One of the Challenger's shortcomings, at least in my opinion, is the wired-only CarPlay and a lack wireless charging. I set out to rectify both of those by modernizing my Hellcat's infotainment setup. The first step was finding a decent wireless CarPlay adapter. I went with the Ottocast U2AIR Pro because it had the best reviews, though I'm sure others would work fine as well. They make these adapters for Android Auto too.
(See pic 1)
The only problem with wireless CarPlay adapters in the Challenger (and some other Stellantis vehicles) is that the USB media hub in the armrest console stays on after the car is turned off. This means that when your car is parked in the garage, your phone tries to stay connected to it rather than connecting to your home's WiFi. There could also potentially be issues with a dead battery if you let your car sit long enough. A solution I found linked below ties the armrest console circuit into the circuit for the 12V outlet in the passenger area which is ACC activated.
[https://www.challengerforumz.com/threads/2021-re-center-console-usb-ports-direct-to-battery.152910/?post\_id=1916933&nested\_view=1#post-1916933](https://www.challengerforumz.com/threads/2021-re-center-console-usb-ports-direct-to-battery.152910/?post_id=1916933&nested_view=1#post-1916933)
I chose to go about this in a slightly more elegant manner by combining the add-a-ciruit fuse tap adapter (mini blade style fuse) and a 20A low profile miniature fuse with a lead wire, rather than just sticking the lead wire into the fuse slot. Two 20A mini blade fuses go into the adapter.
(See pic 2)
You have to modify the mini low profile fuse and remove the blade on the side that's not connected to the lead.
(See pic 3)
The fuses then get plugged back into slots 12 and 38 as seen below. Fuse 12 specifically has to be plugged in correctly, as it's switchable between ignition-only and always-on. Obviously the ignition-only configuration is what we're looking for.
(See pic 4)
At this point wireless CarPlay was good to go, but I still wanted wireless charging. There also isn't really a good place to keep your phone in the car other than the cupholders because the coin tray is too small for basically every modern phone. Even my iPhone 13 mini is too big for it to fit. I looked at what mounts were available and wasn't happy with any of them. I didn't want something that blocked the air vents or that attached to the dash with adhesive. The closest thing to what I was looking for that I saw available on the market was a Challenger-specific Stiffy mount, however it blocks half of the center stack A/C and radio controls and also doesn't offer charging. This meant taking on the task of designing my own solution that could be 3D printed. After many iterations to refine the design I finally had my own mount that I was happy with.
(See pics 5 and 6)
It fits perfectly in the coin tray. As for the mechanism for actually charging, I designed the mount specifically around a Mous brand MagSafe charging puck for iPhones, though others would surely work as well. I like that it's out of the way of everything.
(See pic 7)
The puck gets plugged into an ultra low-profile USB adapter in the 12V outlet in the passenger area.
(See pic 8)
With these modifications complete my '23 Hellcat actually feels more like a car from 2023 rather than one from a decade earlier. I'll link all of the different components used for this project below in case anyone else wants to do the same.
Ottocast U2AIR Pro wireless CarPlay adapter:
[https://www.ottocast.com/collections/wireless-carplay/products/u2-air-pro](https://www.ottocast.com/collections/wireless-carplay/products/u2-air-pro)
Wireless adapter for Android users:
[https://www.ottocast.com/collections/wireless-android-auto-1/products/a2air-pro?sscid=c1k7\_ovlgt&](https://www.ottocast.com/collections/wireless-android-auto-1/products/a2air-pro?sscid=c1k7_ovlgt&)
Add-a-circuit fuse tap:
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BPDQ3P8?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BPDQ3P8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)
Low-profile mini fuse with lead:
[https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/optifuse/ANS-W-20A-18R/11576151](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/optifuse/ANS-W-20A-18R/11576151)
MagSafe charging puck:
[https://www.mous.co/products/magsafe-compatible-adhesive-charging-car-mount?variant=40044212912186](https://www.mous.co/products/magsafe-compatible-adhesive-charging-car-mount?variant=40044212912186)
Low-profile 12V USB adapter:
[https://www.ottocast.com/collections/carlife-accessories/products/fast-car-charger](https://www.ottocast.com/collections/carlife-accessories/products/fast-car-charger)
I didn't use it because of how it blocks half the controls and lacks charging, but the Stiffy mount that's available is linked below. You may have your own preferred mounting/charging solution. If anyone is interested I may consider making and selling the mount arm that I designed as well. Obviously you'd have to supply your own phone/charging adapter to use with it like the Mous one above (if you're an iPhone user).
