Technical USB Socket

[ChrisCM]

I have a 2015 Ducato based Campervan.

On the dash there is a 12v socket and next to this a blank for another socket. I have prised the blank cap off and attached to it is a 3 pin plug for another socket which it appears will just snap in to the hole left by the blanking cap. I’ve tried to obtain a USB socket to fit into the hole from my local Fiat Van dealer but they have not answered my request. Does anyone happen to know the part number or can recommend a reliable original parts supplier? I know that I could install an aftermarket USB socket but that would mean removing that part of the dash, which I can’t figure out how to do.

Thanks.

 

[HughJampton]

...if it's the position shown in the picture, then the dash itself is easy to dismantle.

It is held only by lugs, and a single torx screw under the removable ashtray/trinket holder (and under the rubber mat if that is fitted). Remove the screw, and manoeuvre the dash part upwards and towards you. It needs a bit of a pull (a thin bladed table-knife or similar may help to get it started), and needs to be manipulated so the rear of the existing socket and the switches clear the lip.

The lugs are pretty robust, so you would be very unlucky to break one on removal.

Once off, fitting an aftermarket socket is simple - the spare power supply is probably the one for a cigarette lighter - one power, one illumination, and one earth.

You're lucky you don't have the oe cigarette lighter fitted - that is a swine to remove and replace with a USB.

(There's a pretty comprehensive guide to this on the web, with pictures, but I can't currently find it - I'll do another search)

 

[HughJampton]

...found it.

Take a look at:

https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/x250-and-others-cab-12-volt-socket-change.90684/

It's a LHD vehicle, and the earlier non-black dash, but the construction is exactly the same, except reversed for RHD.

(The picture in the post above is my own van).

 

[ChrisCM]

Hi Hugh,

Thanks for the link.

Yes, I’d found the screw under the cup thing and unscrewed it but couldn’t figure how to get the lower dash of and didn’t want to break anything as it’s not obvious how it comes off, I’ll now have another try!

The reason I was after the Fiat part was because it looks like a snap in fitting so I wouldn’t have to take the dash out, and coupled with the existing plug it would have been a 30second job!

Chris

 

[HughJampton]

I'm not even sure there is an OE USB part number. I think the standard fittings are a 12V socket and a cigarette lighter socket. (the three wire connection will be, afaik, for a cigarette lighter).

Factory-fit usb sockets were lower down in the dash (above the cup-holder or in the central glovebox if that is fitted).

The dash part is not over-difficult to remove if you have unscrewed the single screw, though it takes a little bit of force. Confidence, and the knowledge that the retaining lugs aren't particularly brittle, should help.

 

[ChrisCM]

Yes, mine has a USB socket + Aux in for the radio system above the cup holders so maybe a few years ago that was deemed sufficient and it is useful for the iPod. Re the 3 pin plug + - and lighting, that was my thought as well interestingly somebody has already tapped into one of the wires with a snap lock?fused spur, I wonder what that’s for?
The dash fitment sounds a bit like my Land Rover Defender, that has 2 huge screws in the dash, remove them then grab and pull! Very counterintuitive!
I’ll just have to man up and pull the dash off!(might find out where that fused spur goes to as well)
Thanks again.

 

[ChrisCM]

Finally got round to doing it, and replacing a scotch loc splice on the 12v feed, it was a very simple job and the panel pulled off easily, plenty of play in the cabling to the switches etc, so thanks for all the advice!