Has anyone hardwired radar detector in their TSX?

I want to get a V1 and install it above the rearview mirror and hard wire it through the auto dimming or something close to that area.




Joe D

 

I plan to do the same and add a remote, there is an instruction on freshalloy for Passport 8500 Detector Hardwire Installation, it can be adapted for V1: http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthre...umber=67401665
There was also an instruction for V1 with remote, but tapping in the fuse box instead of mirror at Acura-CL.com I can not find correct link, but I have a copy on my computer. The tread heading is ACURA-CL.COM Forums > ARCHIVES > Extremely Useful Topics > FAQ - Valentine 1 “Hard wire” Installation instructions by Shawn S, posted on 01-05-2001 07:31 AM the full text (sans photos) is:

"Soopa, I get many requests for this, please copy it to the FAQ/ARCHIVE area.
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I have my V1 unit mounted to the left of the rear view mirror.
I believe some people tapped into the power from the mirror circuit, but this is what I did to “hard wire” my V1 with the remote display:

Pull off the A-Pillar trim piece going from the dashboard to the headliner (no fasteners, it just pulls off).
Open the cover to the fuse box on the driver’s side.
Fish the wires from the V1, across the headliner and down the post to the fuse box.
I used some blue poster putty to keep the wire from falling out of its hidden place above the headliner.
Press the A-Pillar trim piece back on being careful not to pinch any wires.

I connected the power to the fuse box (#12 fuse).
It is the circuit for the windshield wipers and it is only “HOT” when the key is “ON”.

Strip the RED V1 power wire about 3/8 of an inch.
Pull the #12 fuse out.
Fan the wire out a bit so it is kind of flat.
Insert the bare wire into one side of the fuse socket (doesn’t matter which side).
Be careful that there are no loose strands of wire sticking out anywhere.
Replace the fuse; it will hold the wire securely in place.
Connect the ground wire to the screw terminal on top of the fuse box opening. (See photo)

If you have the remote display like I do, it is only slightly more difficult.
The power connections are the same, but instead of power directly to the V1 there is a small junction box that distributes power to both pieces.
They are all plug-in phone type connectors and no cutting/splicing is required.
If you mount the remote display on the column where I have mine, be sure to use “zip-ties” to keep the wires away from any parts that move when you turn the wheel.

Your V1 unit should now turn ON/OFF with the ignition whenever you start or stop the car.
I hope this helps you out.

Shawn S"

 

I hardwired my V1

Here is a rough outline of the instructions---if you have any specific questions I can ask them. No pics tho cuz I don't have a camera

-On the Hot Wire on the V1 adaptor remove the flat adaptor

-Attach a U type spade that is the size of a Honda fuse to the hot wire

-In your fuse box you insert it on the top row first open spot
(this has 12 volts when car is on and does not go to ground on the other side)---this way you don't have to daisy chain it to a fuse


-Add an extension to the ground wire of about 2 feet or so

-Attach the ground wire to a screw that goes into the body
-I found a good one about where your right knee is when you
put it on the gas petal---if you look it attaches a piece of
plastic to the body----a good ground spot

-Run the telephone wire along the roof trim down the A-pilar and try to tuck it under the lining

-Run it down the door edge and you should be able to squeze it in a gap

-Run the ground wire and the telephone wire in the hole in the fuse box cover and everything should fit into the fuse box nicely

If you have any questions just post em

 

I have mine at dash level and it is real easy to route the wire under the dash for power. It wedges between the glass with the suction cups and the dash nicely so the is little vibration.

Before you say it.... Mounting your laser detector high on the car it could easily miss the laser which is aimed at you license plate down low. Go to these links and read more if you don't believe:

www.radartest.com

www.radarbusters.com

 

My thoughts...

Mounting low may get you a better signal for a laser hit but if your radar detector does go off for it, you're dead meat anyways and your low-mounted RD has not helped you a bit. Let's face it, laser is just one of those technologies that there really is very little defense against in this day and age.

Around here, there is no laser in use so there is no benefit for low mounting. Even if one were in an area with laser use, I think that radar use is what you'll run across 99% of the time. I would personally not low-mount to protect against a situation I am only going to run across 1% of the time.

Mounting high is your best defense against the most used radar units. It also puts your RD out of visible site for both the public (who may see and then decide they want to take) and the police even if they drive right by (especially if you have a unit with dim or dark settings). My RD is tucked in at the very edge of the winshield just above the rear-view mirror making it very had to distinguish since the window tinting and outline of the miror itself camouflage it.

Mounting high is also better protection from the damaging UV and heat rays of the sun which is likely the number one cause of premature electronic failure in such devices. Mounting low puts your expensive RD in the path of the baking sun all day long. Not good. Not for me.

 

those sites are also not fair and honest because they can't sell valentine---so they pump up the products they sell

high mount is the way to go

 

I had my Radar detector on top of my rearview for over a year in my old car, its the best spot for it, IMO. BUT, on the TSX I can't fit it on top of the mirror, period. I am really disappointed about this. And I refuse to mount it at dash level. It is something that should be out of the way and not easily visible. The dash location takes away from the interior beauty of the car, IMO.

 

I'm almost finished with my h/w install, still waiting for a blank switch plug for a display switch. Right now it works with only the remote display. Only one problem, the mirror is doesn't tilt up as high as I like. Workaround has been to lower the seat a little, otherwise no regrets.

http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=jchyd7v...b&x=0&y=v772wv

 

I just finished wiring my 8500 in. It is much better then having the cord running up the dash, and having the detector up high is a much better place. No major problems to speak of, anyone who does this make sure you take your time. And thanks for the tip on tapping into the power from the mirror, great idea.