How to Hard Wire your radar detector to the sunroof controls
Things you'll need (or atleast what I used)
1. 12VDC
Accessory Outlet (for power)
2. wire crimpers (to smash down
the quick splices)
3. quick splice (to easily splice into the
power
and ground wire)
4. voltometer (to check youre
getting 12 volts out of
the accessory)
5. Scissors
(cuting stuff
is cool)
6. electric tape (tape it all
up, its smart)
Reasoning behind this:
Well, I was tired of having my power cord dangle in front of my radio and center console controls.
I wasn't going for super stealth look with it, becuase if that was the case I would have run cord along the top of the windshield and down to underneath the steering wheel.
I was just trying to have that pesky cord out of my way. Now on with the instructions
Install:
I purchased a 12VDC accessory outlet from radioshack for $6.50. I figured I would just use that,
becuase the power cord for my radar detector is already fused and if I ever get rid
of this car or sell it decide to get a different radar detector it will be super quick and easy now!
So the basics of my idea is plug the radar detector into the accessory outlet and then tap the outlet
into some power source from the sunroof controls.
There are four wires that run to the controls. For my 91 SE, the black was ground, white with
blue stripe was power(always hot) to the light bulbs, red with black and blue with black stripe were
open/close for the sunroof.
I chose to use the white(grey or whatever it is dirt changes things color) with a blue stipe because
I eventually plan on hooking a switch up at the controls to turn the radar detector
on/off. I first tried to tap into the other two wires, but for
some reason, it was not working correctly. I think it has to do with the sunroof itself
being on a switch, but im not sure becuase i was taping into the wire before the switch (basically i wouldnt mess
with those if i were you).
Anyway, you can see herethat i taped my black(ground) into the
current black(ground wire) with quick splices. They are sorta easy to use and pretty quick. I then tapped
into the white/grey stripe power wire with my red
power wire from the accessory outlet. Once I had that hooked up I tested it out. I plugged
the radar detector into the new accessory outlet and it worked right away. Schweet! Now tape up everything so you dont short
anything up there.
Next thing to do is hide your wires. To the right of the sunroof motor is some space, youll need just
about every last inch of it. Push all your wires
CAREFULLY back there. Now put the cover to the sunroof
controls back. Run your radar detector cable down the rear view mirror, and hook
it up!!!
The
picture gallery can be seen here
If you have any questions feel free
to email me at gregg@gregg-henry.com
I am in no way shape or form responsible if you try this.