Hardwiring a radar detector......

[gsbrockman]

After I traded the 2000 in on the 2003, I removed the wiring for my radar detector. I had the ground running to a screw behind the knee bolster, and the hot wire ran to an "ignition on" only fuse to the left of the dashboard. The wiring was tucked neatly away under the A-pillar. I unfortunately discovered that the fuse box is no longer to the left of the instrument panel..... it's all now under hood. Any suggestions on getting power to the radar detector short of running a wire under hood ? I've also noticed that transplanting my electric brake controller will be a P I T A ..... Any help WILL be appreciated !

 

[Boonieman]

The brake controller shouldn't be hard, I swapped mine from my 2001. The factory plug made it real easy. What I did was use a 3-hole power adapter for other things I needed. I plugged it into the lower power plug and slipped the unit into the hole on the dash right under the CD player. I have my cell phone charger and radar detector plugged in, leaving me one extra hole for anything else I come up with. It's not as tacky looking as it sounds, and the adapter I got has a toggle switch that I can turn everything off with with one switch. My CB radio I did run a wire thru the firewall to the battery.

 

[RankRam]

I don't have an 03 but this info may help you as far as the radar detector goes. My 99 has a Valentine 1 hardwired to the auto dimming rearview mirror and has worked flawlesly for over three years now. My plan is to do the same when I get my 03. Hope this helps. .

 

[Shortcut]

In cab Ignition source

For most of the Mopar accessories, Dodge uses the cig lighter for switched power and the power outlet (below the ashtray) for B+.



I used the power outlet wire to power my hands free phone and video system memory.

I used my cig lighter power to run my VCR, EGT temp gage, and radar detecter. Then I mounted my hands free phone mount directly over the cig lighter hole. I figure I have enough tied to that outlet anyway.



Just my 0. 02 cents worth.

 

[sag2]

I have hard wired my radar detector in the last three trucks. You have a hot wire in the overhead, but you need to put in a ground. I just pull the overhead, then unscrew the plastic piece that is above it and move it to one side. Use a self drilling screw (very short) and put your ground in the double panel to one side of the overhead. Once you get things out of the way, you will see where to do it. If not I could take a photo of mine. It is not switched battery, but my detector has been on 24/7 for at least three years. I only turn it off when I go to the airport for a few days. Fused battery is red with yellow tracer. It is the middle wire of the three wire connector