Hornet2CV

Started hard wiring my Escort yesterday and it was probably the easiest I have ever done - until it wasn’t. I always go strait to the fuse box on any car when wiring so I mounted near the mirror and snaked the wire under the rubber at top of windshield and down the drivers side pillar (did not want to go into the electric at the rear view mirror). Found a ground just beside the fuse cover and then tried to find a fuse that was switched. There in lies the problem. All the fuses in this fuse box are apparently powered all the time. I do not want to start pulling wires out looking for a good one. Does anyone have thoughts on this fuse location. Even with using a fuse point that does not show power when car is turned off there is power there. (Example, seats and headlights). This jumper method has worked on other cars (Porsche, Jaguar, etc.). Is Mercedes wired differently at the fuse box? Thanks for any help

Wolfman

We have always wired the escort detector to the glovebox light on the passenger side. No need to go to the fusebox as the hardwire cable already has the in line fuse and it is exceedingly easy to get to the glove box and offers the switched power needed.

It gets more involved if also wiring for a dash cam as well where the drive side fusebox comes into play

Hornet2CV

Thanks! Looking at it tonight I can see how that works. I assume there is a good ground in the door jam like on the other side. Do you need to drill in the glove box or will it “fish” in easily?

This forum has been extremely helpful to me. Good group of people. there are always a lot of questions when becoming a new owner.especially for those of us who have to “modify”. So far, loving the car. I had a Lexus SC430 and although I loved my following Jag XKR, I missed the hardtop. Replaced one top on the Jag and I never felt comfortable leaving it at the airport. As well, the hardtop is much quieter. Cheers!

Wolfman

In convertibles we place the radar detector in the center above the dashboard. On coupes, sedans, SUV’s on top of the windshield. The cable runs in the gap between windshield and dashboard. Just remove the A pillar cover (screws is behind the small airbag plate) and then remove the plate on the side of dashboard. Use a plastic trim removal tool.
It’s easy to get to some ground. You may want to remove the glove compartment if you feel like it. Couple of screws on to top of it if memory serves.

Hope this helps. It’s been 7 years since I did the last SL

Hornet2CV

Thanks