wonsuk_utmb

You can tap into the baby blue/baby grey wire that powers the light switch as a power source that is only active when the ignition is turned

You can verfy this by pulling the plug from the light switch and testing it that way. The switch wires can be accessed by pulling the left drivers side panel.

Make sure to use a 22 gauge tap (a 18g tap is seen and wasn't working)

After driving with this setup, the radar detector turns on only when the headlamps are on either manually or on automatically. It will turn off either when the headlamps are off on auto or in the other headlight switch settings. This was quite unexpectant, because the wire stayed on with the ignition and off when the ignition was off, but started to do this when the headlight switch plug was reconnected. After looking around for a switched source, none in the fuse box or none close to headlamp switch, I took it to a neighboring car stereo store where they continued the hardwire to the cigarette lighter. I'm sure one could tap into the homelink power cord above but I didn't want to take that apart. Tried with a trim tool but didn't come off easily so didn't want to risk it.

GregW / Oregon

Thanks, but delete the duplicate post.

wonsuk_utmb

Do not use this wire, it causes the headlight to be on only when the headlamp is on. I am going to find another wire to tap into. Any hints would be greatly appreciated.

hutch300

maybe edit the original post so no one makes this mistake... keep us posted

Kiwi Ed

On our 09 ML I found spare key on (Eng. run) port in the fuse box under bonnet, it is a half connector the other half would clip on if used OE. Pluged a blade fuse into this and a covered female spade connector on to other leg of fuse, ran a double coated wire back through firewall all nicely hidden under other looms.

wonsuk_utmb

I did find several switched sources in the engine fuse compartment, but I didn't feel like going through the firewall. The fuses are on the passenger side and I had already run the initial hardwire down the drivers side.

Kiwi Ed

Our steering wheel is on the other side!!! Poked the wire through with the bonnet (Hood LOL) catch cable.
Be careful tapping wires to + from from switchs etc. as they can be signal wires to the various moduals, like happened above.

McClendons

Just did mine, the easiest i could find os the glove box light. Switched, and only 4-5 screws to get to it. Wire can then go right up A-pillar and under top liner. Easy job, maybe 30 mins or less one I decided to go the glove box -- al fuses on the fusebox (dash) were hots.....

gearFX

Are these the screws that need to be removed to access the wires behind the glove box light? I haven't found the 4th or 5th one yet. [EDIT: Will answer my own question, thanks to another member, chassis, who posted instructions. Note, images are from a GLE.]

YoleanDioz

<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->A very good solution for the placement of the lights. It's a shame that running the wires takes so much time. Led Daytime Running Light 2x6w led Lamp DFP 2109 was my choice. But I didn't run the wiring myself. I let a friend of mine do it. He is an electrician, and I consult him about my electrical needs. The Vont smart light bulbs my friend suggested were perfect for my house. I can only judge the wiring under the hood of my car visually. But turning on the daytime running lights in my car is done with a separate button on the dashboard.