Anyone hard wire a radar detector yet?

19389 Views 19 Replies 10 Participants Last post by MATR6, Aug 25, 2021

15RedParchTLX

Discussion Starter · Jan 23, 2015

Anyone hardwire a radar detector yet? If so did you tie into the fuse box or the mirror console? If you have instruction on what fuse or how to tie into the wires around the mirror that would be great.

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MrMoo

· #2 · Jan 24, 2015

+1 on if anyone has hard wired using power from the rearview mirror area.

Many props to the first person who can post a write-up with pictures...or a video

Reactions: 1

wahoo

· #3 · Jan 25, 2015 (Edited)

I have a Valentine one with the Savvy option https://store.valentine1.com/store/ which gets its power by plugging directly into the OBD port. I am going to attach the detector to the mirror via an aluminum bracket http://blendmount.com . This way it does not need to be hard wired and you can still use the same detector in multiple vehicle. I haven't set this up in my TLX yet but have it in my 4Runner and my wife's MDX. In those cars I was able to run the wires into the protective sheath of the rear view mirror , around the plastic border of the windshield , down to the OBD port and fully conceal it. The Savvy works great because it automatically mutes the detector after the first warning, very useful now that there are so many false alarms on the hwy due to radar systems like active cruise control.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

15RedParchTLX

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 26, 2015

Thank you for the info.

15RedParchTLX

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 27, 2015

Looks like the Advance Package mirror is incompatible with blend mount. Acura Blendmount Radar Detector Mounts As my mirror looks like this one: BLENDMOUNT ID#-ACU-200

explicit_tl

· #6 · Jan 27, 2015

Aren't you guys worried about cops that might have a radar detector detector?

MrMoo

· #7 · Jan 27, 2015

explicit_tl said:
Aren't you guys worried about cops that might have a radar detector detector?

My old radar detector has a radar detector detector detector and can hide itself...even though the VG2 isn't really all that common these days.
Also, most new radar detectors these days have such a low power output that they can't be detected. Here in the states it is also only illegal in one state and in D.C. unless you are a big heavy vehicle.

Summest

· #8 · Jan 27, 2015

I think I would be interested in using this mirror tap-in method to mount a Car Cam (Recorder).

Thanks.

MrMoo

· #9 · Jan 28, 2015

wahoo said:
I have a Valentine one with the Savvy option https://store.valentine1.com/store/ which gets its power by plugging directly into the OBD port. I am going to attach the detector to the mirror via an aluminum bracket BlendMount Radar Detector Mount Escort Beltronics Valentine One . This way it does not need to be hard wired and you can still use the same detector in multiple vehicle. I haven't set this up in my TLX yet but have it in my 4Runner and my wife's MDX. In those cars I was able to run the wires into the protective sheath of the rear view mirror , around the plastic border of the windshield , down to the OBD port and fully conceal it. The Savvy works great because it automatically mutes the detector after the first warning, very useful now that there are so many false alarms on the hwy due to radar systems like active cruise control.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'm not sure which one of the mounts would work best for me. I have a TLX I4 with the Tech package...but none of their examples look exactly like my mirror. I am attaching a picture of what comes on the TLX Tech.

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MrMoo

· #10 · Jan 30, 2015

15RedParchTLX said:
Looks like the Advance Package mirror is incompatible with blend mount. Acura Blendmount Radar Detector Mounts As my mirror looks like this one: BLENDMOUNT ID#-ACU-200

Disregard my last post...
I took a picture from the passenger's side and the I4 Tech probably has the same mirror as the one in your Advance Package. I am attaching what my mirror looks like from the passenger side...which looks like the one in the picture for the incompatible BLENDMOUNT ID#-ACU-200.

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15RedParchTLX

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 27, 2015

4

Just hardwired my Escort Passport Max2 to 2015 Acura TLX

I just hardwired my Passport Max2.

I used the smart cord http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003PJ6QPQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

An Add a circuit
Amazon.com : HitCar Car Vehicle Circuit Blade Style ATM APS ATT Low Profile Mini Fuse Holder Fuse Tap With 5AMP Fuse (Mini Size) : Electronics

I did not drill any holes. I fed the smart cord under the steering wheel and then used the velcro tape supplied to put it next to the wheel opening.

