OBD Port as USB power source - Any risks?

[Huntsman06]

So, I bought a magnet mount for my phone that is clipped to the air vent just to the left of the steering column in my 2004. Unfortunately, there isn't any kind of power source I can plug my phone into while it is mounted and, after a long day, my phone is usually desperate for some power and a long cord from the center console cigarette lighter is out of the question. In search of a solution I have come across a number of these:

The OBD port provides plenty of power and it seems to be the best option to avoid splicing into any wires. However, I've heard cases of "misusing" the OBD port can cause all sorts of issues from draining the battery to actually damaging the computer in the car. I believe the OBD port supplies a max of 30v of power and any USB adapter I've found steps it down to 5v for USB (which I would expect), so I don't see the power draw overloading the OBD while charging my phone while driving. Furthermore, I would expect it to only drain power from the port if the USB cable is actually plugged into something.

Unless I am missing something, I can see no reason why the OBD port would be a bad method charging my phone. Thoughts?

 

[TechGuru]

Is there something wrong with your two 12V power outlets?

Also the left side is a very bad place to mount anything as it can fall out when the window/door is open.

 

[Huntsman06]

Both of my 12v work, but they require a very annoying cable to run over to the left side and I'm trying to find more organized method. As for my phone falling out of the car, it COULD when the door opens if somehow the car shook pretty hard, but I rarely roll the window down when I'm driving.

 

[96firephoenix]

where is the obd2 port on your 04? on my 02, its on the right side of the steering column, and that plug would hit my shin, so the cable would still have to come across the steering wheel...

 

[Huntsman06]

My 04 has it on the left just above the release for the park brake. The plastic trim around the steering column is pretty open so a cable would easily fish behind the wheel and come out below the wiper controls. My worry is mainly if the "misusing" the port has any bad effects.

 

[extra-medium]

Why not add a plug using the unused wires under the area right in front of the cup holders, and then run a cable behind the paneling to that side?

 

[lincolnshibuya]

there were some people on toyota hybrid forums that were having issues with some wireless elm adapters (OCD drivers on their gas mileage) Not sure how finicky the electronics on the explorer is but I don't think it will cause any problems since it's just a basic charger. I would remove the pins and leave the ground and power in place if you want to use it long term but try it first if it shows some weird code popping up then remove the pins.

use pin 4 and 16, cut the other pins.

 

[96firephoenix]

there were some people on toyota hybrid forums that were having issues with some wireless elm adapters (OCD drivers on their gas mileage)

honda too...after about 3 days, one of the other CRZ owners had his system go completely haywire.

My 04 has it on the left just above the release for the park brake.

huh... good to know.