Hello all
So I had seen hardwire tutorials for radar detectors before, but they all either tapped into the cabin light or the 12V outlet in the glove box. I didn't like either of these options because I wanted to retain the ability to use the remote mute button for my detector. To do this, I ordered the Redline Direct wire Smartcord. This is a module with the power light, alert light, and 2 wires. It comes with 10 ft of power cable to go to the detector and 4 ft of wire to tap 12V and ground.
I wanted to place the control module in the tray between my start button and USB/AUX module, so I started by removing my center console, start button, and glove box, as well as lostening the passenger side pillar.
Next, I grabbed the connection for the 12V outlet in the center console. It should have a white and black wire leading to an "L" shaped connector. The white is 12V and the black is ground.
First up, I drilled a hole (or a few) in the bottom of the tray. I used a screwdriver to punch holes in the rubber bottom once the plastic was drilled through. I'm sure this could look nicer, but I don't really ever look at this. Anyway, I made the hole large enough to get all the wires through and the module into the tray.
For the power connection, I fed the 12V and ground wire UNDER the piece of carpet just behind the shift assembly, then I connected the ground for the module to the parking brake bracket as shown. Be sure to reconnect the button correctly, or your BRAKE light on your dash will not turn off
For the power, I cut about 2 inches of grey plastic sleeve off the two wires. I stripped a small section of the white wire and tapped it using the provided tap. I then plugged the fuse carriage into the tap.
After the power cable was done, I quickly plugged up the start button and turned the car on to ensure that the detector was getting power. Once I confirmed that it worked, I passed the phone line behind the dash and re-installed the center console. It is very important here to ensure you DO NOT PINCH THE WIRE
Once this was done, I continued routing the wire all the way to the detector.
Once the wire was routed, I pulled the slack back behind the glove box and doubled it back on itself a few times until it lay flat.
Finally, I took some velcro which was included with the cable and secured the module inside the tray. Again, I'm sure there is a better way of doing this, but this works.
