Hidden USB

[TheMission 8]

Anybody hide their USB port?

I hate having to unplug an iPod or other USB device when I park overnight due to vehicle thefts, so I've temporarily unclipped and moved the USB/Aux "UNIT" behind the dash, but it leaves an ugly hole.

The biggest problem is the cable that plugs into the back of the "UNIT" that clips into the dash and houses the aux minijack port and usb port is a weird format.

It's essentially a male mini usb cable end for the usb side of the jack.

I've picked up a Female Mini USB to Female Standard USB adapter (which are really hard to find) and am going to give it a shot. Then my outward facing USB port will just be non-functional and I'll reroute it to the glove box where it'll be more safe and out of sight.

I hate when designers don't think of how visible the ports are... putting it in the glove box would seem like such a better option.

[TheMission 8]

Woot... It worked. The best solution would be to hub it in the glove box and bring a connection back to the underneath usb hookup, but this will definitely do.

[bluer101 241]

That's good. Just to let u know there is a standard mini USB jack on the back of the radio. We still don't know what it is for but you can try.

[Lazerface 24]

Yeah my wife's Jetta has the iPod/aux input in the glove box and its so much nicer

Major design oversight putting it in plain sight

[TheMission 8]

If you want to do the same... here's where I got it. I couldn't find one anywhere locally, even at FRYs.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JJTIEW/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Lazerface 24]

Nice, I just ordered one from ebay for $1.79

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-2-0-A-female-to-mini-5-pin-female-adapter-mp4-/170618393210?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b9a6127a

Im also going to try to fund a USB splitter to see if i can keep functionality of both ports

Just a matter of finding a USB Mini (A) that splits to 2 USB (A)

This is actually why I havent even bothered to bring my iPod to the car.

Great tip, I'll be stoked to be able to leave the iPod in the car if I want.

Edited April 5, 2013 by Lazerface

[bluer101 241]

You can use a USB hub, this if from the owners manual:

"Up to two USB devices and one iPod can be played through a USB hub.All devices may not be supported,depending on the performance of the USB hub. If there is not enough power supply,it may not operate normally."

[Lill blu sparky 9]

Yeah my wife's Jetta has the iPod/aux input in the glove box and its so much nicer

Major design oversight putting it in plain sight

Yeah I think they just dropped the ball on the spark, our Cruze has the the USB port hidden in the cubby under the armrest between the front seats and I was checking out a sonic when I was having the radio update done and the have 2 glove boxes and the USB is in the smaller top box.

[djp 18]

That's good. Just to let u know there is a standard mini USB jack on the back of the radio. We still don't know what it is for but you can try.

Really? Will I need to pull my stereo to see this port or could you tell me which side it on? Maybe I can reach it through the glove box.... I have small hands

[jibb3r 29]

http://chevysparkforum.com/index.php?/topic/851-mylink-backup-camera/?p=3993

If you haven't already seen this post, it looks like it would be on the right side, with the radio installed. :banvictory:

[bluer101 241]

Yes it's just below the yellow antenna jack. I noticed it when I was changing the radio bezel to green. I pulled the radio to see what's there.

[djp 18]

Thanks

[djp 18]

I ended up pulling my stereo, unplugging the mini USB that runs down to the console, then I ran a new one under the dash to the glove box with a Female to Female USB adapter.

Does anyone know if I could run a USB splitter behind the stereo to hook up both the glovebox and original USB or would that pull too much from the stereo?

I also tried that Mini USB in the back, nada. It doesn't do anything, tried my phone and ipod, nothing. Maybe it does have something to do with how thy update at the dealership :/

[Greg_E 211]

You should use a powered USB hub, going to need a 12 volt to 5 volt adapter for the power on most of them.

[djp 18]

Thanks. I think I'll just leave it. I only had one to begin with so it shouldn't be a big deal. At least it's hidden with minimal work

[Greg_E 211]

That other USB type connector may very well be for a backup camera, it might have just been a convenient connector to put there.

[bluer101 241]

I ended up pulling my stereo, unplugging the mini USB that runs down to the console, then I ran a new one under the dash to the glove box with a Female to Female USB adapter.

Does anyone know if I could run a USB splitter behind the stereo to hook up both the glovebox and original USB or would that pull too much from the stereo?

I also tried that Mini USB in the back, nada. It doesn't do anything, tried my phone and ipod, nothing. Maybe it does have something to do with how thy update at the dealership :/

Yes you can put a USB hub there. If you look back at the other posts in this thread I posted where it says you can. I also think it does not have to be powered. It can be a self powered hub.

As for the extra mini USB, that is not how they update from a dealership standpoint. They load the update on a flash drive and stick it into the USB port. So if you go in for an update I would make sure you connect the factory console USB back so it does not cause a problem.

[bluer101 241]

That other USB type connector may very well be for a backup camera, it might have just been a convenient connector to put there.

I really hope so, please!

[WaltK 305]

That's a good possibility, I've been looking into aftermarket cameras, and would really prefer something from GM, if the price is in the ballpark. Their track record on accessory pricing up to this point has been ridiculous.

[bluer101 241]

That's a good possibility, I've been looking into aftermarket cameras, and would really prefer something from GM, if the price is in the ballpark. Their track record on accessory pricing up to this point has been ridiculous.

I want a backup camera, like the pre sales PDF said there is a part number for the backup camera. There is also the latest update to address a back up camera error. I just hope they did not scrub it from manufacture. Maybe someone can come out with a lockpick like I have for our Dodge.

If no factory camera comes out I was already looking at a rearview mirror with built in LCD. I already have a spare backup camera. So for about $150-$170 it's possible.

[bluer101 241]

Here is the mirror I'm looking at.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/normal-rear-view-mirror-backup-camera-3-5-dispaly-fits-Ford-Nissan-GM-Toyota-/251254870887?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a7ff51367&vxp=mtr

[TheMission 8]

I've seen on the sonic forums that they are already working on a lockpick setup for the my link radio, so we may have some more features in a few months.

[bluer101 241]

That great. I have been following it over there too but did not see that. Got a link?

[WaltK 305]

Here is the mirror I'm looking at. http://www.ebay.com/itm/normal-rear-view-mirror-backup-camera-3-5-dispaly-fits-Ford-Nissan-GM-Toyota-/251254870887?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a7ff51367&vxp=mtr

A mirror would be my first choice, as an aftermarket unit. It may be a little tricky to get a wire up there neatly though.

[bluer101 241]

Wiring would be easy. Just remove the dome light with onstar and fish the wire to there. Then just fish the wire to one of the A pillars. Just remember to go behind the curtain air bag. After that the rest is easy. I have already pulled down the dome light to check things out.