2018 XLT - Hardwire Radar Detector (not Mirror Tap)

[JeffLenko]

Hey... new member here.... Name's Jeff from Hudson Valley, NY.... Been lurking for a couple of weeks...

I bought a 2018 XLT with the 201 package a couple of weeks ago and am trying to find an ignition wire to connect my radar detector to (I've hardwired it on all of my cars for the past 25 years). I've seen tons of information about using the mirror tap process, but can't get my hands on the 'parts' to use (and my wire isn't long enough to make it from the mirror to the dash). I saw a post that someone showed a picture with an unused red wire on the d/s A pillar, but when I looked at my harness on the A pillar, there was no red wire.

Ford put the fuse panel in an inaccessible place, unless you're a contortionist... and the 12v outlets are always on, which doesn't make a lot of sense.

So....

I'm wondering if anyone knows of an easily accessible location that I can grab switched power from near the dash. Please???

I've gotten prices from $50-$175 for someone to do the install for me... but I like this stuff (once I can find the power I need) and am not afraid to do the work... so I'd hate to have to pay someone.

Thanks in advance.

Jeff.

 

[kmac59]

Hey Jeff... I have a 2015 Ltd. My 120V outlet on the backside of console turns off with the ignition.

 

[JeffLenko]

Hey Jeff... I have a 2015 Ltd. My 120V outlet on the backside of console turns off with the ignition.

I don't have a 120V outlet (I assume you mean standard AC)... I even asked the sales dude when I was looking at it.

 

[kmac59]

ah... yep, mine has a 120vac outlet ... just thought that was standard.

 

[peterk9]

... and the 12v outlets are always on, which doesn't make a lot of sense.


Jeff.

Welcome to the Forum Jeff.
From page 164 of your Owner's Manual.

Note:Timed power points remain on for 30
minutes if the vehicle is in accessory mode.
If you switch the vehicle off, the timed
power points remain on for 75 minutes.

This is applicable to the 2017 Explorer as well.

73's Peter

 

[NEWPORTNJ]

I have the valentine one radar. I hardwired it from the over head reading light. Brown wire and yellow ire is all you need.

 

[JeffLenko]

Welcome to the Forum Jeff.
From page 164 of your Owner's Manual.

Note:Timed power points remain on for 30
minutes if the vehicle is in accessory mode.
If you switch the vehicle off, the timed
power points remain on for 75 minutes.

This is applicable to the 2017 Explorer as well.

73's Peter

Well that's interesting.... The sales dude told me they're always on. I can deal with 75 minutes... Now to just get the wire down and around the dash. Thanks.

 

[JeffLenko]

I have the valentine one radar. I hardwired it from the over head reading light. Brown wire and yellow ire is all you need.

The overhead light is keyed? I thought you can turn it on when the ignition is off??

 

[JeffLenko]

ah... yep, mine has a 120vac outlet ... just thought that was standard.

Where exactly is the outlet located?? I can look to see if there's one in mine... Thanks!

 

[NEWPORTNJ]

Its always on

 

[JeffLenko]

Its always on

Ahhh... I'm looking for something tied to the ignition - don't want to prematurely kill the battery.

 

[NEWPORTNJ]

I have left it on for hours never killed battery. Beside never leave it plug in all time just when i'm driving highway and far.

 

[peterk9]

Its always on

According to the 2017 Manual it turns OFF with the ignition.
Page 160
Note: The power point turns off when you
switch the ignition off, or the battery voltage
drops below 11 volts.

Peter

 

[Michael W]

I hope you are all running some kind of inline fuse with these installs.
I was going to power my dashcam that way but the 12v-5v step-down transformer is too big to stick in the headliner or under the plastic mirror faring.