pedalermike

Anyone have any suggestions on how to hard wire the power for a radar detector. I've seen this posted previously but can't find the link since the server upgrade. I'm leaning towards hooking up to the fuse block.

jzinckgra

I just harddwired my passport 8500. Very easy. Pick yourself up one of those Add A Fuse thingies from AutoZone. They cost around 7 bucks. Splice your radar detector power cord into that. Plug the add a fuse device into your fusebox and then conceal your wire coming from the detector by running down the pillar. Maybe nickpoore's old post is around here somewhere. He has some good pics of this. I also picked up one of those circuit testers that allows you to test whether there is power running through the wires. Got it at wal-mart for 4 bucks. I grounded my harddwire by drilling a small hole into one of the metal brackets under the dash and securing the ground wire with a screw.

`ill*tl

Splice the positive wire and run the power through one of your fuses in your interior box. I used Fuse 30A (Windshield wiper) fuse in my '03 TL-S to power my V1.

Ron A

Here is a thread with some info in it, until the search comes back and you can look some more.
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showt...threadid=74767

pedalermike

Thanks. Does the add-a-fuse thingie just wedge into the fuse holder or do I have some fabricating to do?

`ill*tl

.. it'd be easier just to splice the wire but whatever works for you.

anup75

That would be your best bet. I need to do the same to my car. They make these clips that you can add too a fuse without having to cut any wires. I bought some for my fog lights, and they worked fine. Basically the clip fits on the end of the fuses. You then crip your wire in the end that is exposed. I wish I had a pic to show. I'll try to find the part I'm talking about.


Anup

04 TL Anthracite/Ebony 5AT w/navi + body kit + V1 + (19's coming soon)

`ill*tl

pedalermike

So I splice onto an existing wire in the TL? I had a look under the dash and it looks pretty tidy - I really don't see any exposed wires, everything is tucked in behind the fuse block.

pedalermike

Thanks for the pix, I got a couple of those in a Radio Shack pack of connectors. I guess the question still remains, which wire to splice onto??

`ill*tl

What kind of radar are you hardwiring..well I guess that doesn't really matter but yes, take the positive wire from the hardwire kit and splice it..then look in your manual and look for your Windshield wiper fuse..in my '03, it's Fuse 30A. I used this fuse b/c it's only "hot" when the key is in the ignition and turned to the "II" position. Plus, you don't have to keep remembering to turn off your radar.

pedalermike

Do you get to the windshield wiper fuse from the back of the fuse block?

Ron A

I wouldn't splice into any existing wires, especially when the fuse box just above the hood release is so easily accessible. Fuses 29 and 31 in this fuse box are for accessory use so just plug the add-a-fuse in to one of them and you will have a neat installation.

The windshield wiper fuse is number 11, so you would just pull it out and if the add-a-fuse works the way I think it does, you just plug that in instead of the original fuse, or you can still use 29 or 31.

pedalermike

Thanks for the pointer Ron. Are 29//31 hot only with the ignition or with ACCI?

Ron A

I needed to find out this information also, so I went out and checked the car.
29 and 31 are hot only with the ignition on, and cold for accessory and off. The bottom contact is the hot one, and the top contact is the fused side.

pedalermike

Thats the trick then. Many thanks for all the info. It should be a simple install..

pedalermike

Got it done in about half and hour. Crimped a spade connector to the hot side of the cable assembly and then wedged it into fuse #31. Grounded the cable assembly to the big bolt holding the hood release lever to the chassis located right underneath the fuse block. All very tidy.