheel (no screws) that will reveal a screw in the center panel on the left side of the lower panel. The panel that I put the outlets in is 2 pieces, I chose to remove it as one. The lower panel has an access panel that must be removed to the right of the throttle pedal, once that screw is removed the entire panel comes out with some finesse since theres a bunch of clips holding it in. If I was to do it again I would probably removed the bottom panel first and then the middle panel where I put the outlets. Its tricky getting it all back together since its so large. Since some of the panels have screws retaining them (5 if I recall correct) you must follow the sequence in order to reveal the screws.

64BAwagon · November 11, 2023

Some more pics, note the 10a fuse used for the existing USB outlets is the one I used the tap on. It is just above the blue connector, the 10a on the right.

Edited November 11, 2023 by 64BAwagon

rjgvt · November 12, 2023

Very nice. Where did you get the document for removing the trim panels?

64BAwagon · November 20, 2023

While I was at it I added an underhood light on a tilt switch. I just needed enough light to be able to check the oil without needing a flashlight. I mounted the light through the insulator by poking 2 hole in it and using plastic push pins through the back of the insulator into the mount holes on the lifht. It worked perfect. The switch is on the ground side and mounted under the insulator near the point where the wire exits. It took some moving around to get it the way I wanted, its held on with 3M 2 side tape. I used "CES Deluxe Low-Profile Tilt Switch" and a generic 4" LED light. Its just enough.