need help on how to install and hard wire a radar detector near my rearview mirror on my 2002 Lexus sc430. any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Robert

 

If it is a radar detector like the Escort series, they just need switched +12V and ground. The easiest way is
tapping into the cigarette lighter in the center console. There will be a 2 wire connector at the back of the
lighter socket. Use a multi-meter to determine + and - * . Then strip some insulation off the wires and solder
on the radar detectors leads. Insulate with quality electric tape like Scotch Super 33 +. The rest is just
running the wire up to the rear view mirror by tucking it in under the windshield moldings and headliner.

There should be some posts about removing the center console trim to access the TPMS controller under
the radio that you can use to get to the lighter socket.

* the wire going to the center pin of the lighter is (+) and the wire going to the socket shell is (-).

 

I also think that there is a power source, in the lights, located just above the rearview mirror. If you pop the cover off, you should be able to find a "live" wire there & possibly a ground also. I think someone has done this before, but it was a very long time ago. There is definitely nothing wrong with FlopTops suggestions, but you may be able to save some time & wire, if you can go through the overhead lights....just a suggestion & good luck

 

Texsexlex is 100% correct. If you remove the two plastic clear light covers of the map light assembly you will see two screws. Remove those two screws and then you can gently pry the entire housing down. On the back you will see the wire harness. Find out which leads give you an "ignition only" 12v and the ground. Connect your detector to that and you're golden. As a side note, I mounted my radar detector in the driver side dash where the A-pillar meets the glass and ran the 12v to the driver fuse box and piggy backed off the instrument cluster fuse. This way it's somewhat hidden from police (worst case scenario of being pulled over) then it's at least "hidden" and I can hopefully talk myself out of trouble. But if officer sees it hanging from the mirror, expect a ticket. Just my thoughts in the matter.

 

I’ve been lurking around for more info on this as well. I’m looking to cleanly wire my Valentine 1 through the map lights, so far this https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...tallation.html is the best post I’ve found, might be helpful.

I’ll be stalking this thread as well and I’ll update you if and when I find more info or when I decide to tackle mine.

 

Which are the two contacts ignition-only positive and negative?

I've been looking around that wiring harness without much luck
with my multimeter. Some of the leads go on with the ignition
for around 30 seconds then die out as they are wired into the
foot well lights that temporarily light when the door is opened.
I blew the 7.5 amp fuse by making a wrong connection, not
sure how.

Then had it all working with radar and one of the dome lights
stopped working for good. The metal bulb housing contacts are
tricky. Those contact rivets come loose so you get power on
the top side wiring harness but not to the bulb. It's also easy
to melt the plastic while soldering the connections. Have had
to buy a used replacement dome light assembly for $110 and
may have to get another as the second one now has odd problems.
Should have been simple.

My latest idea is to get a $47 MirrorTap kit from Amazon and use
power leads from the rear view mirror.