I have hooked up radar detectors in the past in two Corvettes to the wiring going to the rear view mirror/overhead map light compartment. Before I tear it apart on the 2008 Accord EX-L Coupe, does anyone know if there is a switched wire in that compartment?

Thanks.

Steve

 

The EX-L has the auto-dimming mirror. You can use the electrical plug for the auto-dimming mirror. Invisicord has a power cable and instructions on their site which works with Escort or Valentine One smart cords. (It depends on what radar detector you have.)

An option would be to use an "Add-A-Circuit" fusible link in one of the unused slots in the driver's side fuse box to run power to a direct-wire power adapter. Connect the ground wire from the direct-wire power adapter to some point on the chassis under the driver's side dash. The "Add-A-Circuit" is available at most auto parts stores.

http://www.littelfuse.com/data/en/Da...FHM02FHA02.pdf

Then run the power cord (RJ-11 - phone cord type or other type) from the under the headliner, and down the length of the A-pillar and down to the direct-wire power adapter. You can hide the power cord along the rubber insulation or A-pillar cover.

You do not need any tools to run the RJ-11 power cord under the headliner and A-pillar or rubber insulation, just push it with your fingers; it only takes like a minute or so.

I did a direct wire circuit for my V1 from the driver's side fuse box with the Add-A-Circuit to provide more fused protection of the car's electrical system.

 

Thank you, redbull-1, that was excellent information. I appreciate it!

 

I think this is good information for anyone that might consider hooking up their radar detector to the rear view mirror/courtesy light area. Here is the main information from the link redbull-1 alluded to:
Guidelines on Using a Voltmeter to Locate Power and Ground

1. First set your voltmeter to the continuity setting (should beep when you touch the red and black probes together, telling you they are shorted)
2. Find a ground on the car somewhere, like a bolt under the dash, or a metal cross member.
3. Put the black probe on that ground, and touch the back of each exposed wire connector in the mirror harness with the red probe.
4. For each wire that beeps, that means that wire is grounded. Turn the inition to the on position, then back to off, and make sure it beeps regardless of ignition position.
5. Put the voltmeter into VDC mode, to measure DC volts, turn the ignition to the on position.
6. Put the black probe on the ground wire found in #4.
7. Touch each of the wires in that harness with the red probe, and note which one(s) gives you +12-14 volts, turn the ignition off to verify that the volt readings go down to zero or close to zero.
8. That should define which two ports in that harness into which you would plug the Invisicord, the black Invisicord heat shrink connector into #4 above, and the yellow to #7.

Thanks again redbull-1!