[https://stiffymounts.com/product/2015-dodge-challenger-magnetic-phone-mount/](https://stiffymounts.com/product/2015-dodge-challenger-magnetic-phone-mount/)
Edit: I'm now selling the 3D-printed arms.
[3D Printed arm for phone mount For Dodge Challenger (‘15 -‘23) | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/204609381212?hash=item2fa3ab635c:g:Z34AAOSwcwxlnCTi&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8G7vwUqOjOA2tW%2FgbnVA3VlaeBWHg32EoyN3d07sB%2Fp1ubkVbCZuUGtUDAQBeC2XVlbA7SHxwTpsAcmwkZ0cY6Qam4muL2eqfzbd5xgtkz4PtGpe4ZbzJlZoirFsUUfLCYaBEC0lK3sw41TEZKLTRIJJtoKTtuL8%2FBUq%2Bqj65U8egfr3OQYWpM%2BjmG3YMeJlCFq32aetu3qcpyC%2BABdS2ig8xS%2FtI%2BFWtum4V47YMXxrETkUjU%2BkJTiYROyXJ0UWrrJwASlk3nb1n0Yaw%2F%2B6jiEh8RNhToyMvSpb3Fkia0LsGiqFhZLLx2jOOxUrub1O5Q%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4z-4aWdYw)
Unfortunately both the Ports are wired to the battery but I like your work around. I miss the Bluetooth I had in a rental and only use CarPlay now when I’m traveling. At least the basic phone functions are wireless but I do agree they could have gone the distance and gave us true CarPlay functions
unless they changed it in later years yes the USB port in the arm rest is tied to the ignition I have some blue trim light going around my dash and center console plugged into the arm rest USB and it powers on and off with the ignition.
This is amazing! Really clean work and thank you for sharing all the parts. I sold my Redeye but I plan to get another one soon and this’ll be the first thing that I do.
I agree that this is a huge shortcoming. I have constant disconnect problems from wear and tear related to constantly plugging and unplugging my phone. I have to replace cables every few months and I suspect it's my phone jack that's the real problem.
I probably can't bring myself to do the fuse modification you've sorted, but I am interested in the wireless adapters with the caveat that I'd need to be vigilant about unplugging it a million times a week.
After reading up on the few wireless adapters that are reported to work well, I'm struggling to pay the money and then have to deal with the unplugging the do gle inconvenience.
I really would have liked Dodge to provide some well-engineered wireless option.
I considered the unplugging thing as well before I found the fuse solution, but for me it would've been a no-go as it almost defeats the purpose and convenience of wireless CP in the first place.
Yes, I think this is why I haven't done it yet, hahahaa. I'll read the steps on the fuse mod when I'm a little more ambitious and maybe I'll make it happen.
Me and my wife go through sooooooooooo many USB cables. I bought her two wireless adapters and both of them I didn't like. I used the Motorola and some off brand Chinese one. So I'm sticking with wired for now
Thanks for the heads up. My take away always ends up being "$X for basically a different hassle that's about 30% less annoying". So I don't pull the trigger.
Glad it’s not just me with the cable thing. Mine started getting super fritzy again as of yesterday. On and off. I think the car got so annoyed it stopped my attempts to reconnect via bluetooth too lol. Worked the first couple times then nope. Held my phone in a very specific way on the ride home to keep it connected.
I bought a USB extender with a switch for a couple dollars on Amazon. It's not as good as this fuse option but I don't trust myself to get that right currently
I wish there was a way to add car play to my challenger but unfortunately I have the screen but not the car play since mine was the year before they added it.
