Stealth Wireless Phone Charging Mod

[Cortez Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cortez]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd share a fairly simple mod I've recently completed to add wireless phone charging to at 2016 GXL. It takes about an hour to complete with simple tools and knowledge of wiring. The end result is a 100% stealth wireless charging spot for your qi-compatible phone (most seem to have this now). Total cost is about $40.

Equipment needed

1 x wireless charging coil(s)

1 x 12V to 5V converter - this is to step the voltage down from 12V to 5V which is what USB requires for charing. This particular one is perfect as it comes with a micro USB plug which is exactly the plug needed.

Steps (photos attached)

1. Remove central storage console (plenty of guides on how to do this).
2. Flip the console unit over and grind down the vertical plastic struts. These appear to be there for reinforcement but I didn't notice any difference with the 3 removed as per the photo. They need to be removed as the charging coils need to be hard up against the underside of the console. I elected to have my phone positioned on the far right of the console hence I removed those struts. I used a dremel with a cutting tool and it worked fine.
3. Secure the wireless charging coils to the underside of the console. These need to be correctly aligned to ensure your phone positioning matches the coil locations. I secured the coils with heavy duty duct tape which seems to work fine.
4. Plug the 12V to 5V converter into the charging coil plug.
5. Wire the converter into a circuit that is accessory powered.
6. Double check the coil positioning when powered to ensure your phone charges when placed in the corresponding position.
7. Replace console and enjoy 100% stealth wireless charging.

I've found this mod incredibly useful as I drive a lot for work and prior to this mod, would often have to charge my phone later in the day as I'm a heavy mobile user. Now, the phone is constantly on charge and I never have to think about it. I have a leather phone cover which stops the phone from sliding around in the console. However, one of those thin anti-slip matts would probably work as well. The key thing to remember is that most charging coils work within about 5mm of the device, so whatever you choose, make sure it is thin to keep the phone as close to the coils as possible.

Enjoy!

[Bugga Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Bugga]

That's a great idea Cortez thanks for sharing how you did it.

[120D4D Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 120D4D]

Very cool Cortez. might have to do the same.

[saftgt Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close saftgt]

Hi Cortez,

Great idea. A problem with Prado Point, just when u think u have completed your mods, another brilliant idea is posted.

Do you have details on parts used and where did u purchase them.

[Cortez Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cortez]

The parts were bought from the sources linked, eBay and Jaycar. I had some wire taps left over from another project so I didn't need to source them.

[saftgt Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close saftgt]

thank you for the pointer to links

[Vanders Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Vanders]

Great idea!! Just wanted to ask what phone you're using?
I noticed on the fleabay site it doesn't really list late model iPhones as being compatible.

[Cortez Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cortez]

I’m using an iPhone X, however, any phone that is compatible with the ‘Qi’ wireless charging standard will work. My my wife has an iPhone 8 and Samsung phone that friends have all charge in that spot in my vehicle.

Whatever phone you have, you’ll just want to make sure the coils are accurately placed as there’s only a relatively small threshold before the charging doesn’t kick in. That’s also a reason I went with a triple charging coil setup as it gives a slightly bigger charging area.

[Vanders Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Vanders]

Thanks for the clarification, once again thanks for sharing.