O.k. I've done numerous searches, and i've even posted the question in the D.I.Y section of hardwireing a radar detector. The DIY shows the directions for a 3rd generation TL. I have a 2nd generation. Does anyone have a DIY for this process? I was thinking about just tapping into the cigerette lighter, but i am afraid it won't work because there is no fuse that controls the radar detector. Can someone point me in the right direction please?

 

You can use the cigarette lighter, it has constant power when the car is on. You can use an inline fuse on the positive wire of the radar.

 

what is an inline fuse, and how would one connect this? sorry for the noob questions...

 

Here is one from crutchfield.com, it just goes on the positive wire, some have caps for the fuse some have wires.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QVnQhQL...9PP618&tp=2188

These are the ones I normally use.
http://www.oznium.com/atc-fuse-holder

The ones from Crutchfield are hand-tightened and don't require soldering so if you are new to this, that would be a good option. Just use a 7.5 amp fuse for it.

Make sure you get one for use with 18 up to 22 gauge wire.

Here is a pic of one installed.

 

Is there any other way to do this? maybe not using the cigarette lighter?

 

just go through the fuse box and use your windshield wiper fuse. that's what i did for my valentine one and i have had it for about a year with no problems.