Hardwiring Radar Detectors

[ATP4984]

I have a radar detector coming in the next few days, but I hate the look of the dangly cord down into the cigarette lighter. What does it take to permanently connect one of those bad boys into my 4Runner?

 

[live4swell]

All you need is power and ground. I cut the cigarette adapter end off, ran the wire down the panel on the side of the windshield down to the fuse box. I found a connection that is on with accessory and there are plenty of places to find a ground.

 

[97RUNNERltd]

You may want to install some sort of diconnect on the radar unit so that you can remove it. having a radar unit is illegal in some states. just an idea.

 

[MacVay]

Just some advise if they are illegal:

1. Wire the device to a power source that is off when the truck is off. (You may forget to turn off the device and your truck will be a homing beaking for any cops with Spectre or VG2)
2.. Wire the device to a kick switch on the panel on the wheel well of your truck. (This will allow you to turn it off without reaching for it. Very usefull if you see a car creeping up on you in traffic)
3.. Go buy a crappy radar detector on E-bay for $20. If you get pulled over and asked for a radar detector, offer this one. You will get the ticket but you won't lose your expensive device.

Cheers and Good Luck

 

[chunderboy]

If you have a circuit city or anything. They did a clean nice job for 25 bucks. And it has a life time warrenty. Not to mention, when you get rid of the car (if you get rid of the car) they remove everything at no cost

 

[dengsxr]

If you have a compass in your rear view mirrow you can probably take power off of that and it is switched power so that you don't leave it on accidentally when you leave your car. You can also find a gound up behind the sunglass holder I used a screw that was screwed into the roof in my old car. I plan on doing this in perhaps a few weeks. As for the legality of this I think most have anti-radar functions in them.

 

[Bobby]

I just got a V1 for my 4runner a couple of weeks ago and haven't installed it yet because I really don't need it unless I'm on a road trip but I've installed the power in 4 other vehicles. You just need to find a 12v switched power source somewhere in the headliner. I'm thinking the map light wiring. Test it with a circuit tester to make sure it goes off when the ignition is off and comes on with the ignition.

The only states that radar detectors are illegal is VA and Wash DC. If you turn it off in those states, you're fine. They don't take your radar detectors anymore, they just give you a ticket.

I'll take pics when I install it.

 

[mjweber96]

Most high end radar detectors have VG2 protection and you are not supposed to worry about it. I have driven through Virginia many of times with my Passport 8500, but never saw any cops so I can't say if it works or not. Depending on what brand of Radar Detector you have you might have to pick up a direct wire kit from the company, such as Escort and Valentine, since they have a phone plug type of cord. You can hook up to any 12V source, though you want something that is only powered when the ignition is turned to the on position.

 

[Bobby]

Valentine comes with a direct wire kit as well as a straight and coiled cord. They have an optional remote display kit.

 

[chunderboy]

Bobby, got a question for ya.

So, should i have the amp connected to the floor under the passenger seat, where it would certainly cut off the vents to the rear passengers, or just have them screw it into the box on the side.

Whatcha think

 

[bool]

I hardwired my V1. I have it wired to a fuse in the box and grounded to the frame under a screw located really close to the fuse box. If I had a place to host my pics, I would post them. If you want, I can e-mail or aim a bunch of pics to you.

 

[Bobby]

Bobby, got a question for ya.

So, should i have the amp connected to the floor under the passenger seat, where it would certainly cut off the vents to the rear passengers, or just have them screw it into the box on the side.

Whatcha think

I tried pm'ing you but your box is full.

I'd opt for under the seat. Screw the rear passengers .

 

[chunderboy]

Yea i just noticed that. Its a done deal, getting put in during the work day today