Stock USB with Aftermarket Radio - NO Cutting

MtnXfreeride · 07-10-2012, 07:17 PM

Looking to use your armrest USB port with an aftermarket radio and not in the mood for cutting the stock harness? I just did the quick mod to my car and it works great.

Here is what is needed:

This is a link to buy the connector that fits the end of the stock USB plug harness: http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...u3jONiJIhfY%3D

A perfect fit:

The part came in ~4 days and didnt cost much considering.

The only other "part" YOU will need (I needed extra parts to map out the wiring) is an old USB cable you dont mind cutting.

You will also want a soldering iron, electrical tape, and a prying tool to remove the trim around the radio.

All you have to do is solder the following (the Hirose connector is labeled 1-4 and the outside is ground.
Connect the end of an old USB cable you cut to the following pins:
1. Black
2. Red
3. Green
4. White
Finally, attach the wire that was wrapping the colored wires to the outside of the Hirose connector.. thats it, plug and play!

To make this I cut a second USB and used a continuity tester to map out which pin on the Hirose harness goes to which USB pin. (This step you dont need to do unless you care to double check my work)

Testing pins: (Again not unless you want to double check my pinout)

Chopping an old unused USB cable to solder to the harness:

Color coded:

My terrible solder job:

Wrapping in electrical tape - careful not to touch pins together! or disconnect anything!

Testing one last time to ensure connections are solid

Worked perfect - You can make this as professional as you want with better soldering or maybe there is a clip that can attach to those pins? I would recommend buying 2 hirose connectors for this job because the pins are brittle. I had 2 pins break, but it actually made it easier to solder without them in the way.

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Psyk · 07-10-2012, 10:42 PM

Thanks for the info and pics! I'll be saving this one for the future...haven't even received my 2012 yet, haha

noblepete · 07-17-2012, 08:13 PM

Thank you for the tip. I've ordered the connector you mentioned, which came in today, and I will be attempting my install this weekend, weather/work permitting.

Joker_927 · 07-19-2012, 05:12 PM

Really cool! Thanks!

MtnXfreeride · 07-19-2012, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noblepete

Thank you for the tip. I've ordered the connector you mentioned, which came in today, and I will be attempting my install this weekend, weather/work permitting.

the part does come decently quick.. and you can prep the part so all you have to do in the car is pop off the dash trim and find the plugs to plug in.

Spincity9080 · 08-20-2012, 11:34 AM

This is Awsome.... Thanks I as well will be doing this

gunz4me · 08-22-2012, 01:35 AM

Thanks for the tutorial. I'll be doing the same thing as well.

zmfc · 08-23-2012, 05:32 PM

Great tutorial. hope to do to my next car when i get it.

goloch · 09-15-2012, 01:27 AM

First of all, thanks to the original author - brilliant find!

Just did this as part of my JVC HU install and discovered a potential problem.

It seems that the length of the USB cable attached to the Hirose connector affects power to the USB device. I left significantly more cable than shown above and only some of my devices are recognized through the console USB to Hirose hack. Devices with no cables or short cables (USB drives, JVC BT adapter) work, but long cables (iPod) do not.

However, everything was recognized if connected directly to the HU's rear USB. I suspect it's a power problem over the USB extension. I'm going to take it out in the morning and shorten the cable to see if that fixes it.

goloch · 09-18-2012, 12:57 PM

Shortened my original 2 ft cable down to 4 inches and everything works great now. Short cables definitely seem to be a must!

wrx777sti · 01-22-2013, 07:28 PM

Thank you MtnXfreeride,

I will be doing this mod in a very short time and I am so glad I found your writeup.

I was wondering how to do the same thing with the AUX port in the armrest box ?

Any idea anyone ?

Thanks

MtnXfreeride · 02-22-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrx777sti

Thank you MtnXfreeride,

I will be doing this mod in a very short time and I am so glad I found your writeup.

I was wondering how to do the same thing with the AUX port in the armrest box ?

Any idea anyone ?

Thanks

There is a guy on this forum who sells the adapter for the 3.5mm jack. I believe its user SVXdc - PM him and ask. He sells these adapters I show here premade too for a higher price.

Also, to the person above who said the long JVC HU cable paired with this doesnt power their iphone:
My JVC headunit has that long USB cable and I have no issues charging and powering my iphone which sits in the armrest all day/night as an MP3 player. (I dont use it as my primary phone anymore). So maybe its your JVC HU that isnt putting out enough power - or the wire you used is too thin.

TheSTIuation · 03-03-2013, 08:58 PM

MtnXfreeride,

Is that the KW-NT800HDT? If so, I just picked up that unit. Question for you, can't I just run the USB already connected to the JVC to the arm rest and replace the USB that was there previously or do I need to order that connector? I have an 11 STI.