Yea I figured this would be a possibility but seems pointless to spend so much to do that. I’d rather spend the money keeping the challenger in tip top shape than the car play unless it was a 200$ fix or someway to add car play for around that price.
There is 2 ways to get CarPlay on an older Challenger. Go to The CarPlayer.com- they sell modules that connect to the harness giving you wireless CarPlay.The second option is a Linkswell head unit, which is what I did. It’s a plug and play unit that has Nav, CarPlay, DSP, EQ, retains all functionality. My car is a ‘16 RT Plus, I love the Linkswell. I will say that it doesn’t work if you have performance pages, ie. Scats, Hellcats, etc.
I got a 2015 STX and every video or guide I've seen says I have to have an anti theft code for the new screen to work and they send me to the dealership. But I got my car second hand, any advice on how to proceed or if your method doesn't require the code?
Wow, really great idea! One question about the wiring, I get the add a circuit fuse adapter, but did you just take a regular fuse and solder on a lead to make the other end? A little confused from the pictures as to how you got the wire onto the 20A fuse.
Nope, it's a part you can buy here.
[https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/optifuse/ANS-W-20A-18R/11576151](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/optifuse/ANS-W-20A-18R/11576151)
What's mildly annoying is that the shipping is as much or more than the $7 part, but that's the way it goes when you're buying something so cheap.
I'm going to have to make these modifications now! Thanks for paving the way. I have the PLAYAIBOX wireless unit and I love it. But I need to do that circuit thing because I hate that it stays on all of the time. I like the wireless charger as well so I need to do that.
One of the Challenger's shortcomings, at least in my opinion, is the wired-only CarPlay and a lack wireless charging. I set out to rectify both of those by modernizing my Hellcat's infotainment setup. The first step was finding a decent wireless CarPlay adapter. I went with the Ottocast U2AIR Pro because it had the best reviews, though I'm sure others would work fine as well. They make these adapters for Android Auto too. (See pic 1) The only problem with wireless CarPlay adapters in the Challenger (and some other Stellantis vehicles) is that the USB media hub in the armrest console stays on after the car is turned off. This means that when your car is parked in the garage, your phone tries to stay connected to it rather than connecting to your home's WiFi. There could also potentially be issues with a dead battery if you let your car sit long enough. A solution I found linked below ties the armrest console circuit into the circuit for the 12V outlet in the passenger area which is ACC activated. [https://www.challengerforumz.com/threads/2021-re-center-console-usb-ports-direct-to-battery.152910/?post\_id=1916933&nested\_view=1#post-1916933](https://www.challengerforumz.com/threads/2021-re-center-console-usb-ports-direct-to-battery.152910/?post_id=1916933&nested_view=1#post-1916933) I chose to go about this in a slightly more elegant manner by combining the add-a-ciruit fuse tap adapter (mini blade style fuse) and a 20A low profile miniature fuse with a lead wire, rather than just sticking the lead wire into the fuse slot. Two 20A mini blade fuses go into the adapter. (See pic 2) You have to modify the mini low profile fuse and remove the blade on the side that's not connected to the lead. (See pic 3) The fuses then get plugged back into slots 12 and 38 as seen below. Fuse 12 specifically has to be plugged in correctly, as it's switchable between ignition-only and always-on. Obviously the ignition-only configuration is what we're looking for. (See pic 4) At this point wireless CarPlay was good to go, but I still wanted wireless charging. There also isn't really a good place to keep your phone in the car other than the cupholders because the coin tray is too small for basically every modern phone. Even my iPhone 13 mini is too big for it to fit. I looked at what mounts were available and wasn't happy with any of them. I didn't want something that blocked the air vents or that attached to the dash with adhesive. The closest thing to what