Hardwiring GPS and radar detector. A question.

[mikelebz]

Hello all,

I am having Best buy hardwire my gps and radar detector.

I would like to wire the radar from the dome lights and have it snake out of the top so it can plug into the radar mounted on the top middle of the windshield. The guy at Best buy said there might not always be power to the dome lights. is this true? Would I have any problem drawing power from the dome ever?

they typically take from either ignition or behind the HU and snake it up through the A-pillar. I don't want them taking out the HU because I put aux mod in there and I don't want anything messed up.

is there another place I can draw power from so the gps cord can reach the middle of the windshield other than the ignition and snaking it through the A-pillar?

thank you for your help and your time,
Mike

 

[leadf00t]

Here you go. This is how I did mine.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123712940

 

[icspots]

The map and dome lights actually do receive constant 12v. They're switched with their grounds. The problem there is your radar would be on at all times and you'd have to turn it off manually. If you want it on/off with the car then you'll need to have some wires running down the A-post. You can go from the ignition or the HU, however I would suggest either running off of the cigarette lighter, or another power source. For instance my auto-dimming mirror and angel eyes are tapped off of a wire in the bundle behind the driver's side kick panel. From there it's a quick easy run up the A-pillar (just make sure if you have curtain airbags that they run the wires behind them).

Honestly this is a super easy install and you could probably do it yourself for just the cost of some wire and a few wire taps. Plus then you'd know it was done right and not be blowing money for someone else to do it for you.

 

[leadf00t]

He would be using the wire from the keyless entry module. It only has power when the ignition is on. I have my detector run off this wire with my blendmount, and it works perfectly. Blendmount - http://www.blendmount.com/products.html

 

[MikeHTally]

Does the mirror have HomeLink or the compass? If so, there is switched power (or switched ground) already there. That's how mine is done. My GPS is on the center of the dash with its cables routed through the vents. Tapped into switched power in the center stack (the lighter, as I recall).

 

[mikelebz]

Does the mirror have HomeLink or the compass? If so, there is switched power (or switched ground) already there. That's how mine is done. My GPS is on the center of the dash with its cables routed through the vents. Tapped into switched power in the center stack (the lighter, as I recall).

Thanks for your help everyone!

I have basic everything on my car. no power to the rear view. Will I have to take everything apart to run the wire out of the vent? I would like it to run out of the defrost vent far back from the dash. a front vent wouldn't be bad either.

I want to try to avoid taking out the HU.

can i somehow easily tap into the glove box light and get it out through a vent or a crease in the plastic?

I only need power when the car's running. I don't need my detector and gps when the car's not on. that makes no sense.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[mikelebz]

so just to let everyone know, I just had the install done, and I must say I could not be happier!

They ended up taking out the HU, which ended up being the best idea. they took the power for both the GPS and radar from the cigarette lighter. for the radar they routed the chord under the steering column , up through the A-pillar, under the top lining and coming out just above the rear view.

The GPS I am most happy about. they took out the HU and vent thing. they drilled a small slot just enough for the wire to fit through, but small so the head of the GPS wire not to fall through and it retracts back when not in use so just the head is sticking out. When I want to use it, I pull the head and plug it into the GPS. when I am done, I just tuck it back into the dash.

I really could not be happier, AND FOR ONLY 39 BIG ONES!

I would recomend this to anyone who hates wires and hates switching the cig lighter for the gps and radar

 

[boosted1]

I hardwired my radar detector to the RADIO fuse with an "Add-A-Circuit". When not in use, the RD wire resides in the glove box.