Where to get switched power for hard wired radar detector?

[Ozzie]

2009 XC70

Where to get switched power for a hard wired radar detector?

Detector will be at the top of windscreen to the left of the rear view mirror.

I would prefer using an "add-a-circuit" vs tapping a line. Wires can run down either A pillar.


Any preference on which fuse panel and fuse to use?
Any preference on a grounding location.

TIA
oz

[ssicarman]

You should be able to get a fuse leg terminal at pretty much any parts store. It has a slot that goes over the leg of a fuse and extends past the top of the fuse so that you can connect to it. This will give you a clean solid power source. Go on the hot side of the fuse with the adaptor.
The important thing at that point is to install a fuse for the device as close to the adaptor as you can. Don't use a fuse that is rated higher than what the device came with.
You want to tap off of a fuse for a non essential component so that if there are issues you can still drive the car. Something like a cigar lighter.

Ground point is something you should be able to find near the fuse box. Any mounting bolt into body metal will work. Verify good ground with a test light.

[phlfly]

Volvo is real pain with this. I'm used to be topped right to wire in the overhead lighting. But Volvo made this harder, you can't get to the wire for reading lights, so you can try to use sunroof light power light, but I don't know the effect on long run. I was asking electrical guys they were saying it should not be problem but who knows. Actually they check for back voltage during opening and closing (since that can cause the burning the radar detector) but there is nothing all smooth voltage without picks. I used alligator connectors.

[Ozzie]

About 30 minutes to run the wiring..

Used the straight power wire kit for the Escort from ABT. Ran wire from left of the rear mirror along the seam between the ceiling panel and the front window. Pulled the passenger side A pillar (damn star bits) and the cap on end of the dashboard - passedger side. Ran wire down the A pillar to teh right of the air bag curtain. Ground wire attached to a bolt that was behind the cap at the end of the dash. Ran the positive wire into the end of the dash opening, connected the wire to an "Add-A-Circuit" and plugged it into fuse slot 22 (a switched fuse). Shoved loose wire behind carpet.

Reclipped and screwed the A Pillar cover, reinstalled the the dashboard end cover, started the car, plugged in the escort, turned it on and it worked. Shut off the car and the esccrt turned off.

Mission accomplished!

One happy Oz