Guys,
I want to install a radar detector but I dont want to have the power cord dangling across the front of the radio so I want to run the power cord through the top of the dash and tie into a 12 volt power supply behind the radio but I cant figure out how to get the front dash grill off (where the front speakers are mounted). It acts like it wants to pop up (probably just clips holding it in). I dont want to pull on it too hard but it HAS to come off. Any ideas? I also tried pulling the cover off the front of the radio and it acts like it doesnt want to come loose. Any ideas on this one also? I can try and pull on the front grill dash and see if it frees up but I dont want to damage anything. HELP....

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in the center console you got an outlet
it will supply power all the time so make
sure to turn off any thing pluged in.

 

Still havent gotten the answer on how to take the front dash off or the front dash cover to run a radar wire unexposed. Sure I know there is a cigarette adaptar I can plug the thing into but it kind of defeats the puropose of wanting to hide it dont you think? Why would I want to have the power wiring dangling down from the windshield, in front of the radio and plugged into the cigarette adapter? Lets get a little more creative here and figure out how to take the dash apart to "HIDE" the power wire.

 

Creativity is the Mother of Invention.

I too have been trying to hide the cord. I have the auto-dimming mirror and the garage door opener tabs, so I've been trying to prowl around and see if I can hook-up in through there. Right now I don't have a solution. Hoping to soon have the wiring diagrams so that I can verify the reads on the 'ol multi meter!

If you do discover a way in the mean-time be sure to share!

BTW -- which radar detector are you using?

Glenn

 

Well I figured out how to get the dash cover off and cut the auxillary cigarette lighter wire to splice into that. While I was working I grounded out the wire and blew the fuse and now I cant find out where the lighter is fed from. Any ideas where the fuse is? I looked every where. I too looked at pulling the overhead console off but cant figure out how to get it loose. I need to get the power back to the lighter. it says 12v 10amp fuse on the cap but I pulled EVERY fuse and didnt see one blown. HELP!!!!

 

A little late I know, but here is a decent write up on how to hard wire a radar detector into a magnum. I assume a charger would be very similar.

Sorry - no idea about the fuse, but look both under the hood and near the battery in the back. Other than that - its not an in-line fuse with the lighter is it?

Sorry not more help.

Michael

 

I run a Valentine One radar detector. I paid over $400 for it in 1994 when I was driving a Porsche 911 Targa. In over 10 years, driving a a Porsche 911, a Porsche 928, 2 Supercharged GTP's, and an Acura, I have never gotten a ticket using it. Although it was working, I did send it back to the factory to be updated. They sent me back a new unit for $225 with the latest electronics and detection. I will have to say that I never worry about the capabilites of the detector. It provides signal strength, direction of source, number of radars illuminating you, radar frequency, and auto dims for night use. There are numerous remote mounting options.

Trully the best radar detector ever offered, expensive but worth every penny. I am thinking about having it updated again!



BTW: My wife said that she wants the equivelent money of any speeding tickets I get in my Daytona, for her use at the Spa. Sorry dear, I have a Valentine....

 

Process complete....Here is what I did...Pull the overhead console off. Grab it on both sides and pull down, It is held in with three clips. There are three plugs plugged in. One for sunroof (if equipped), one for interior overhead lights and one for accesories (garage door opener, etc.) This is the one I spliced into because it was the only one with keyed 12v supply. Cut the pink and black wires to splice a cigarette lighter plug into. you can get one of them at radio shack and cut it. one side is the ground and the other the 12v. It will fit in the craddle part of the overhead console. When you pull it down you will see it has about a 2 inch depth because there is a a control box that stands off about 2 inches. there is one screw holding a black plastic cover to the roof. take it out and you can pull the radar detector wire through the front of the overhead console down past the rear view mirror. Process complete. I mounted the detector about 4 inches below the rear view mirror so It would pick up the signal through the back glass. Good Luck.

 

I am a former law enforcement officer with the county and once when working with the state patrol they stopped a trucker for speed. He came out of the cab quite upset and cursing at his G-- D--- radar detector that didn't work -- he jumped back into the cab, pulled out the dectector and slammed it into the pavement, shattering it in pieces. The trooper leans over to me and QUIETLY says, "Maybe's not the time to tell him we got him with the airplane".


My son had the Valentine in his ZO6 Corvette, and now in his Subaru STi and has the same results you have. Me? I just keep it about 5 over and never worry on my trips.

But you are right, the Valentine is a superior product.

 

The problem with radar detectors -- the state troopers in my state don't appear to be using them much any more; they have switched to LIDAR (laser). LIDAR detectors and jammers, which mount sensors near the front license plate, are still pretty expensive.

Mike