DIY: Hardwiring your radar detector
 

This is pretty straightforward and fast thing to do.

**This was done on a BRZ with an auto dimming rear view mirror**

I am NOT responsible for any modification you do to your own car! I am just showing how I modified mine :thumbsup:

First off you need to order a product called 'Invisicord' - http://www.invisicord.com/order.html (Check the installation page to see if your radar detector is supported). I ordered a 12" cable without fuse which I thought would be long enough but it barely was. I would highly recommend ordering at least a 16" cable.

Here is what it looks like (Picture credit - Invisicord)

http://i.imgur.com/ZYiJY.gif


1 - Start off by removing the dome light fixture

http://i.imgur.com/Iyczo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Z8OQT.jpg

2 - Unplug cord running to dome light

http://i.imgur.com/u0d3C.jpg

3 - View of what stock wiring to auto dimming mirror looks like

http://i.imgur.com/FhJx1.jpg

4 - View of stock harness for auto dimming mirror above dome light (I already have the Invisicord wired in photos)

http://i.imgur.com/7VqhW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5JkWW.jpg

5 - This is the connector you are looking for (front view)

http://i.imgur.com/6pHiL.jpg

6 - Plugin the prongs from the Invisicord as pictured (RED wire bottom right, GREEN wire bottom center) Look how I am holding the piece so you don't do the inverse of my directions -

http://i.imgur.com/kfy1T.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/FtHwH.jpg

7 - Simply plug everything back in and tuck the harness the furthest away from the windshield and on the driver side -

http://i.imgur.com/xLFBL.jpg

8 - Reconnect the dome light wiring and put it back in position -

http://i.imgur.com/Efna4.jpg

9 - DONE!!

http://i.imgur.com/lRTy9.jpg




If done properly your radar detector should now turn on when the vehicle is started and power down when you turn your car off. Best of luck!

thanks

Awesome DIY. I didn't know Invisicord existed. This is quite nice, since you don't have to solder/strip/tap into the wires.

For those of us that don't have the BRZ, you can probably get the non-coiled CLA plug for your detectors and just run it along the ceiling trim, down the a-pillar and into the CLA outlet behind the glovebox. No cutting and splicing needed.

However, this DIY is terrific for BRZ owners, thank you for sharing!

so where youre tapping thats 5v?

this is how I am wired at present


FRS dont get a glove box 12v plug?

here's alternative way of installing a radar detector without splicing/soldering. it uses the aux 12v outlet in the glovebox.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i2bEoTbjpA"]Brz radar detector install - YouTube[/ame]

Yes they do but instead of me saying 12v I used the term CLA. Cigarette Lighter Adapter.

Sorry, I used to manage a Sprint store many years ago and as habit I always refer to those 12v plugs as CLAs.

Yeah but for those prices? Just take a silver satin phone cord that I'm sure everyone has laying around somewhere, and tin the damn ends, or shove a good amount of bare wire in the back of the connector and put some hot glue on it to hold it. Cost = 0.

These "custom" cables everyone buys are a friggin joke for the price.

Edit: If that's not a true RJ-11, do a bit of dremel work on it, the plug itself appears the same size so you might only have to pull the tab off. Oh and hot glue it, better than duct tape!

So this DIY is basically to get 12v power with minimal wires exposed?

I'm gonna put a dash cam infornt of the auto dimmed mirror.

just making sure I got the "purpose" of this thread right.

looks good btw.

Ohhhhh, no splicing!! I might look into a radar detector/dash cam now! Thanks! :thumbsup:

True. The prices are pretty ridiculous.

Anyone know where I can buy the connector tips just like the Invisicord?

I gotta check out radio shack and see if they have the crimp d-sub connectors. I'm gonna make my own. Now, I just need to find my damn soldering iron.

Looking good.