Hello all --

When I bought my 97 Wagon EX a couple of months ago, the seller pointed out that there was a phone cord tucked under the passenger compartment roof with the end coming out about 1-2 ft right next to the rear view mirror. At the time, I kind of shrugged it off. I coiled it around the mirror to keep it out of the way. I didn't want to remove it since I didn't really know what it was for or if it was useful in some way.

I have attached a couple of pics of the cord stretched out and hanging down so you can see what I mean.

As time has gone by I have gotten more and more curious about what exactly this phone cord was meant for. Was it meant for a phone? Was it original equipment or added afterwards by the first owner?

When I went to KBB.com to get an estimate of the wagon's value, I noticed an option like "phone" or something like that. This wagon has just about every option that you could get so maybe this was a factory option? Since it was a 97, this was before the era of cell phones so maybe this was for a land line phone somehow hooked up to an antenna? Or maybe it's for some aftermarket equipment.

In short, I have no idea. I was hoping someone here might know what it is for. Any guesses are welcome. Thanks for your help!

 

Someone most likely added a hardwire power cord for an accessory like a radar detector. I hardwired it similarly for my car, that way you don't have to use the cigarette lighter outlet.

For example, Valentine One uses it as a power cord:

"https://store.valentine1.com/store/pricelist.asp"

A RJ-11 plug and wire can be used for other wiring purposes, not just for a phone. Many electrical guys use RJ-11 plugs and wiring for their own projects. However, in your car, it is most likely for a radar detector.

 

Thanks a lot for the explanation, RedBull. This makes sense, as I saw there were some smudge marks on the windshield where round suction cups were.

I don't have or want a radar detector so I'd like to remove this cord. Where would the other end be attached to? Behind the console/radio area?

 

Usually the way the installation is, there is a power adapter, with a wire and fusible link that plugs into the driver's side fuse box, the other end of the RJ-11 wire also is plugged into the same power adapter. Most likely, the previous owner already removed the radar detector power adapter to use in his next car.

All you probably have left is the RJ-11 cord that is not plugged into anything on either sides. Look underneath the driver side dash and you will probably see the other end on the cord hanging somewhere. Open the driver's side door and see if there is part of the cord that comes running out of the A-Pillar and along the insulation (it may or may not run along the insulation depending on their install or just comes out of the A-Pillar) and into the under dash area. All you need to do is gently pull the cord out with your hand from the headliner, the A-pillar, and under the dash.

 

If he had his radar detector stolen from him, then the previous owner may have left the power adapter in the car. Usually the power adapter is held on with double-sided tape or wire ties under the driver's dash or near the fuse box area (driver's side kick panel).

 

Thanks again. Going to try to pull this out this afternoon.