Has anyone done a hard wire install of a radar detector for the non-touring model. This means there is no power to the mirror and no sunroof, just map lights. I have always had my detectors dash mounted in the past so that I had access to the fuse panel and could get 12V only with the car running. What I'm wondering is if all the cars have the wiring harness to support the sunroof and/or homelink even if it wasn't supplied or if there is a 12V source available that is only hot with the engine running going to the maplights.

If anyone has tried this already, whether you were succesful or opened up the panel to find no source, please let me know. If you have pictures that would be even better.

Just run the wire above the headliner at the windsheild, down inside the a-pillar trim then to the fusebox. I've done it in 3 different cars that way.

Check this thread, you can take power from the map lights. It should be pretty easy.

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8242&highlight=radar

Originally posted by spasso
Just run the wire above the headliner at the windsheild, down inside the a-pillar trim then to the fusebox. I've done it in 3 different cars that way.

Just a thought...... did those 3 cars that you've done that on have Air bags in the A pillars? I am unsure if that will cause a problem but definately something to think about.

I have my V-1 on the dash, run the cord between the glass and the dash and ran in to the fuse box, you can't even see the cord.

The ideal setup for you would be one of the 'remote' models - the air intake on the front is HUGE, and has lots of room for the remote module, then you can mount the little display end anywhere you like. (Most of them would fit in the ashtray.....)
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doc

I have thought of that, but the ashtray seems to be too low to see. Anyways, the dash is so close to the driver anyways.

Why not use the cordless radars??? I do not know anything about them other than reading ads. They say the battery last up to four months.

Originally posted by mmjames
Why not use the cordless radars??? I do not know anything about them other than reading ads. They say the battery last up to four months. Even though the power requirement for the processors has decreased over the years, the performance, capabilities, and features of a cordless radar detector are compromised by the fact that they are lower powered.

If the portability is that important, the performance isn't THAT bad. But the wired versions are still perform better.

---jps

Wired ones are harder to steal.

Originally posted by myrx8
Wired ones are harder to steal. What makes you say that?

---jps

Good point and I don't have my 8 yet so I have not done an install with side curtain airbags. I would assume that with the proper shop manuals, the air bag unit can be removed similar to removing other a-pillar trim. However, I would HIGHLY suggest you get proper manuals and instructions on this because you have to disconnect airbag power completely before you go screwing around with them, disconnecting the battery usually is not good enough because the system has a battery backup to deploy the airbags.

In short, it probably can be done, but it was good of you to point out that it will be more complicated than most cars.

Originally posted by IGOZMZM


Just a thought...... did those 3 cars that you've done that on have Air bags in the A pillars? I am unsure if that will cause a problem but definately something to think about.