Hello,

Well its time to install the detector. I always prefer to hardwire it, keeps the wires out of sight. Does anyone know what wires I can make the connections for my detector for a top of the windshield install?

thanks in advance,

 

Or you can just get the Escort REDLINE, it's as good as a hardwired radar detector, it's even better than the Valentine V1, I have had so many detectors and REDLINE is the best so far

 

I use the Escort Solo S2 battery powered one. Uses 2 AA batteries and I have to replace them about every 2 months (depending on how many times I forget to turn it off and it turns itself off after about 1/2 hour of inactivity).

 

I should get my Escort Passport 9500 QI delivered next week. I will install myself and let everybody know when I am done. I will share my ups and downs once the isntall is done.

 

I was thinking of getting started. Does anyone know how to remove the overhead console?

thanks

 

Not sure what you mean by overhead console? Mean the headliner / center? What are you installing? I installed a 9500 ci (remote / fixed install) and there was nothing to be installed in the overhead area.

 

While I usually hardwire or use an Invisicord/mirror connection to power my detectors, I took a different route with the XJ until a bit more information surfaces regarding overhead console access. My goal was to easily get the detector working without cutting or drilling on such a beautiful car.

Since there are no power outlets on the dash (I guess form triumphed function.), I decided to take the wiring all the way back to the power outlet in the center console.

I mounted the detector next to the mirror and ran the power cord above the front part of the headliner where there is ample room.


jagval1 by neloho33, on Flickr

At the A pillar, I tucked the cable behind the front of the mouse fur covered and ran it down to the bottom of the pillar then across toward the door. This is much tighter than the headliner, but still did not require any tools, just some finger strength. When the cable reaches the bottom of the pillar, it easily transitions to behind the weather stripping and continues down to the bottom edge of the dash. Here it exits the weather stripping and can be seen crossing the short distance between the weather stripping and the bottom of the dash where it once again tucks out of sight behind the lower dash cover.


jagval3a by neloho33, on Flickr

At the center console, the cable tucks under and heads to the back until it exits and runs up the side of the console to the storage box. The first photo below shows the cable making this vertical run. It is only visible when the driver's seat is moved all the way as in the photo. the next two photos show how the seat covers the cable when positioned to accommodate an actual person.


jagval4 by neloho33, on Flickr


jagval6 by neloho33, on Flickr


jagval5 by neloho33, on Flickr

Once inside the center console, the detector can easily be plugged into the power outlet either directly or using a splitter to allow powering additional items.

I look forward to hardwiring the unit once more information is available regarding removal and re-installation of the overhead console, but for now, this is working just fine. The detector power up as soon as the door is opened and turns off when the car is turned off.

 

According to the workshop manual it looks like there should be a tab either side of the console towards the back. It then swings down.

 

Thanks for posting those pics. My service tech recommended using a plastic tool (that's what is in the inset) to release the two clips.

I have my V1 mounted almost exactly as Neloho has done, except I ran my cord down through the A pillar, then fished it under the dash and along the console to plug into the lighter port inside. At some point I will look for a hardwire solution. The only fuse box inside the cabin is behind the rear seat. I thought about tapping into the overhead console, but I like to mount a remote display lower so I have to run a cable down anyway.

To remove the A pillar cover, pop off the plastic piece that says Airbag, and there is a torx screw under that. Line up the two tabs on the pillar cover to reinstall as well as the duct to the grill. If you run your wire in the pillar, make sure to keep it away from the airbag.

 

Thanks for all of the help. Can't wait to get started now.

 

Has anyone figured out where to tap into switched power in the overhead console?

 

Another question. Does the heated wind screen effect the v1 of any other detector's preformance? Is there a spot in the glass where no wires are?
As I am a old RF guy, I have to ask the question. Jim Jäger, the co-inventer of the Escort is a close friend. I have asked him the same question. I have a V1 and a 9500. I would love to combine the two. Wild how all the guys, Mike V, Jim J, and Escort are all here in Cincinnati. must be something in the water!

 

I have the Escort 9500 and it's being hardwired Monday. You know you can get the jammer addon for the 9500... The ZR4 or something like that. I was going to have the 9500ci installed, but it has the display AND the mute buttons and we couldn't find anywhere to put both of them. One of the pieces will fit in the ash tray area, but that leaves the display needing to be mounted and it doesn't fit anywhere without looking tacky.

 

Traded my 8500 for the new Solo S3 because when I asked about hard wiring he looked at me like I was an space alien. lol

Good luck with your hard install. Let us know how you do it.

 

Thanks dochands for the Solo advice. Purchased one last night at Best Buy.

 

I've got the Solo 3 too. Only have to replace the batteries about every 2 months. I try to remember to turn it off when I stop so it doesn't wait a half hour to turn itself off. Finally got in the habit of doing this.

 

I have the Solo 3 as well and as HouTexJag says I get about 2 months from the batteries.

I wish the blend mount that they advertise on this forum would work on the XJ it looks good. But it doesn't work because of the rain sensor. Too bad.

 

Yeah, I checked that out too and was surprised they didn't make one to fit the new XJ.

 

I learned the hard way where the rain sensor was and the headlight sensor when I mounted my turnpike Pike Pass.