Hey guys,

I wanted to use my radar detector on this car but just don't want to plug it into the cig lighter.

I have a hardwire kit, just needed some guidance on where to draw a Acc 12v current from.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

I have mine to the cigarette lighter, but I know you can tap into the dome light in the middle. That would be easier and cleaner.

http://www.mirrortap.com/

 

Can you just use a phone cord and tap into the dome light or would I have to use one specifically made for the radar? Been thinking about getting the hardwire kit from valentine.

 

I don't know about using a phone cord. I would do the mirror tap one since it has a built in fuse if anything were to happen. It's cleaner and easy to remove and install.

 

Some car electronics have a voltage reducer/regulator built into the power plug. EX: Dash cams. I'd thoroughly investigate this with the manufacturer before taking any non oem shortcuts on hardwiring.

 

I agree with swfla. Don't go cheap or take shortcuts with wiring power.

 

So would I have to order item 20305?

https://store.valentine1.com/store/partsdept.asp

Sorry for thread jacking OP!

EDIT: Looks like item 20305 doesn't include the power cord. Item 00030 is the full kit with the power cord, but the cord is 8ft long... Guess I'll order the Direct Power Adapter (20305) and the 3 in straight power cord (20315)

 

To protect a $400 radar detector for $13? That's a big YES.

 

Thanks for your responces, I bought a kit for the 8500 so I can hardwire it. In the domelight which wire would I tap.

is it just a simple black and red set of wires there?

 

Damn you PandaGS300 for your post. I just ordered my mirror tap for my Escort x50. lol

 

^Ditto! I was perfectly fine with my phone cord routed from my headliner, to the pillar, under the dash/steering, to the cig lighter lol.

 

I started a movement haha, JK. Im going to see what makes the most sense on where to get my 12 acc and post an update on here.

Hope it helps you guys.

 

I hardwired my Passport to the cigarette lighter, and routed it up the driver side a-pillar.

 

I found an accessory power in the passenger side fuse box. Both fuses are unoccupied on my GS300. The one on the left is Accessory and the one on the right is constant battery.

 

In my ES with my 9500IX and currently with my GS and a Valentine, I just tapped into the power going to the sunroof motor. No ill-effects in the past 6 years.