Is there a way to keep the USB port powered?
 

Is there any way to keep the USB port powered with the ignition off? My phone only charges while I'm driving.

No setting anyplace. I have looked. No doubt you could wire it into a harness though. Didn't want to go that far though.

I would just wire in something like this... Inexpensive, simple to hook up, could be ran through the sound generator tube hole. (if you haven't removed it yet, now is a good time!)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MICTUNING-S....c100005.m1851




EDIT: NEW LINK. (BETTER KIT WITH A FUSE! ONLY $12.21)

Or just put one of those iPhone battery packs in there that charges up while car is on and allows you to charge while car is off. Cheapest and simplest solution. You might be able to hide it so it’s out of the way if you get the right one. There is a plug in the glove box. Stick the battery pack in there and run the usb charging cable out from under the glove box.

Don’t have to worry about getting stranding by running your battery down

Both of these are good ideas, but I was hoping some software genius out there might know a way to modify the software. Maybe with the OFT?

The ECU has no interaction with the HU so OFT will not help. I had considered modifying my port so it would charge at 2A by clipping the power lines and hardwiring them to a 2A charger but leave the datalines as is, connected to the HU. Never got around to it, like most of my projects. Hahaha

I was under the impression that the USB Port is connected directly to the Radio Head Unit because it is not just a charging port, but also a digital audio interface that allows playing music files on the smartphone.

You are correct. Which is why if I hacked my port I would leave the data lines in tact. USB ports have 4 lines. The outers are power and the inners are data. I think we could disconnect the +/- outer lines from the HU and connect them to another 5v power source which could be fed with or without the ignition depending on what you are trying to accomplish. My goal wasn't to have always on power but to have more than 1A charging.

Warning: If someone wants to try this, DO NOT connect the power lines directly to 12v. USB runs 5v. If you try to wire it direct to a 12v source you will destroy any USB device you plug into it. You would need a DC-DC power supply to take the 12v down to 5v. I have a 2.4A USB cigarette adapter which I pulled out of its case which has perfect solder lands for this project. I just never got around to pulling the dash apart to install it.

May be Techstream has an option for keeping enabled the infotainment while car is off

nope

The kit is soooo easy though, it's literally two wires and a fuse.... Then you will have two USB ports. I have one mounted in my glove box. (that way my phone is not visible when left in the car to charge)

Ordered 2 just now. One for me and one for the wife's Impresa. Damn new cars that turn all the sockets off.

Don't forget there's a second power port in the glove box (it's what my dashcam plugs in to). It's not hot either, but it might be handier for keeping stuff tucked away.

If anything could be modded it'd be the cigarette lighter I'd think. That being said, you'd be surprised how fast a modern cell phone battery can deplete a standard car battery to below the point it can start the car. I did it to myself once and it didn't take long (though to be fair, it was the original battery and it was on its way out anyway).

My usb plug isn't powered. Is it supposed to be? It doesn't charge my phone but works fine for music if I put a flash drive in.