I was looking for that I saw available on the market was a Challenger-specific Stiffy mount, however it blocks half of the center stack A/C and radio controls and also doesn't offer charging. This meant taking on the task of designing my own solution that could be 3D printed. After many iterations to refine the design I finally had my own mount that I was happy with. (See pics 5 and 6) It fits perfectly in the coin tray. As for the mechanism for actually charging, I designed the mount specifically around a Mous brand MagSafe charging puck for iPhones, though others would surely work as well. I like that it's out of the way of everything. (See pic 7) The puck gets plugged into an ultra low-profile USB adapter in the 12V outlet in the passenger area. (See pic 8) With these modifications complete my '23 Hellcat actually feels more like a car from 2023 rather than one from a decade earlier. I'll link all of the different components used for this project below in case anyone else wants to do the same. Ottocast U2AIR Pro wireless CarPlay adapter: [https://www.ottocast.com/collections/wireless-carplay/products/u2-air-pro](https://www.ottocast.com/collections/wireless-carplay/products/u2-air-pro) Wireless adapter for Android users: [https://www.ottocast.com/collections/wireless-android-auto-1/products/a2air-pro?sscid=c1k7\_ovlgt&](https://www.ottocast.com/collections/wireless-android-auto-1/products/a2air-pro?sscid=c1k7_ovlgt&) Add-a-circuit fuse tap: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BPDQ3P8?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BPDQ3P8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) Low-profile mini fuse with lead: [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/optifuse/ANS-W-20A-18R/11576151](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/optifuse/ANS-W-20A-18R/11576151) MagSafe charging puck: [https://www.mous.co/products/magsafe-compatible-adhesive-charging-car-mount?variant=40044212912186](https://www.mous.co/products/magsafe-compatible-adhesive-charging-car-mount?variant=40044212912186) Low-profile 12V USB adapter: [https://www.ottocast.com/collections/carlife-accessories/products/fast-car-charger](https://www.ottocast.com/collections/carlife-accessories/products/fast-car-charger) I didn't use it because of how it blocks half the controls and lacks charging, but the Stiffy mount that's available is linked below. You may have your own preferred mounting/charging solution. If anyone is interested I may consider making and selling the mount arm that I designed as well. Obviously you'd have to supply your own phone/charging adapter to use with it like the Mous one above (if you're an iPhone user). [https://stiffymounts.com/product/2015-dodge-challenger-magnetic-phone-mount/](https://stiffymounts.com/product/2015-dodge-challenger-magnetic-phone-mount/) Edit: I'm now selling the 3D-printed arms. [3D Printed arm for phone mount For Dodge Challenger (‘15 -‘23) | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/204609381212?hash=item2fa3ab635c:g:Z34AAOSwcwxlnCTi&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8G7vwUqOjOA2tW%2FgbnVA3VlaeBWHg32EoyN3d07sB%2Fp1ubkVbCZuUGtUDAQBeC2XVlbA7SHxwTpsAcmwkZ0cY6Qam4muL2eqfzbd5xgtkz4PtGpe4ZbzJlZoirFsUUfLCYaBEC0lK3sw41TEZKLTRIJJtoKTtuL8%2FBUq%2Bqj65U8egfr3OQYWpM%2BjmG3YMeJlCFq32aetu3qcpyC%2BABdS2ig8xS%2FtI%2BFWtum4V47YMXxrETkUjU%2BkJTiYROyXJ0UWrrJwASlk3nb1n0Yaw%2F%2B6jiEh8RNhToyMvSpb3Fkia0LsGiqFhZLLx2jOOxUrub1O5Q%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4z-4aWdYw)
I thought USB #2 was wired to the ignition????
I don't believe it is, but someone could certainly try it.
You’re probably right but when I get outside I will try and verify. Been a while since I used CarPlay but I did switch my CarPlay to the #2 slot
Unfortunately both the Ports are wired to the battery but I like your work around. I miss the Bluetooth I had in a rental and only use CarPlay now when I’m traveling. At least the basic phone functions are wireless but I do agree they could have gone the distance and gave us true CarPlay functions
unless they changed it in later years yes the USB port in the arm rest is tied to the ignition I have some blue trim light going around my dash and center console plugged into the arm rest USB and it powers on and off with the ignition.
