If you own, say, a 2019 Ford F-150, but your phone takes a newer style USB-C cable, this one’s for you. A Redditor posted how they visited the local dealership, only to be told there’s no such conversion away from USB-A available. Well, they did their own research, and came away with the know-how. Here’s the DIY.

The USB ports sit below the F-150’s climate controls, embedded in a small rectangular module

It’s called an Auxilary Outlet. According to the Redditor, anyone with an older style USB-A panel can order and install the updated part number: ML3Z-19A387-D.

On Ford’s online parts catalog, it’s about $77. And while the catalog claims it works in 2021 to 2025 models, the Redditor says it works on older trucks, too.

Several commenters pointed out you can also pick up that part at a dealership or on Amazon.

One person noted you can search “USB-C Ford hub” online. Another reported paying the $70 and thought it was more than expected, but still worth it for a cleaner setup.

There could be a downside

Others chimed in to temper expectations. One explained it still functions on the same USB 1.x or 2.0 transfer speeds, so you’re not gaining fast charging or higher data rates.

Someone else said it still only pushes roughly 5 volts at 1 amp, which is about five watts.

Another added that swapping the hub doesn’t enable proper USB-C capabilities. It just eliminates the need for an adapter and gives you a modern-looking port. Several said a $10 cable would have done the same job.

Well, another countered, saying that F-150s don’t care what the occupant-facing outlets look like, the back end of the panel is all the same in these trucks.

Some wondered if it works on even older models

One owner of a 2017 F-150 said it did. Another mentioned successfully upgrading a 2016 by replacing the hub and updating head unit software.

A few questioned compatibility only because some plugs didn’t initially connect, but most responses described the swap as plug-and-play. One user asked about backlighting around the port. Another said part of the appeal was a cleaner install with no extra cable to lose.

So it’s definitely DIYable, but some argue you get USB-C shape, not USB-C performance. In any case, the owner of the 2019 F-150 says they’ve had theirs installed for six months. “…Zero issues. Easiest thing I’ve done for this vehicle.”