cschow

Hi all:

In anticipation of hardwiring a V-1 to my recently acquired 2001 LS-430, I was testing the power sources in the car. From what I've read here, I think *all* the cigarette lighters and power source plugs in the cabin are suppose to be sources of switched power. I.e., none of the lighter/power plugs should have power unless the key is at the "accessory" or "on" positions.

In my car, I discovered that the power plug by the gear shift and the power plug for the rear seat passenger are both switched power, as expected. But the one on the lower level of the console between the front seats appears to have live power even when the key is removed. Is this normal? It appears to be inconsistent with what I've read here and the owner's manual.

BTW, whats the best write up on hardwiring a V-1 to a LS-430?

LS007

Yes, the plug inside the center console box operates like all the LS430 lighter plugs = switched with accessory position (ACC) or car ON. My front seat massage systems get power from this circuit and they don't operate without the key being in the accessory position. It's not a bad feature to have this plug ON all the time, but if you want to track it down I can provide the relay location and you can check it for fault.

If you want to get power for the V1 from the overhead console I've posted instructions here. It's IGN power, so it's only on when the car is on or key is in the 2nd click position. I feel this is better for radar detector because your not going to be moving when the car is in accessory position.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=109099

cschow

Thanks for the info LS007. I would like to know where the relay is. Since the car is still under warranty I'll have the dealership fix it, but its always good to know your car better.

As to the radar detection, you're correct that IGN power would be even better than ACC power. However, in order to accomodate a "stealth" installation, I won't be placing the V-1 up top near the mirror. Normally (i.e., in other cars) I give up laser detection and put the V-1 on the back parcel shelf, inside a microwave transparent container (such as a tissue box), and run the V-1 remote display and remote audio control up front by the driver's area.

I was thinking the easiest way to get power might be to get one of those "Add-a-Fuse" devices and plug that into one of the cabin fuse boxes.

The only remaining issue would be how to run the telephone cords from (probably the passenger side cabin fuse box) to the remote display/audio controller (likely placed near gear shift compartment, or between the dash display and steering wheel, and to the rear window area. In other cars there is space to just push the wires into the edges of the trim pieces, but the fit of the LS is a lot better and I may have to remove some trim pieces to get the wire inside. Are there any documents on that shows disassemble the interior for routing wires? Any particular tools that would make popping trim pieces easier?

BTW I'm also in on the much delayed Lidek group buy being run out of the BMW M5 board. I wonder if anyone has ever installed a Lidek device in a LS?

LS007

Looking at the wiring diagram for 01-02 LS430 shows the rear cigarette lighter (D-CIG), front (P-CIG) and power outlet (PWR outlet) all operate off the same accessory relay in the drivers side junction/fuse box. Maybe Lexus has made a change in the 03 or 04 model?

The add-a-fuse solution would be good if you can find the smaller type. I've tried the larger type with no success as Lexus uses smaller fuse types. Closest ACC power to the center console is behind the radio or at the front cigarette lighter. The P-CIG ACC + power is on pink wire and white with black stripe -/GND. The chrome gear shift trim and wood console pop up with a taped (to prevent scratching) flat screw driver tip. The wood center console is tricky with 2 clips on each side at the corners. Don't use the console to pry up once you get 2 clips undone. It must come straight up to prevent breaking plastic clips (voice of experience ).

As for routing wires it can be done. Both the under dash panels come out with a couple screws and wires can be routed to the center console between the carpet and center console leather sides. It helps to remove the lowest center dash part (one with seat heater *****) by pulling it forward. Running wires to the rear dash is very difficult and i wouldn't recommend going thru the center console and under the rear carpet hump (very tight). Instead consider running it down the the door trim.

Oh, I had a Lidatek LE-20 installed on my LS before my Escort ZR-3 shifters. It fits real nice directly under the front plate between the grill openings. It was almost flat with the plate and pretty stealthy. Routing the wires thru the firewall was a challange.

cschow

Thanks for the additional info.

Strange, my LS is a 2001 and since the power outlets at the gear shift and for the rear passengers are both switching on and off as expected, I wonder whether the previous owners (I'm the third owner) had the outlet modified to be permenantly on. I guess Lexus service can explore that issue this Saturday!

I did a search on the net last night and discovered that the Add-a-Fuse device is available in the mini-fuse form factor used in the LS. I just wonder whether my local vendors have it, or whether it would requiring ordering over the net.

I'm curious to get your impression on the Lidatek LE-20 vs the Escort product. As the Lidatek group buy on the forthcoming (since winter!) LE-30 is still pending I have wondered whether I'd be better off getting the current Escort product installed instead.

LS007

I bet it was modified with a jumper wire running up behind the radio to pin 1 (light blue wire w/ yellow stripe). This is constant battery power. At least that is the way I did my front lighter plug.

I like the ZR-3 better than the LE-20. I've had more warnings on my ZR-3 and back plate protection is nice. The install will be more difficult as you will be running the rear shifter wire to the ZR-3 control console that will probably be up under your dash. The last review on www.radartest.com didn't speak too highly of the LE-20. My wife has the LE-20 now on her new VW beattle with warning LED in the middle of her dash flower.