I wanted a cleaner solution than the cigarette socket for charging my phone. Looking at aftermarket options I saw many reviews of overheating or even fires. This led me to search out an OEM solution that would allow for fast charging (USB-PD) of my phone. It turns out most OEM solutions do not support the USB-PD protocol that allows for higher wattage and if they do they are not self contained in a retrofit friendly package.
The Tesla 1656787-00-B module checked all the boxes:
I purchased it here:
I used this eBay harness but it looks like you can now get one right from the site above. You will cut one end of the harness off to wire it to the car:
Here is the pinout - Only 1 set of the power/ground have to be connected. The seller told me they are internally bridged
For the install I used the existing switched power that is part of the car phone harness under the center console. Don't do what the previous owner did and cut the phone harness - use a tap instead. Too late for my car.
Testing - it was able to charge my iPhone from 2% to 80% in 30min. No heat from the module or wiring. It should be noted this module is rated to 6amp, the phone circuit is rated to 5amp. The module would only ever consume that if it were charging two devices at max output. I feel comfortable only using this for a single phone.
It tucks in nicely behind the coin tray. If you ever have to change the charging cable that is all you have to remove.
The Tesla 1656787-00-B module checked all the boxes:
- Self contained in a small case
- Only requires a simple power input
- USB-PD - forum posts of Tesla users upgrading to this module are reporting 20+ watt output
I purchased it here:
I used this eBay harness but it looks like you can now get one right from the site above. You will cut one end of the harness off to wire it to the car:
Here is the pinout - Only 1 set of the power/ground have to be connected. The seller told me they are internally bridged
For the install I used the existing switched power that is part of the car phone harness under the center console. Don't do what the previous owner did and cut the phone harness - use a tap instead. Too late for my car.
- Purple/White = 12v
- Brown = Ground
Testing - it was able to charge my iPhone from 2% to 80% in 30min. No heat from the module or wiring. It should be noted this module is rated to 6amp, the phone circuit is rated to 5amp. The module would only ever consume that if it were charging two devices at max output. I feel comfortable only using this for a single phone.
It tucks in nicely behind the coin tray. If you ever have to change the charging cable that is all you have to remove.
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