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[UPDATE] I stand corrected - the picture above has 12v regardless if the ignition is on or off. I tried different combinations of wires with a voltmeter but wasn’t able to find wires that have 12v only when ignition is on. Had to go back to use the long wire provided with the camera.
Generic plug-and-play solution that adds USB connector to auto-dimming mirror
Found this generic plug-and-play solution that adds USB connector to auto-dimming mirror. Cost is ~USD20 on Amazon but I'm not sure if the connector is used in RX350:
[UPDATE] I stand corrected - the picture above has 12v regardless if the ignition is on or off. I tried different combinations of wires with a voltmeter but wasn’t able to find wires that have 12v only when ignition is on. Had to go back to use the long wire provided with the camera.
Thanks, I used black for 12v and brown for ground on 2018 Rx 350 F-Sport. Radar still stays on when ignition is off, but uniden R3 turns off itself after an hour if car is parked, based on the GPS. It’s either that or I turn it off and and On manually.
Generic plug-and-play solution that adds USB connector to auto-dimming mirror
Found this generic plug-and-play solution that adds USB connector to auto-dimming mirror. Cost is ~USD20 on Amazon but I'm not sure if the connector is used in RX350:
I found these products also! I couldn't find out for sure which one worked in my 3RX (2015 RX350), so based on light research I purchased the second item (10-pin Type B). It works perfectly!
Previously I purchased the "steal power using pins" connector, but for some reason, even though I had voltage, I couldn't get it to work. Perhaps mine was defective.
At any rate, I got this SimpleUSBPort product to work, and now my dashcam has power without silly wires. To accommodate my particular dashcam (older - Vantrue X2), I also purchased this cable for a neater install:
I’d like to see some of your finished radar detector installs. I’ve got my Valentine One that I was thinking I’d like to have in the vehicle for trips and what not but want a clean install.
I’d like to see some of your finished radar detector installs. I’ve got my Valentine One that I was thinking I’d like to have in the vehicle for trips and what not but want a clean install.
It looks great, has yet to loosen up and is easy to install. I ended up getting the 7/8" extender as well because without it my Escort blocked the small light at the bottom of the mirror and the gap to get my finger in to mute it was way too small. Now it's perfect.
Tom
2018 rx350 here with all the safety features. Got the mirror tap cable off of amazon with the dual prongs. No matter what I can’t seem to get power to my escort 8500 x50. I’ve reversed polarity, used the positive red to the black cable on harness and negative to brown. The radar works fine with The coiled cord. I’ve made sure that the prongs are seated deeply. I’m thinking defective cord. Anyone have any thoughts? I literally just spent an hour trying to get this to work and finally gave up and put everything back together. Here’s a picture of my particular harness. Thanks!
The rear view mirror is powered, has anyone tried to apply some kind of adapter to split out a usb port of some sort?
Im trying to install a front dash camera, really hated the wires. I saw in some videos people were able to easily pull out the power cable to the mirror and apply an adapter,
But it seems the RX power cable is different? Is it safe for me to just.. pull it out? Or do I need to actually disassemble that before exposing the power wires?
I have the front dashcam on my Odyssey installed using a wire that connects to the rear view mirror. Note that the rear view mirror may get powered only in 'ignition on' position or when engine starts so you cannot get continuous recording if that is what you want. The wire you need is "Hard Wire Charger Cord Cable Universal Mini USB Right Angle Shape1.2 Meters DC 12V to 5V Power Inverter Converter Regulator Kit" (Amazon, $11) or something similar depending on what power connection the dashcam has. I used "SimpleUSBCable 12v to MiniUSB Two-Prong Universal Dashcam Adaptor" for VIOFO A119. You would be able to find a USB connector for sure. The red wire connects to the teal wire on the rear view camera point (I just pushed in the wire and it stays snug for more than a year now) and black wire to black wire.It could be different for Lexus. You have to find the wire that gets 12v switched power and that is the wire to connect the red wire to.
The biggest problem I had was how to mount the camera. So I bought "Anumit Universal Dash Camera Rear View Mirror Mount Holder Kit". Right out of the box the mounting kit did not work - did some work to make it work. Even now, I have to be careful when using the shade so that camera is not disturbed. Later I found a solution to use Scotch 1"x3" extreme fasteners which can help in mounting the camera just behind the rear view mirror - this is simple and easy but just make sure your camera is able to view the front without any issues (because the lens may have to be pointed downwards which VIOFO A119 does with its multiple viewing angle).
Edit: I thought I was replying to a new thread but realized now that this thread already has some info on how which wire is powered (ignition on, ignition off) and which is ground. So read my reply as my experience with a non-Lexus vehicle. As far the cable is concerned you can order the 12v to mini and attach a mini to regular USB adapter if you can't find a cable with USB end.
Last edited by CaryCatch; Nov 23, 2020 at 07:59 AM.
Reason: Updated information
Do you guys have any video or tip for me to follow to pop the cover off the mirror? Just picked up a 2021 don't wanna be break the hinges or retention plastic clips (if any).