Mark

TheSTIuation · 03-03-2013, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSTIuation

MtnXfreeride,

Is that the KW-NT800HDT? If so, I just picked up that unit. Question for you, can't I just run the USB already connected to the JVC to the arm rest and replace the USB that was there previously or do I need to order that connector? I have an 11 STI.

Mark

Oh and I apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge on this situation. First time going aftermarket.

Haptic_ · 04-27-2013, 11:33 AM

Can we use any USB cable for this? I have a lot of ipod cables I don't use anymore and I prefer to keep my micros.

del_tron · 04-29-2013, 10:38 AM

I don't know if the wires are the same inside an iPod cable.

fastfive09 · 08-11-2014, 01:35 PM

Sorry for my lack of knowledge here but where does the other end of the cut up USB go? I'm assuming you chop the plug part and solder it to the wire harness somewhere?

Can someone tell me if I am completely wrong?

fastfive09 · 10-10-2014, 03:36 PM

no one?

travishardiman · 10-10-2014, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastfive09

Sorry for my lack of knowledge here but where does the other end of the cut up USB go? I'm assuming you chop the plug part and solder it to the wire harness somewhere?

Can someone tell me if I am completely wrong?

There is a $4 adapter plug linked in the first post that the cut USB cable gets wired to. Then the adapter plug goes right into the subaru plug in the vehicle, and the other regular usb male plug goes into the back of the new head unit.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...u3jONiJIhfY%3D
(although for it costs $5 for shipping? so $9 total?)

Or for about $10 you can get one premade that really requires no cutting from SonicElectronix:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...AX-SUBUSB.html

Or ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/181427740600?lpid=82

I got mine for $12 from SVXdc (scroll down to Retain Factory USB Socket):
http://ae64.com/aftermarket-HU-install-parts-IX2012.htm

MtnXfreeride · 10-31-2014, 07:02 AM

yeah that part didnt exist when I made this tutorial, thanks for the link to it.

fastfive09 · 11-03-2014, 07:05 PM

Oh Silly me. My current head unit is a cheapy that has no rear USB. I intended to run behind a tablet but I am now having second thoughts.
Am I right in assuming that this does not work if your HU only has front USB?

Thanks for the responses folks

07-10-2012, 07:17 PM	#1
MtnXfreeride Scooby Specialist Member#: 228010 Join Date: Oct 2009 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Maine Vehicle: 2019 WRX Limited Crystal White Pearl	Stock USB with Aftermarket Radio - NO Cutting Looking to use your armrest USB port with an aftermarket radio and not in the mood for cutting the stock harness? I just did the quick mod to my car and it works great. Here is what is needed: This is a link to buy the connector that fits the end of the stock USB plug harness: http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...u3jONiJIhfY%3D A perfect fit: The part came in ~4 days and didnt cost much considering. The only other "part" YOU will need (I needed extra parts to map out the wiring) is an old USB cable you dont mind cutting. You will also want a soldering iron, electrical tape, and a prying tool to remove the trim around the radio. All you have to do is solder the following (the Hirose connector is labeled 1-4 and the outside is ground. Connect the end of an old USB cable you cut to the following pins: 1. Black 2. Red 3. Green 4. White Finally, attach the wire that was wrapping the colored wires to the outside of the Hirose connector.. thats it, plug and play! To make this I cut a second USB and used a continuity tester to map out which pin on the Hirose harness goes to which USB pin. (This step you dont need to do unless you care to double check my work) Testing pins: (Again not unless you want to double check my pinout) Chopping an old unused USB cable to solder to the harness: Color coded: My terrible solder job: Wrapping in electrical tape - careful not to touch pins together! or disconnect anything! Testing one last time to ensure connections are solid Worked perfect - You can make this as professional as you want with better soldering or maybe there is a clip that can attach to those pins? I would recommend buying 2 hirose connectors for this job because the pins are brittle. I had 2 pins break, but it actually made it easier to solder without them in the way. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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07-10-2012, 10:42 PM	#2
Psyk Scooby Specialist Member#: 92203 Join Date: Jul 2005 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Bergen County Vehicle: 2012 SWP WRX Hatch RIP 05 WRX	Thanks for the info and pics! I'll be saving this one for the future...haven't even received my 2012 yet, haha

07-17-2012, 08:13 PM	#3
noblepete Scooby Newbie Member#: 320154 Join Date: May 2012	Thank you for the tip. I've ordered the connector you mentioned, which came in today, and I will be attempting my install this weekend, weather/work permitting.

