I'm trying to install an Escort 9500 in my 2010 RX350, but I can't find the hot or ground wires in the mirror wiring. I've read all the posts on the subject, but I need to know the colors of those two wires, because it sounds like different models use different colors. any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Jack

 

I'm too lazy to upload a picture of my recent install. I'll try to describe it in detail.
If you open up the mirror power supply assembly, there's a white harness with five different colors:

Red
Black
White
Pink
Purple

I tapped my +12V from the Red wire and GND on the Black Wire. Red is constant on, but I never forget to turn off and remove my detector from the mirror mount. So, no issues with battery drain. If you use the White for +12V and have your detector turned on before you start your ignition, you are basically diverting your ignition close contact coil to your detector's circuitry and may not let you start the vehicle.

 

I believe the black and white wires are what I used for my power tap to only power the device when ignition is on.

 

^^^ Same thing I did after reading the other forum threads on the topic. Blk = ground and Wht = switched +12v. The only issue I had was stablizing the connection, as those little wires tended to move and open the connection. I used mini tie-wraps to lock everything down before re-assembly.

Been working fine now for over a month. Quite pleased with all the info gathered from other threads/posters. REALLY like the new Passport Max--a great piece of technology.

 

There is no good substitute for using a voltage/continuity tester when wiring up something in the car. It guarantees that you make no mistakes and that you don't cause damage to the car's electronics or to your device. If you are handy enough to get into the mirror or roof light modules to find these wires, you should have one of these. It's also much faster than stopping mid-project and running to the computer to post a question and wait for a helpful answer.

 

Thank you for the replies guys. Sorry it took so long to answer but I've been out of town the last several days. I'll give it one more try tomorrow. Thanks again.

Jack

 

How does this detector help you when my radar is on standby and I hit the instant on and then hit the lock before you get your foot off the gas?

 

I can't tell what "this detector" refers to, but for dealing with instant-on radar, the best detector is the one with the greatest sensitivity. If the officer activates the radar a mile or two from a sensitive detector, the driver will get a notice. Often these weak signals are disregarded unless a stronger signal is received in the next mile or so. The arrows on the Valentine 1 are very helpful here because weak signals to the side or from behind can often be disregarded. If the officer has not activated his radar for about 5 minutes, the first driver he points his gun at will have no way, regardless of the detector he has on board, to slow down in time. This is fairly rare, but it does happen and there is no defense in this situation.

 

My guess would be that the "officer" is referring to ALL radar detectors in general!
My rule of thumb is don't drive crazy speeds,try not to be at the front of the pack and if you're the only car on the road, be extra mindful of your speed for fear of hidden revenuers!

 

Yes, and it's always a good strategy to have one or more "rabbits" (vehicles going just a bit faster than you) in front of you to get the smokies to hit their radar gun(s) so you can detect them. I try to keep my rabbits in view, but just barely. If you are all alone--don't speed--it's not worth it.

BTW- Hard for me to believe that a LEO isn't fully up-to-speed on radar detectors and how & why they are used by the motoring public.

 

That's pretty good advice Wallykeys, both for the wallet and staying alive. Instant deceleration at any speed can be devastating, above 65 its almost always fatal. Set the alarm a little earlier, take your time and relax on the road & get to see your family at the end of the day.

 

Hey Rich C5.......we know how they work.......we also know road engineering and the reasoning behind speed limits......we are also the people who have the unpleasant task of knocking on the front door of the next of kin to make traumatic death notifications.....teenagers are the worst......just saying, be careful out there, speed kills.

 

Finished my Radar install today. Ran all the wires to the detector and concealed display. Really happy how it turned out! I used the power outlet under the center console to hard wire the unit.



My view of the concealed display.


Mounted the detector on the passenger side windshield area out of my line of sight.

 

That's a pretty nice installation job. The detector is mounted in the best position, to the right and not right in front of your head, and the remote display keeps it from lighting up. I have mine mounted there also, and find it works very well. I tried to put my remote display on top of the steering wheel shelf as you did, but had trouble with the constant moving of the wheel, so I put it on top of the dash at the far left. Velcro holds in in place when I need it (road trips only), and the wiring is very easy, and it's up higher so I don't have to take my eyes off the road to see the arrows and other display indicators.
I'm going to get one of those swell new RC350 coupes when they hit the market, and I actually look forward to finding the best spots for my V-1 and the remote display. I hope finding a switched 12v line is as easy as it is in the RX.

 

Yeah, I moved the remote around the dash looking for the optimum position that would work for me. On top of the steering column just didn't look right too me, and I'd have to reach through the wheel to get to the mute button. To the left of the wheel I didn't have a clear view of the remote. Never considered mounting it to the dash as you did, I'm WAY too OCD to have something Velcro'd up high on my dash ! I didn't want the remote (if possible) in plain view ether. After moving it around on both sides of the wheel, I decided on the location I show in the picture. In that location, I can see the arrows, and can reach the mute button without putting my arm through the wheel. I moved it around until the wheel didn't touch the chord or remote when returning to the "off" position! The detector is shared between the RX and my Mini, but each car has its own remote. That way the remote isn't shared between the cars and never has to be moved.