USB/Power Socket - Not Always On

Newer VIN constant 12v power options (dashcam)?

There is a connector that you could use to swap in a +5V supply of your own choosing just behind the touchscreen, I believe in the panel at the passenger footwell. There are more threads around here. The thread posted above talks about where to find constant +12V. I can't find the thread I was thinking of where it was discussed adding a better power supply, but I'm sure someone else might remember.

 

Not sure about the USB ports, but there was also a thread showing where to find the relay for the 12v socket in the fuse panel and how you could pop it out and install a jumper so it stays on all the time.

 

As mentioned in the other thread, the OBDII port offers constant +12v without splicing.

 

Here it is, with pictures.

 

You're welcome.

 

If you want to use the ODBII connector for permanent 12V power you can hack together a cable that does just that. Just need to pick the correct 2 wires which is pretty easy. My hack job looked like this:

The parts cost $18 and it took about 5 mins to cut the ends and solder the wires. Not a permanent modification to the Model S, just plugs into the ODBII. I use it for my dash cam.

 

Nice, but how many amps can the OBD II port deliver and is it fused anywhere? I would probably want to throw an in-line fuse into that assembly if it were me.

 

Yes, it is fused. See owner's manual for location and size. 5A rings a bell, but it's been a while since I looked.

 

About a year ago I pulled out the relay and installed a jumper. So power is now always on. This is important not only for charging my phone, but also keeping the Echo Dot on so I can interact with it when the car is sitting still.

This is a very simple fix and much easier than tapping the OBD2 port.

 

What on earth do you do with a dot in a car? I barely have uses for it in a house...

 

Only for music. Just call out something I want to hear and it plays it. It's incredibly accurate. With bluetooth connected it plays through the car's sound system (in my case a Reus upgrade).

 

Do you have a hotspot in your car? That may be the thing I'm missing from this equation.

Amazon Music is pretty lacking, or at least was last time I checked. I wish I could hook it up to my Google Music.

 

For lots of reasons. I can turn the lights on and off in my house, adjust the termostat, send text messages by voice, and do all other kinds of things from my car,