I searched the previous threads for this info, but appeared to have come up dry. Which wire is recommended to splice into to connect a radar detector? I have an '03 TL-P.
Thanks in advance,
Brian
bnwelch_at_gmail_dot_com

 

I read one thread where someone used the windshield wiper fuse. I used the one for the sun roof. You just want to choose one that cuts off with the car. It is really easy.

Gently pull the A pillar cover off from the top. Then you tuck the wire between the mirrior and the windshield and run it along the roofline. I could not get it tucked into the liner, but there is a channel the wire can sit in. If there is a little tension between the mirrior and the a pillar the wire will hide nicely with out pulling down the headliner. I got an add a fuse from the parts store and clipped it into the sunroof. The other person just tucked a little wire into the opening for the fuse. I like the idea of having a fuse for a short. The other thread was in the 2nd gen CL forum I think.

Good Luck
Sean

 

I guess the question I'm looking to answer is what specific wire to splice into, or should I squeeze the bare end of the connection wire in one of the fuse "sockets"?
I would like to splice onto a wire that is only hot when the ignition is turned on, but want to try to stay away from the more sensitive, communication related circuits. The sunroof circuit sounds ideal, the only problem I see from looking inside the fusebox, I can't tell which wires are controlled by what fuse...
Thanks for your help,
Brian

 

Just go to PepBoys and get an add a fuse. It is a little wire with a fuse attatched. You plug it into the exisiting fuse location and you get a lead that will allow you to send power to the radar detector.

The other alternative is to wedge a little bit of wire into the fuse box with the fuse. I do not like this idea. It is wortht the $6 to make sure you dont burn out the harness or get a short

hope this is helpful
Sean

 

since i have the 8500 with the Direct Wire SmartCord and have it mounted where the cig lighter is i used the cig lighter power

 

also the back side of the drivers side fues panel has 2 open spots for switched power accessories. all you need is a female end of a spade conector

 

That sounds like the ideal solution...I'll look into it tomorrow.
Thanks for the help,
Brian

 

NP. there are 5 open spots, 1 is on with the headlights, 2 are constant and 2 are switched. i dont remember which are which, you will just have to test

 

Kris, do you have a pic of this setup? I want to hard wire my X50 as well.