Guest flycaster Posted December 26, 2003 Share Posted December 26, 2003 2000 SE PF. Want to install radar detector using hot wires in overhead console. Could someone help me identify (via color code) which wires become hot when ignition goes on. My overhead has the temperature and compass that are activated when the ignition is on. Also, although I haven't looked closely, could I have a pointer or two on how to identify the wires that do go to the compass/temperature? Lastly, is it OK to ground by simply hooking the ground wire from the RD to the metal brakets? Thanks, Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pathoffroad Posted December 26, 2003 Share Posted December 26, 2003 Use a voltmeter or voltage tester to identify any wire with 12V coming to it. Hopefully the radar detector doesn't pull too much amperage in normal use to pop the fuse for the accessory you're drawing the power off of. Grounding it to any solid metal fixture should work fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest flycaster Posted December 26, 2003 Share Posted December 26, 2003 Thanks. Good point about paying attention to how many amps will be drawn by the RD. I'll check the power usage of the RD and the amp rating of the fuse box. Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted December 26, 2003 Share Posted December 26, 2003 I think it would be easiest to just splice a wire into you cigarette lighter hot wire. The only works when key is in accessory or on. And I don't think it would pop a fuse, but I could be wrong. 88 pretty much said all there is to be said on this topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest flycaster Posted December 27, 2003 Share Posted December 27, 2003 I gave up the thought of hooking into the compass' wire as I didn't want to take a chance in screwing the compass up. Instead I opted to use a live wire that feeds the console lights. Although I gave up having the RD go on and off automatically, the hook up still works nicely. Thank for all your help. Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted December 27, 2003 Share Posted December 27, 2003 Congrats and your welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avus Blur Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 I know this is an old thread, but Im trying to wire up a radar detector as well. I was planning to tap into the moon roof wires since they are only drawing juice when the car is on. Does anybody know the color of the positive/negative wires by chance? This is the same thing I did on my M3 and it has worked perfectly for a couple of years. The Pathfinder is a 2001. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XPLORx4 Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 For negative, you can just ground it on a screw or bolt. For positive, the best thing to do would be to use a voltmeter or continuity tester to check for power when the key is on. It's been too many years since I've done this mod to remember the color of the wires I used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avus Blur Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Ok, that cool. I figured it was worth a try. Looks like Ill be heading to Lowes or Sears this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XPLORx4 Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 If you don't want to buy a multimeter, a cheap circuit tester like the one pictured above can probably be bought at an auto parts store for about 5 bucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vengeful Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 Yup...or even Radio Shack. You can also buy inexpensive Digital Multimeters at places like Checker for about $20. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avus Blur Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Cool. One last thing. Is there an easy way to get the overhead console off? Im kind of a putz and dont want to break and tabs or clips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now