Radar detector installation

[teamwenz]

Can you use the doom light for power to a windshield mount escort passport 9500 ix. If so how do you get at the power wire in the dome light?

[kbrandsma]

Can you use the doom light for power to a windshield mount escort passport 9500 ix. If so how do you get at the power wire in the dome light?

I have the same unit and thought about a more permanent installation as well. I'm not sure the dome light is the best place to get power from however (fuse capacity). I was thinking of taking power out of the center console and running up and out of the back of the gauge cluster directly behind the 4-way flasher. There would only be a short wire exposed and it would be on the same side that the 9500ix requires. In the console at the bottom there is switched and unswitched power supplies from a unused PCM wiring harness or you can also run power directly from a spare slot in the fuse panel.

To remove the gauge cluster you only need to loosen 2 easy to get at torx screws. I had the gauge off a couple of times. Once to install the OBC 4 way stalk and the other to place a microphone in the OEM microphone slot. The torx screws are loacted behind the 4-way flasher. Push 4-way to have it extend out and pull. The other is behind the microphone slot on the left hand side. Need a plastic uphostery tool to pry the round mesh cover out.

Edited October 24, 2010 by kbrandsma

[teamwenz]

The unit can't draw much power. I have PCM on my car. I would like to keep wires as short as possible as well. Hmmm

[JFP in PA]

Ummmmmmmmmmm……guys, you do realize that there is an switched power supply for the OEM cell phone (unused on most cars) that is just laying at the bottom of the center console section of the dash (just pop off the passenger side center kick panel, and there it is…) which is perfect for this………

[kbrandsma]

I stand corrected. It is the unused harness for the OEM Cell Phone (not PCM) as JFP in PA suggests. Great Pictures JFP!

Here is a photo shot of my current setup with the power cord running to the lighter socket.

You can see it is a very short distance to the instrument cluster behind the 4 way. I ordered the needed wiring harness from Escort. Here is a LINK to the harness.

Edited October 25, 2010 by kbrandsma

[70Sixter]

I used the switched cell power and ran harness from Becker to the cell plug (to avoid cutting factory harness). This to tie into the remote mounted in a blank batwing I got from Suncoast for about $7.00. Then ran the wire form the Becker kit up the A-pillar padding to the visor mounted RX-65

There is also an unswitched lead that is handy for powering my hardwired garage door opener to a Targa top switch in the horsecollar.

Edited October 28, 2010 by 70Sixter

[teamwenz]

Used a mount from MTG Motorsports. A little pricey but an excellent piece. And thanks for the heads up on the plug in the console. I pulled the panel off and there it was. The only thing is the a pillar pulls out and not straight up when you remove it. There are two metal spring tabs that need to disengage before you can remove it. Now I have a hard wired Escort 9500ix. Thanks again for everyone help.

Edited November 10, 2010 by teamwenz