klc317 Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 I have an Escort 8500 detector that we've had for several years and a hardwire plug for it also that has never been used. Was thinking of using dome light or rear view mirror power in the MKX to make a nice clean way to have the power wires tucked away. I've done this several times before on other vehicles as I don't like clutter and wires around in view. Wondering if anyone knew from exeperience which color wires would be the 12V (preferably an ignition switched source) wire in the auto-dimming rearview mirror harness or in the dome light area. Our car does not have the vista-roof. I could always use the multimeter to find them but if someone has the info already it will save me a step. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lex Talionis Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 maybe start here - might be useful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldy Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 I have an Escort 8500 detector that we've had for several years and a hardwire plug for it also that has never been used. Was thinking of using dome light or rear view mirror power in the MKX to make a nice clean way to have the power wires tucked away. I've done this several times before on other vehicles as I don't like clutter and wires around in view. Wondering if anyone knew from exeperience which color wires would be the 12V (preferably an ignition switched source) wire in the auto-dimming rearview mirror harness or in the dome light area. Our car does not have the vista-roof. I could always use the multimeter to find them but if someone has the info already it will save me a step. Thanks! I've not yet done this on the Edge, but have all my other cars (hardwired for Valentine 1). Personnaly, I prefer to use something call 'add a curcuit' (bought mine in the past from Pep-Boys, though I'd guess most auto parts stores sell them). Simply put, I find an existing circuit (from the fuse box) which come on when the key is on (simple enough). I then use the 'add a circuit' to create a new circuit for the hardwired radar detector (maintains the original fuse for the original curcuit, as well as adds another for the added circuit). I remove the trim panels (interior A-pilar molding, and molding between the roof/ceiling liner and windsheild, if it's there), and route the wires. The ground can pretty much be anywhere, though I've always found a place somewhere under the dash (this way, I only run one wire with pos and neg leads, from the fuse box area to the location for the radar detector.) Also, using the add-a-circuit does not require splicing into any existing wiring. Anyway, this is my preference....good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klc317 Posted September 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 I've not yet done this on the Edge, but have all my other cars (hardwired for Valentine 1). Personnaly, I prefer to use something call 'add a curcuit' (bought mine in the past from Pep-Boys, though I'd guess most auto parts stores sell them). Simply put, I find an existing circuit (from the fuse box) which come on when the key is on (simple enough). I then use the 'add a circuit' to create a new circuit for the hardwired radar detector (maintains the original fuse for the original curcuit, as well as adds another for the added circuit). I remove the trim panels (interior A-pilar molding, and molding between the roof/ceiling liner and windsheild, if it's there), and route the wires. The ground can pretty much be anywhere, though I've always found a place somewhere under the dash (this way, I only run one wire with pos and neg leads, from the fuse box area to the location for the radar detector.) Also, using the add-a-circuit does not require splicing into any existing wiring. Anyway, this is my preference....good luck. Not a bad idea. I've used those add a circuit things before and to be honest I forgot about them. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldy Posted September 18, 2009 Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 Not a bad idea. I've used those add a circuit things before and to be honest I forgot about them. Thanks. No problem...glad I can help. I've typically connected the 'add-a-circuit' to the same circuit for the power windows. Never had any real problems routing the wire for the radar detector...typically the hardest part is removing the trim without damaging it; I have busted a plastic tab (which holds a metal clip) on the a-pilar trim peice before...fixed w/ super-glue for plastic, though would rather it didn't happen. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klc317 Posted September 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 (edited) No problem...glad I can help. I've typically connected the 'add-a-circuit' to the same circuit for the power windows. Never had any real problems routing the wire for the radar detector...typically the hardest part is removing the trim without damaging it; I have busted a plastic tab (which holds a metal clip) on the a-pilar trim peice before...fixed w/ super-glue for plastic, though would rather it didn't happen. Good luck. Thanks. I haven't tried removing the A-pillar trim on the MKX yet but I did remove the center radio trim peice and the associated misc. plastic stuff around there to scout out some places to stash the Sirius tuner and PXAMG cable when they come. I really dislike those little plastic screw/clip things they use to attach some of the stuff. I did pick up some hard nylon trim removal tools a few years back the really make getting trim loose easier and saves the gouges and accidental scratches that can happen with a screwdriver Edited September 18, 2009 by klc317 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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