RedC230K

I just suction-cupped my radar detector to the windshield and ran a wire benath the trim down to the fuse panel on the left side of the dash. Now, I'm looking for an ignition-switched sourse of power - but all of the fuses test as having constant power to them. Does anyone know how to find a key-on-only power source to tap into? Thanks!!

benzomonterey

Try the power windows they are ignition switched.

MB-BOB

You can use the Smart key to autoclose the windows and sunroof from outside the car, hence the windows are hot. In fact all the fuseblock locations forward of the steering wheel are hot all the time.

The good news is...

Fuse location #6 or #7 in the REAR fuse block (left rear hatch panel) should be switchable (they are the only slots that are switchable in the sedan). You'll have to test them (run a positive wire along the outside of the car), then...

Suggest grounding your detector at the fuse panel you've already visited, then run the positive wire (only) along the lower door sills under the rear seat and into the trunk area. Use a credit card to push the single wire between the carpet and the sill (no need to remove the sills). Tedious, but not hard work.

Result: Detector will operate in key position 1 or 2, but not off.

RedC230K

MB-Bob,
I did it exactly as you describe and it looks great! I was able to hide the wire under trim and moldings all the way back.
Thanks - I'm new here today and I appreciate the help!

Lynn

RedC230K read MB-BOB's post, ran out and wired his radar detector and replied in five minutes.

RedC230K

Lynn - actually, I was lucky enough to run across one of MB-Bob's earlier posts once I found the "old" forum. It was still his advice that got me there and I'm very grateful!
Sorry to ask a repeat question - but maybe it's good to have this advice repeated on this "new" forum.

Lynn

I thought that might be the case. I found the timing of today's posts to be humorous. Welcome to the board.

MBSang

Thanks guys....

I did it today. And the only switched fuse is #7 in the trunck of my coupe....

Thanks again.

VoyagerDude

Is there any way to fix suction cups, when they don't ... well .... suck anymore?

Also have anyone tried one of these new Bel Express Series (936 et al) ? Are they much worse than the Bel 980?

VoyagerDude

Thanks again MB-BOB

Do you use/like the speech function?
The 980 is souuu expensive here, 500CAD retail (about 312USD), but I really like it.

VoyagerDude

MB-BOB, Flashman and others:


Q1: The Bel radar detectors have a fuse in the cig. lighter plug, from which the electric wire goes to the radar. If the radar is hardwired, you don't have that fuse, is that a problem?

Q2: How exactly can I attach my wire to the fuse#7 in the rear fuse-box?

Thanks a lot, I just got my Bel Vector 985 and would like to hardwire it this weekend.

MBSang

There is a piggy-tail type of socket or adapter for a fuse slot in pepboys. U can use normal car fuse in that socket. That's how I did it. It works fine so far. Good Luck!

ps. sorry about my English...

VoyagerDude

Thanks a lot MBSang.
I'll try to find this in Calgary.

Can you please give a more detailed description of this "device" so I know what I'm looking for.

Is there any soldering required?

Did you use the rear fuse-box, fuse #7 ?

THANKS!!!!

VoyagerDude

BOB, thanks for the detailed description, I'll go visit Radio Shack and/or Can.Tire this weekend. The weather sucks here anyways.

Thanks again.

Yellow_Fly_Red

VoyagerDude...

The weather may SUCK..... but I like it cause I can still go SNOWBOARDING this weekend...
woohoo...

Anyways...
I want to see your car and see how all this is hooked up..
I think I will purchase a radar detector before the summer....

VoyagerDude

Well I just got back from Hawaii yesterday, so I hate all this snow in the city

You're welcome to have a look. I got the new Bel Vector 985 from the States. (Ironically it's made in Canada )

VoyagerDude

Thanks MBSang, MB-BOB and others.

I just completed hardwiring the radar detector. I did like it was recommended and attached the negative wire to a bolt that holds the front-left fuse-box. And run a positive wire to the rear fusebox where I used an adaptor from Canadian Tire that has a fuse-like connector (that I plugged in in socket #7) and a wire for connecting the positive wire from the radar.

Interesting that this way I get 11.8V and from the cig.lighter it's around 13.5V.

Yellow_Fly_Red, you're welcome to have a look.

MBSang

Oops! U just did it.

I read my mail and try to post it, then U did it.

Congrat!!!

I hope you enjoy your new gadget.