Getting direct power from the mirror - Need Help
12-06-2014, 01:20 PM
#1
Getting direct power from the mirror - Need Help
Have a 2014 FX4. Bought an Escort "Smart Radar" unit. It mounts up high on the windshield, right near the mirror. It can only get power from a direct hook-up to the battery, OR connecting it to the mirror power lines.
I'd like to go with the mirror connect option. OK, so I unplugged the module connector from the mirror, and the radar unit has a small cord with a black wire (ground) and red wire(power), which need to be connected to the mirror module.
QUESTION: On the module which plugs into the mirror, which of the many small square holes are ground and which are for power? IOW, where should I stick my 2 wires? LOL
ETA: There are 16 holes on this plug, and 5 are currently in use (have wires going into them).
TIA for any help!
I'd like to go with the mirror connect option. OK, so I unplugged the module connector from the mirror, and the radar unit has a small cord with a black wire (ground) and red wire(power), which need to be connected to the mirror module.
QUESTION: On the module which plugs into the mirror, which of the many small square holes are ground and which are for power? IOW, where should I stick my 2 wires? LOL
ETA: There are 16 holes on this plug, and 5 are currently in use (have wires going into them).
TIA for any help!
Last edited by northflguy; 12-06-2014 at 05:02 PM.
12-07-2014, 09:31 AM
#2
Senior Member
This is a bad place to draw power from because the wires were not sized to handle the current and these connections usually run through the remote auxiliary power unit to the computer. I would download a master wire diagram and confirm the pin designations to see if there is even a viable 12V source there. Also be aware this could void your warranty if a short occurs. I would run wires tucking them into the headliner along the glass and down the A-pillar and to the battery w/fused connection. Good luck
12-07-2014, 10:02 AM
#3
Thanks Marc. I sorta figured that would be the best way, but was just looking to get off easy! LOL
Looking further at the directions, it looks like I don't even need to go all the way to the battery, but just find a "switched wire" under the dash to latch on to, and hook in to, and also a ground screw. Any ideas on how to find a proper "switched wire?" Note that the directions say that the switched wire should be "ONLY a 14-18 wire gauge."
Looking further at the directions, it looks like I don't even need to go all the way to the battery, but just find a "switched wire" under the dash to latch on to, and hook in to, and also a ground screw. Any ideas on how to find a proper "switched wire?" Note that the directions say that the switched wire should be "ONLY a 14-18 wire gauge."
12-08-2014, 08:14 AM
#4
Senior Member
If you have a 12 volt light probe you can start at the interior fuse panel. First find an exposed part of the dash metal subframe to use as a ground, like a mounting screw. Clip the probe to the screw then probe the back of several fuses until you find one that is NOT hot. Turn the key to the "on/run" position and retest the fuse. When you find one that is hot that will be a switched power source. Also you can look for extra "open" fuse locations (w/o a fuse) that are there just for the purpose you are looking for. Perform the same test then you can use a spade connector to attach directly to the panel. This might help.......