Illuminated USB Media Port DIY Install

[Robins21]

Each to his own. Just remember that when your fiddling around trying to plug something in when its night time. Maybe if you look around harder you can find it cheaper???

That's just a thought there........

1) It is my wife's truck & she always leaves the thumb drive always plugged in,
2) She doesn't "fiddle" around in the dark trying to plug something in she does it when stopped & turns on the interior light. If we have to plug in her phone for directions it is daytime so no problem.

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[Mark S.]

she does it when stopped & turns on the interior light.

It never ceases to amaze me how it's a manufacturer's fault when an owner does something stupid. After getting pressured by government and the threat of lawsuits, Tesla recently "recalled" all its vehicles (it was really just an over-the-air software update) to make it harder for owners to hack the system(s) meant to ensure drivers are paying attention when automation is in use. Similarly, GM announced it plans to discontinue installation of Android Auto/Apple CarPlay in its vehicles because when they glitch drivers pick up their phones.

If you are willfully misusing a product and someone gets hurt it's YOU'RE fault.

 

[Mrmike]

Here is a swap out to make your media port illuminated like the prior yearn models. I previously had a 2021 OB and it had an illuminated media port. I know own a 2024 BL and it does not have it. I know some of you think it is not needed but in my opinion is that at night it is a huge help if you need to plug anything in.

A few disclaimers-

1) I cannot verify if this will work on any other model EXCEPT for a 2024 Badlands.
2) I know their are quite a few scratches, but I did not have the right tool to pry it out and I used a thin screwdriver but you can barley see it since it is under the console.
3) Make sure the one you buy say’s illuminated. If it doesn’t then don’t expect it to.
4) The OEM ones you buy even though same part number are no longer illuminated. They have a painted white ring around the ports as opposed to the one I bought which clearly show a translucent ring like the original which is the illuminated portion.
5) The media port gets power so there is no pin or anything missing the stops the new OEM ones from illuminating Ford simply took out the physical feature that illuminates.
6) No mod needs to be done or wiring changed they are plug and play.
7) I did not disconnect the battery, I simply had the vehicle off.


Use a very thin flat tool to gently pry up the edges of the module. Once one side starts to come up then go around each side and pry a little more until the whole module comes out (There are no clips that will break, it is held in with pressure tabs.)
Once module pops off, disconnect the 2 small wire harnesses from the back making sure they don’t fall back into the open port you just prayed the module from.
Plug those harnesses now into the new module you bought and reinsert the hole module back into the open port.

It is that simple! Turn your vehicle on and you will now have an illuminated USB/Carplay/Android Auto port just like the old days.

I have attached a link for the one I bought. I’m sure the other ones will work also as long as they say “Illuminated”.
I have attached pictures showing the old module only having a white ring around ports and the new one clearly showing the difference with a translucent border around the port.

Again I know it is scratched up so critique is not needed LOL.

Old port showing white painted ring-

New Module showing translucent ring-

After Install… ENJOY!!!!!!!!-

Link for the one I bought on Amazon

TAIFAM Carplay USB Interface Hub,USB+Type-Cmodule Compatible for Ford Lincoln SYNC 3 Version 3.4 Fast Charging Stable Transmission,Support Apple Carplay Android OEM,HC3Z-19A387-C

https://a.co/d/46YNgkN

I would like to do this on my '23OBX. I just can't justify $110 to do it. I just bought these mini-USB LED lights instead. They light up the tray area nicely and only cost $10. Here's the link if anyone's interested.

Amazon.com: Mini USB LED Light, RGB Car LED Interior Lighting Direct Current 5V Smart Atmosphere Light, Laptop Keyboard Light Home Office Decoration Night Lamp, Adjustable Brightness, 8 Colors (2 Pieces) : Electronics

 

[Martinjv71]

I would like to do this on my '23OBX. I just can't justify $110 to do it. I just bought these mini-USB LED lights instead. They light up the tray area nicely and only cost $10. Here's the link if anyone's interested.

That’s great for you!! You don’t have to justify it. You can simply look on Amazon to see if there’s any ones that are less expensive.. illuminated ports are for those that don’t want to light up up the whole tray not to mention wasting one of the ports for a plug-in. Not to mention, it looks more OEM. But that’s not bad for a cheap alternative..
Feel free to start a thread for that so you can post your own agenda.

 

[Martinjv71]

I think it’s worth the $100, but not worth the risk of scratching/gouging up the dash.

Then be more careful than I was lol not to mention it’s not in the dash it’s underneath the radio you don’t even see it. So yes, it is worth it.

 

[Dude]

Amazon.com: Mini USB LED Light, RGB Car LED Interior Lighting Direct Current 5V Smart Atmosphere Light, Laptop Keyboard Light Home Office Decoration Night Lamp, Adjustable Brightness, 8 Colors (2 Pieces) : Electronics[/URL]

@Mrmike .. Does the Adjustable Brightness work well for you? I bought non adjustable and the LED blinds me at night

 

[Black Rob]

Then be more careful than I was lol not to mention it’s not in the dash it’s underneath the radio you don’t even see it. So yes, it is worth it.

I might give it a try. Thanks for the write up.

 

[Mrmike]

@Mrmike .. Does the Adjustable Brightness work well for you? I bought non adjustable and the LED blinds me at night

I never even adjusted the brightness. I installed it, changed it to the blue color and left it alone. If you check the link, it has several videos that may help you decide.

 

[Bucko]

Will it fit in the deleted pen holder (if you have one)? Cheers!

Hmmm, I'll have to see!

 

[westcoaster818]

I think it’s worth the $100, but not worth the risk of scratching/gouging up the dash.

If you use the proper plastic tools for interior part removal this wont happen.

 

[Bluejaye]

If anyone is interested, this thing is down to around $85 now. After my last attempt to plug in my usb-c cable in the dark, this is getting very tempting.

 

[Sojourner]

If anyone is interested, this thing is down to around $85 now. After my last attempt to plug in my usb-c cable in the dark, this is getting very tempting.

Yup, the coupon helps. So I took a chance. I've attached the official Ford procedure in case anyone's interested. Ridiculously complicated. I'm going to use the method the OP used (though, hopefully, without any front panel damage).

 

[Mrmike]

Yup, the coupon helps. So I took a chance. I've attached the official Ford procedure in case anyone's interested. Ridiculously complicated. I'm going to use the method the OP used (though, hopefully, without any front panel damage).

If you use this Ford procedure and you've been thinking of changing the cup holders over to illuminated ones this procedure does a lot of the work for you.

 

[Martinjv71]

Nice! No issues with Sync4 (product info says Sync3 only)?

We all know that the Bronco Sport has Sync 3. Don't even know why a Sync 4 question would come up .

 

[Martinjv71]

1) It is my wife's truck & she always leaves the thumb drive always plugged in,
2) She doesn't "fiddle" around in the dark trying to plug something in she does it when stopped & turns on the interior light. If we have to plug in her phone for directions it is daytime so no problem.

Well then this saves having to pull over just to plug something in.

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