Volvo 850 Made from 1993 to 1997, this Volvo line was available in both a wagon and a sedan, both with were graced with several trim levels.

Has anyone done USB chargers in their 850?

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Old Dec 13, 2021 | 08:53 AM
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Default Has anyone done USB chargers in their 850?

I only have the one 12v plug near the coin tray and when I have passengers its a pain not having enough charging spots. I have another 12v plug in the trunk for the 3rd row, but not one in the middle. Does anyone know of a usb that will fit in one of the blank switch plates? I want to put one in the center console near my shifter, and one where the mysterious back seat warmers go. Will post some pics if I end up finding something that will fit! Thanks for any suggestions!
 
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Old Dec 13, 2021 | 01:52 PM
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you have a few options a) go to Best Buy and score a simple USB adaptor that plugs into the lighter lug. Costs about $10 for dual USB. b) check out Amazon, eBay, Crutchfields for a car USB kit that you'd wire into the 12V and build a mounting point in the console. you may be able to find something specific to your model with a switch mounting plate. I recommend the lighter thing since I would never let anyone smoke in my cars.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2021 | 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by mt6127
you have a few options a) go to Best Buy and score a simple USB adaptor that plugs into the lighter lug. Costs about $10 for dual USB. b) check out Amazon, eBay, Crutchfields for a car USB kit that you'd wire into the 12V and build a mounting point in the console. you may be able to find something specific to your model with a switch mounting plate. I recommend the lighter thing since I would never let anyone smoke in my cars.
yeah i have a fm transmitter in the 12v plug with one usb spot, i want one for the switch mounting plate. Im wondering if the Toyota ones will fit cause i see them everywhere, gonna measure tonight.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2021 | 04:43 PM
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one thought I had was to fit the usb insert kit into the side of the inside of the console box. you could sneak the charger's wires out even when closed. Another option is not shop for an adaptor to replace the FM transmitter (which I assume is to get some other device to play into the stereo. ) See if you can still find a Grom adaptor that plugs into the head unit via the CD changer port. Crutchfields used to carry them for the older Volvo (ie 816s) radios.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2021 | 05:51 PM
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IPD still has the kits. They're all a little pricey. Grom USB3
 

Last edited by tonyfr; Dec 13, 2021 at 05:57 PM.
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Old Dec 13, 2021 | 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by mt6127
one thought I had was to fit the usb insert kit into the side of the inside of the console box. you could sneak the charger's wires out even when closed. Another option is not shop for an adaptor to replace the FM transmitter (which I assume is to get some other device to play into the stereo. ) See if you can still find a Grom adaptor that plugs into the head unit via the CD changer port. Crutchfields used to carry them for the older Volvo (ie 816s) radios.
the grom would be great but thats way out of my price range😅, maybe if I find a used one. I saw rspi’s write up on directly wiring an aux cord to it, probably going to do that. I like the idea of having the usb insert in the center console, I'm having a hard time finding a flush mount usb to fit in the blank switches. And most of them don't take 12v so I need a step down. Looking into some to go in the center console that can handle 12v

 
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Old Dec 14, 2021 | 03:32 PM
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Check out Damovo's USB car charger sockets on Amazon. they several models including a round one that you could drill a hole then screw in for clean fit.
 
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Old Dec 14, 2021 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by mt6127
Check out Damovo's USB car charger sockets on Amazon. they several models including a round one that you could drill a hole then screw in for clean fit.
i ended up getting these https://www.rydonair.com/collections...on-illuminated

pretty decent from what the reviews say, gonna be putting it in the center console. Supposed to come in tomorrow. Ill post some pics when I wire it up.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2021 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by BigBlueWhale
i ended up getting these https://www.rydonair.com/collections...on-illuminated

pretty decent from what the reviews say, gonna be putting it in the center console. Supposed to come in tomorrow. Ill post some pics when I wire it up.
They came in today, seem pretty good, plastic nut and aluminum housing

Will be wiring tomorrow, probably just gonna run power from the existing 12v plug
 
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Old Dec 17, 2021 | 01:17 PM
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good call!
 
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Old Dec 22, 2021 | 11:58 PM
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I got one off amazon, and installed it where the cigarette lighter goes, I got one with type C, usb 3 and volt metter, very easy to install and my galaxy note 20 ultra charges very fast
 
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Old Dec 23, 2021 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by 83Sweetfreedom
I got one off amazon, and installed it where the cigarette lighter goes, I got one with type C, usb 3 and volt metter, very easy to install and my galaxy note 20 ultra charges very fast
i wanted the cigarette lighter still for other things, haven’t gotten to install mine yet, gonna do it over the holiday. Hopefully if fits nice in the center console somewhere.
 
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Old Sep 25, 2023 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by BigBlueWhale
i wanted the cigarette lighter still for other things, haven’t gotten to install mine yet, gonna do it over the holiday. Hopefully if fits nice in the center console somewhere.
WOW, almost 2 years later and I finally had the time to do it!

I was able to fit it on the back side of the console, ran the wires from the main plug up front, ran them along the center console light wires. Turned out pretty nice!




Took my time with a drill bit and a knife. With the front plug running my dash cam and a phone, the middle running a phone and portable battery, and the rear another phone, no fuses blown.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2023 | 01:36 PM
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That's a good place to put it. I just did one with the voltmeter in it myself. I love it. My car is a 98 (S70), so there's no map pocket. I put it in the instrument panel where the map pocket is on an 850
 
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