luis_v

OK.........

I have an 8500 and I swear by it. I have had it for some time and had it wired in an Audi TT.

What I am looking for is somebody that has mounted the detector low in the window.

Please, I don't care to mount the unit near the mirror. The detector (any of them) do not work well high. They should be mounted low in the window so that the get good reception. This is not what I want to debate..........this is for laser protection which is common in Florida.

So where do you run the wire up into the middle of the dash? Do I have to run it around from the pillar?

Photos would help...........

This is my first TL and I love it so far..............got a lot to learn though..........

Thanks,
Luis

luis_v

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Z Factor

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

You would get a debate from many had you not asked in advance not to about the mounting location. I will say that I have a ZR-1 which only allows for a radar detector to be mounted low where the cut out in the laminated windshield is. I ran it up underneath the dash to the opening between the center console, and the dash where it meets the firewall. You just hardwire it in with a fuse(they probably sell a hardwire kit for convenience).

Good luck

luis_v

Thanks! I already have the kit for the passport so I am good there. Is the path to the center of the dash clear or will I have to drop some components like the glovebox?

Z Factor

I guess my reply got lost in cyberspace.

I just said that my TL is hardwired via the pillar around the side air bag unit, and I'm not sure of the center console/dash on the TL. My Vette was pretty easy and straight forward, but someone else will have to advise you regarding the install on the TL.

Good Luck

budman

Luis,

I have an Escort X50 and am considering adding the Escort ZR3 (laser shifting). I currently do not have it hardwired, but I keep it low. I have it mounted above the dash, but high enough to get some visibility form the rear window for rear detection. In order to add the ZR3, I'm sure I'll have to hardwire, but still want it low if possible. I'll probably head down to HIFI Buys to purchase the ZR3 and will have them install and hardwire. I'll let you know what I find out. If you figured it out in the mean time, please post. Thanks.

Bud

TLXLR8S

how would the side piller help for a low mount? if you wait till tomorow ill have mine done and take pics to show you. even though i want some help from someone that has done it before, but iam not going to wait and illl just do it my self and let you guys know how it went.

TLXLR8S

i just found this in the search. i know it doesnt talk about how to route the wire, but if dont know how to get power this is how to do it


get a "add-a-circuit" from any car store like pepboys.
it has 2 fuse holders and a red wire with a butt connector on it. on the drivers side fude box, take the fuse out thats for windshield washer i think and plug the add a circuit into it. then connect the power from the hardwire kit to the butt connector and ground the ground wire. mount the radar and hide the wiring in the panal. thats it. its reaaaaalll simple to do. i have mine right under the rear view mirror so it catches radar from the front and back.



i know you dont want to wire it at the top, but heres an idea how to get power. this is how iam doing it.

budman

Please post pics. I still have to buy the ZR3 and schedule an appointment for the install. I plan on going down on Saturday to buy it and schedule an appointement for the install the following Saturday if they're available to do so. I have to check with Escort, but I believe they want to low mount to pick up Laser signals, since cops tend to point at the front plate. Not sure if there is a difference for radar. By adding the ZR3, it'll take care of the Laser issue so I may be able to get away with a high mount.

TLXLR8S

if your going some where for it to be installed why do you need pics? they know that they are doing.

budman

For a few reasons. First, you never know who the install guy is and how good he is. I'd rather go in being informed with some ideas of how others installed it rather than letting someone just do it however they feel like it. Others may be curious as well to see how you installed for comparison reasons, pros and cons, etc.

Besides... you said you would! Not looking for step by step, just the final result.

TLXLR8S

max. time: 40 minutes.
with these pics, 20 minutes.





















if you have any questions just ask.

budman

Excellent! Great post and thanks. So the wire is not visible at all on the left side of the dash (next to pillar/column in the second picture)? I assume the fuse box cover fits well with the add a circuit added?

Nice color combo BTW...

luis_v

You are a GOD!

Thanks! I will be getting the wire soon................

It took me hours to do on an Audi TT I had..............this is a piece of cake...........

This post should be archived for future generations to admire!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TLXLR8S

here are the pics without the red lines.
you might a little wire, its just that i didnt push it all the way down yet.










the fuse box fits the same as before the mod.

budman

Great! Thanks for all the hard work!

TLXLR8S

my pleasure.

rets

Move.

hzm82

99 TL = Veronica
04 TL = Valery