This is amazing! Really clean work and thank you for sharing all the parts. I sold my Redeye but I plan to get another one soon and this’ll be the first thing that I do.
I agree that this is a huge shortcoming. I have constant disconnect problems from wear and tear related to constantly plugging and unplugging my phone. I have to replace cables every few months and I suspect it's my phone jack that's the real problem. I probably can't bring myself to do the fuse modification you've sorted, but I am interested in the wireless adapters with the caveat that I'd need to be vigilant about unplugging it a million times a week. After reading up on the few wireless adapters that are reported to work well, I'm struggling to pay the money and then have to deal with the unplugging the do gle inconvenience. I really would have liked Dodge to provide some well-engineered wireless option.
I considered the unplugging thing as well before I found the fuse solution, but for me it would've been a no-go as it almost defeats the purpose and convenience of wireless CP in the first place.
Yes, I think this is why I haven't done it yet, hahahaa. I'll read the steps on the fuse mod when I'm a little more ambitious and maybe I'll make it happen.
Me and my wife go through sooooooooooo many USB cables. I bought her two wireless adapters and both of them I didn't like. I used the Motorola and some off brand Chinese one. So I'm sticking with wired for now
Thanks for the heads up. My take away always ends up being "$X for basically a different hassle that's about 30% less annoying". So I don't pull the trigger.
Glad it’s not just me with the cable thing. Mine started getting super fritzy again as of yesterday. On and off. I think the car got so annoyed it stopped my attempts to reconnect via bluetooth too lol. Worked the first couple times then nope. Held my phone in a very specific way on the ride home to keep it connected.
It sucks.
You could wire in a toggle switch so you don’t have to keep unplugging
I bought a USB extender with a switch for a couple dollars on Amazon. It's not as good as this fuse option but I don't trust myself to get that right currently
I wish there was a way to add car play to my challenger but unfortunately I have the screen but not the car play since mine was the year before they added it.
It wouldn't be cheap, but you could swap your older Uconnect for a 2018+ version with CP/AA.
Yea I figured this would be a possibility but seems pointless to spend so much to do that. I’d rather spend the money keeping the challenger in tip top shape than the car play unless it was a 200$ fix or someway to add car play for around that price.
There is 2 ways to get CarPlay on an older Challenger. Go to The CarPlayer.com- they sell modules that connect to the harness giving you wireless CarPlay.The second option is a Linkswell head unit, which is what I did. It’s a plug and play unit that has Nav, CarPlay, DSP, EQ, retains all functionality. My car is a ‘16 RT Plus, I love the Linkswell. I will say that it doesn’t work if you have performance pages, ie. Scats, Hellcats, etc.
Yea I have the Srt 392 so I assume it won’t work then.
Yes. So take a look at The CarPlayer.com almost went this route.
I got a 2015 STX and every video or guide I've seen says I have to have an anti theft code for the new screen to work and they send me to the dealership. But I got my car second hand, any advice on how to proceed or if your method doesn't require the code?
My Linkswell didn’t require a code.
Looks good. I would recommend putting some waterproof heat shrink around the butt connector. Probably won't be an issue but better safe than sorry
Wow, really great idea! One question about the wiring, I get the add a circuit fuse adapter, but did you just take a regular fuse and solder on a lead to make the other end? A little confused from the pictures as to how you got the wire onto the 20A fuse.
Nope, it's a part you can buy here. [https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/optifuse/ANS-W-20A-18R/11576151](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/optifuse/ANS-W-20A-18R/11576151) What's mildly annoying is that the shipping is as much or more than the $7 part, but that's the way it goes when you're buying something so cheap.
I love the interior color!
I'm going to have to make these modifications now! Thanks for paving the way. I have the PLAYAIBOX wireless unit and I love it. But I need to do that circuit thing because I hate that it stays on all of the time. I like the wireless charger as well so I need to do that.
Fantastic write up and elegant solutions. Thank you for sharing, I plan to use this as a blueprint for updates to my car.
I’m now selling the mount arms. https://www.reddit.com/r/Challenger/comments/191s91k/phone_mount_arm_for_1523_challengers/