I fed the cord that connects to the detector up the A pillar. I just pulled on the section near the opening of the door and was able to feed the cord up to the top. The top where the roof liner is has a gap so I just fed it in.

I attached the circuit with two 5 amp fuses to the open slot as shown in the picture.

I removed the left hand side of the dash panel, it just snaps off. Start on the bottom right and work upwards.

I then unscrewed one of the bolts as shown an attached the grounding wire.

The detector now only comes on when you start the car or you press the start button twice when you just want accessories on. It was very easy and only took about 15-20 minutes.

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Reactions: 2

MrMoo

· #12 · Mar 27, 2015

15RedParchTLX said:
I just hardwired my Passport Max2.

I used the smart cord http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003PJ6QPQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

An Add a circuit
Amazon.com : HitCar Car Vehicle Circuit Blade Style ATM APS ATT Low Profile Mini Fuse Holder Fuse Tap With 5AMP Fuse (Mini Size) : Electronics

I did not drill any holes. I fed the smart cord under the steering wheel and then used the velcro tape supplied to put it next to the wheel opening.

I fed the cord that connects to the detector up the A pillar. I just pulled on the section near the opening of the door and was able to feed the cord up to the top. The top where the roof liner is has a gap so I just fed it in.

I attached the circuit with two 5 amp fuses to the open slot as shown in the picture.

I removed the left hand side of the dash panel, it just snaps off. Start on the bottom right and work upwards.

I then unscrewed one of the bolts as shown an attached the grounding wire.

The detector now only comes on when you start the car or you press the start button twice when you just want accessories on. It was very easy and only took about 15-20 minutes.

Awesome work!

Would you happen to have any pictures of you running it up the A pillar and through the headliner? This is what has honestly kept me from buying a radar detector and dash cam...I didn't know how I would run the power cables up the A pillar and behind the mirror. I personally would prefer not to have either if I had to look at the cables

Reactions: 1

15RedParchTLX

Discussion Starter · #13 · Mar 27, 2015

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures. I just pulled on the part closest to the opening and it popped open. I just used my hands. I then was able to feed the wire at the top right into the headliner. I then just pushed the A-Pillar back and it snapped into place. Feel at the top of the headliner it is just open so the headliner is the easy part. I just stuffed the cable in.

The left panel on the dashboard comes off with a little bit of effort you can see the bottom clip from under the dash.

Hope this helps.

Reactions: 2

dwinnie

· #14 · Jul 8, 2015

2

Blendmount Mirror Mount in beta Testing

For those of you that were/are interested in the Blendmount Mirror Mount, I have an update on the design status for the TLX Frameless Mirror.

The guys at J28 Design sent me a beta version of the mirror mount last week for the TLX Tech and Advance models that have the new Frameless Mirror. They sent two models (just a slight difference in the mid-section) that I've been testing and I've provided them feedback on my experience (which has been great).

One issue I've seen is that the Escort Max RD can take a little longer to acquire the GPS signal because the electronics module above the mirror restricts the signal somewhat. I've always been able to lock on a signal, but sometimes it takes longer than normal. It also appears to hang a little further below the mirror than the other Blendmount models I've used (one for an '04 TL, and another for a '14 MDX). That's more due to the design of the TLX mirror than the mount, it really couldn't be much closer to the mirror and still allow you to easily remove it.

They have sent me a couple more top and mid-section beta pieces today, so I'll try them out and see if it improves the GPS acquisition. I'll try to keep you updated as I hear more on the final design for the TLX Frameless Mirror. I've attached a couple of pictures of the beta unit I'm currently testing.

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Reactions: 1

MrMoo

· #15 · Jul 8, 2015

dwinnie said:
For those of you that were/are interested in the Blendmount Mirror Mount, I have an update on the design status for the TLX Frameless Mirror.

The guys at J28 Design sent me a beta version of the mirror mount last week for the TLX Tech and Advance models that have the new Frameless Mirror. They sent two models (just a slight difference in the mid-section) that I've been testing and I've provided them feedback on my experience (which has been great).