07-19-2012, 05:12 PM	#4
Joker_927 Scooby Newbie Member#: 267865 Join Date: Dec 2010 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2020 WishIHadMySubby Imaginary Blue	Really cool! Thanks!

08-20-2012, 11:34 AM	#6
Spincity9080 Scooby Newbie Member#: 329282 Join Date: Aug 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: virginia beach for now Vehicle: 2013 wrx sti plasma blue pearl	This is Awsome.... Thanks I as well will be doing this

08-22-2012, 01:35 AM	#7
gunz4me Scooby Newbie Member#: 305130 Join Date: Dec 2011 Chapter/Region: South East Location: LFT Vehicle: 2019 WRX Dark Gray	Thanks for the tutorial. I'll be doing the same thing as well.

08-23-2012, 05:32 PM	#8
zmfc Scooby Newbie Member#: 327159 Join Date: Jul 2012	Great tutorial. hope to do to my next car when i get it.

09-15-2012, 01:27 AM	#9
goloch Scooby Newbie Member#: 301391 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Central NJ Vehicle: 2002 WRX WR Blue	First of all, thanks to the original author - brilliant find! Just did this as part of my JVC HU install and discovered a potential problem. It seems that the length of the USB cable attached to the Hirose connector affects power to the USB device. I left significantly more cable than shown above and only some of my devices are recognized through the console USB to Hirose hack. Devices with no cables or short cables (USB drives, JVC BT adapter) work, but long cables (iPod) do not. However, everything was recognized if connected directly to the HU's rear USB. I suspect it's a power problem over the USB extension. I'm going to take it out in the morning and shorten the cable to see if that fixes it.

09-18-2012, 12:57 PM	#10
goloch Scooby Newbie Member#: 301391 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Central NJ Vehicle: 2002 WRX WR Blue	Shortened my original 2 ft cable down to 4 inches and everything works great now. Short cables definitely seem to be a must!

01-22-2013, 07:28 PM	#11
wrx777sti Scooby Newbie Member#: 283042 Join Date: May 2011 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Quebec city Vehicle: 2011 Impreza 2.5i World Rally Blue	Thank you MtnXfreeride, I will be doing this mod in a very short time and I am so glad I found your writeup. I was wondering how to do the same thing with the AUX port in the armrest box ? Any idea anyone ? Thanks

03-03-2013, 08:58 PM	#13
TheSTIuation Scooby Newbie Member#: 327644 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Wisconsin Vehicle: 2011 STI SWP	MtnXfreeride, Is that the KW-NT800HDT? If so, I just picked up that unit. Question for you, can't I just run the USB already connected to the JVC to the arm rest and replace the USB that was there previously or do I need to order that connector? I have an 11 STI. Mark

04-27-2013, 11:33 AM	#15
Haptic_ Scooby Newbie Member#: 354731 Join Date: Apr 2013 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Austin, TX Vehicle: 2013 WRX HB Plasma Blue	Can we use any USB cable for this? I have a lot of ipod cables I don't use anymore and I prefer to keep my micros.

04-29-2013, 10:38 AM	#16
del_tron Scooby Newbie Member#: 277736 Join Date: Mar 2011 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: St. Louis, MO Vehicle: 2006 Saab 9-2x Aero Black	I don't know if the wires are the same inside an iPod cable.

08-11-2014, 01:35 PM	#17
fastfive09 Scooby Specialist Member#: 169597 Join Date: Jan 2008 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Baton Rouge, LA Vehicle: 2011 WRX Sedan Silver	Sorry for my lack of knowledge here but where does the other end of the cut up USB go? I'm assuming you chop the plug part and solder it to the wire harness somewhere? Can someone tell me if I am completely wrong?

10-10-2014, 03:36 PM	#18
fastfive09 Scooby Specialist Member#: 169597 Join Date: Jan 2008 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Baton Rouge, LA Vehicle: 2011 WRX Sedan Silver	no one?

10-31-2014, 07:02 AM	#20
MtnXfreeride Scooby Specialist Member#: 228010 Join Date: Oct 2009 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Maine Vehicle: 2019 WRX Limited Crystal White Pearl	yeah that part didnt exist when I made this tutorial, thanks for the link to it.

11-03-2014, 07:05 PM	#21
fastfive09 Scooby Specialist Member#: 169597 Join Date: Jan 2008 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Baton Rouge, LA Vehicle: 2011 WRX Sedan Silver	Oh Silly me. My current head unit is a cheapy that has no rear USB. I intended to run behind a tablet but I am now having second thoughts. Am I right in assuming that this does not work if your HU only has front USB? Thanks for the responses folks