[Tr6]

I take absolutely NO CREDIT for this... Just saving some time and effort for Tejesh83 and moderators. Main thread can be found HERE

Originally Posted by tejesh83

I hard wired my Escort Max 2 Radar Detector this morning. Here's a quick guide. Special thanks to forum member 2SSRS@Gen5diy for finding a switched 12V source in the console.



Now for the install:

1. Pry the corners of the console. I used a plastic putty knife and a rag over the mirror to avoid damaging any trim.
   
   
   
2. Next, pry the center of the console. The console clips should now be loose, so give it a firm tug and the console should free up. Disconnect all wires and set the console aside.
   
   
   
3. Route your power cable from the windshield, through the headliner, and grab it from the console opening. You can buy a fused mirror tap to save time (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...f_rd_i=desktop). I made my own out of an old telephone cord and a soldering iron.
   
   
   
4. On the back of the plug that feeds the airbag light, tap the Purple/White (+12V) and Black (-GND) wires. Now's a good time to check the wiring with a meter and confirm your radar powers up. Make sure you start the car for your testing. I learned the hard way this wouldn't turn on with accessory power =)
   
   
   
5. Press the wire taps firmly into back of the plug and use a zip tie and electrical tape to secure it in place.
   
   
   

Finished results:

[jimmypop13]

The tapping a wire part is not explained at all. I need to know exactly what you did with the wires from the radar detector. It sounds like they were stripped and just crammed in some holes with the other wires

[MGD]

Have a look at this. I would T-Tap the wires instead of pushing them in the connector.
the Purple/White is 12 switched and the black is ground. Did this for my dash Cam.
http://www.camaro6.com/forums/showpo...1&postcount=17

[ManOfSteel]

Well have to give this a try, I was going to run it down to the kicker panel

Sent from my Supermaro

[ParisTNDude]

It looks like you have to cut the cigarette lighter plug off to hardwire it. Is that correct?

[tejesh83]

no, you can just use a standard telephone cord. the two middle pins, normally green and red on most cords, can be used for the taps.

[ParisTNDude]

Originally Posted by tejesh83

no, you can just use a standard telephone cord. the two middle pins, normally green and red on most cords, can be used for the taps.

I didn't realize the connecter was a telephone jack. Now that I can do. The cord that comes with my unit is just too expensive to cobble up, plus I use it on multiple cars.

Great DIY...thanks for posting.

[leadfoot93]

This worked perfectly I used some wiretaps from Lowes.

[pcrage_2]

ok i gave this a shot but my plugs were all REALLY tight and i didnt want to get too agressive and break something. so, what is the key to unplugging the 3 connectors? on the grey ones towards the back of the car, do you need to push a release tab that i am missing? on the single plug towards the windshield, i am guessing releasing that one has something to do with the red clip, do i need to pop that up with a small screwdriver or something?

i have done many many radar detectors, and wow this is one a real challenge!

thanks for any advice!

[tejesh83]

Yes, they all have release clips.

For the gray ones, you could use a tiny screw driver or a pin to release the tabs (its on the right or left end) For the white plug towards the windshield, see the 4th pictures in the original post for zoom in on the connector. You'll actually want to depress the white center (not red) to release the clip. For this one, I used a slightly bigger screwdriver, placed it on the white part of the plug, in the center, pressed, and twisted it against the socket and it came right out.

[pcrage_2]

awesome, thanks for clarifying. just to make sure, you press in these spots and pull? hope you don't mind me using your pics.

a picture is worth a thousand words (and possibly a thousand posts!).

[2SSRS@Gen5diy]

Originally Posted by tejesh83

Yes, they all have release clips.

For the gray ones, you could use a tiny screw driver or a pin to release the tabs (its on the right or left end) For the white plug towards the windshield, see the 4th pictures in the original post for zoom in on the connector. You'll actually want to depress the white center (not red) to release the clip. For this one, I used a slightly bigger screwdriver, placed it on the white part of the plug, in the center, pressed, and twisted it against the socket and it came right out.

If i may, the white connector has a red part at the top of the pic, that needs to come out 1/16" first then push the rest of that white tap down and pull at the same time it will come out.

[tejesh83]

Originally Posted by 2SSRS@Gen5diy

If i may, the white connector has a red part at the top of the pic, that needs to come out 1/16" first then push the rest of that white tap down and pull at the same time it will come out.

Oops, I didn't realize that. Good catch! Thanks again for posting pics of the console and which wires to tap. I wouldn't of figured it out without your original post.

Originally Posted by pcrage_2

awesome, thanks for clarifying. just to make sure, you press in these spots and pull? hope you don't mind me using your pics.

You got it, those are the right spots. But 2SSRS@Gen5diy corrected me, you need to pull out the red tab 1/16" first. I didn't realize when I was taking mine apart.

[BigEnos]

Thanks for the explainer. On a related note I noticed you are using a sticky cup. Is there room to use a blendmount, or will the detector sit too low and be in a sightline of the driver?