One issue I've seen is that the Escort Max RD can take a little longer to acquire the GPS signal because the electronics module above the mirror restricts the signal somewhat. I've always been able to lock on a signal, but sometimes it takes longer than normal. It also appears to hang a little further below the mirror than the other Blendmount models I've used (one for an '04 TL, and another for a '14 MDX). That's more due to the design of the TLX mirror than the mount, it really couldn't be much closer to the mirror and still allow you to easily remove it.

They have sent me a couple more top and mid-section beta pieces today, so I'll try them out and see if it improves the GPS acquisition. I'll try to keep you updated as I hear more on the final design for the TLX Frameless Mirror. I've attached a couple of pictures of the beta unit I'm currently testing.

Woohoo!

Keep us updated on when they will be available for purchase.

Gonzo

· #16 · Jul 8, 2015 (Edited)

I do not own a TLX (YET!) but in the past I would use a visor mount and run the wire down behind the pilar cover to the fuse box. Grounded one wire and pulled one fuse out and pushed back into socket with wire from the radar detector (selecting properly rated fuse)... I've had it wired that way in 3 cars over the years (30+) never had an issue or needed to rewire or every had a fuse issue. OK I'm ready someone advise how bad that was of an installation.

15RedParchTLX I like your installation... clean. Good luck with the Escort?

Sociopath

· #17 · Sep 11, 2015

Good info! I wonder how hard it would be using relays to get ADV's auto brake LEDs to go off radar is detected...Hmmm

Reactions: 1

dwinnie

· #18 · Nov 4, 2015

4

Blendmount Mirror Mount Update: Blendmount now has the mirror mounts available for mounting radar detectors to the new "frameless" rear view mirror that comes standard on the V6 packages (I believe it's on the AWD Tech and Advance models). You can go to their site below for more details, just select the Radar Detector that you have and list the model of your TLX.

With some Googling you should be able to come up for discount code you should be able to find a discount code worth a 15% discount (hint, Honda's Sports car model name). I've beta tested a few different ones that made the RD sit closer to the mirror, so I'm not sure exactly which model they decided to go with. The mirror number that J28 uses is ID-ACU-008, and the RD mount model number (at least for the Escort Max) is BMX-2031. I've attached a couple of pictures of some different beta models I tested, I'm currently using the one shown in the first two pictures. I will sometimes take a little longer (maybe 1-2 miles) to lock onto the GPS Satellites, but once it's locked you should be good to go. CAUTION: I do not work for or represent Blendmount in any capacity and have no personal knowledge of their final design, therefore I take no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the photos below. If you have any questions please contact Blendmount directly.

https://store.blendmount.com/blendmount-radar-detector-mount-for-beltronicsescortacuramirror-id-acu-008specialty-series-p2825.aspx

Thanks,
Dan

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Reactions: 1

Vikas Patel

· #19 · Aug 10, 2016

A-pillar removal

15RedParchTLX said:
I just hardwired my Passport Max2.

I used the smart cord http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003PJ6QPQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

An Add a circuit
Amazon.com : HitCar Car Vehicle Circuit Blade Style ATM APS ATT Low Profile Mini Fuse Holder Fuse Tap With 5AMP Fuse (Mini Size) : Electronics

I did not drill any holes. I fed the smart cord under the steering wheel and then used the velcro tape supplied to put it next to the wheel opening.

I fed the cord that connects to the detector up the A pillar. I just pulled on the section near the opening of the door and was able to feed the cord up to the top. The top where the roof liner is has a gap so I just fed it in.

I attached the circuit with two 5 amp fuses to the open slot as shown in the picture.

I removed the left hand side of the dash panel, it just snaps off. Start on the bottom right and work upwards.

I then unscrewed one of the bolts as shown an attached the grounding wire.

The detector now only comes on when you start the car or you press the start button twice when you just want accessories on. It was very easy and only took about 15-20 minutes.

Sir, when you talk about opening the A-pillar from the door opening, did you remove the whole trim? Did you have to take off the weather strip to do so?

MATR6

· #20 · Aug 25, 2021

Lookin to hardwire for the 2021 model year.
I have this, just find the power source from the mirror right?

I don’t have the car yet, just doing research.

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