Where to tap power for radar detector, "test circuit"

[millsjq]

Now that I have completed installing a fuse 22 bypass switch I need to install my Valentine one radar detector. I want switched power (off when car is off), and the unit has a fuse of 2 amp so it must draw less than that. I have read that some have used the test circuit under the dash. I have looked but have not seen anything that stood out. Can someone suggest where I can find the test circuit or an alternative.

[mikey k]

+1
Oh this might save me pulling the console.
Any one got any ideas?

[Paralight]

Take a look against the driver's side wheel arch above the carpet and accelerator pedal. There are a bank of plugs. towards the driver there is a grey 2 pin plug with black and blue/black 30A wires. Ground is Black, 12v Ign is Blue/black. It is the one I use when wiring in accessories.

Best regards,

James@paralight

[GTDB7]

I took a feed for my Sat-nav from above the pedals. I used a switched feed from the ignition to a relay for my power.

So any time the ignition is switched on I have power. This power remains with the engine running or not.

As soon as my key comes out the power goes off.

I bought a Mio 300 series as it was a very small unit and fitted perfectly to the side of the dash under the screen.

I then hacked the boot-up on the device and installed my own DB7 GT splash screen with the AM wings :-)

So it now looks like a genuine AM part when switched on - result!

But yeah, Power is easily found from under the drivers side lower dash area I guess on most models.

[millsjq]

I am across the pond so the drivers side is one other side, I am assuming that the plug that is be referred to would still be some what over the gas pedal but in my case not near the wheel wheel. attached is a photo of the plugs along the wheel well side. What does the plug I am looking for power? That may help me find it.

[Paralight]

None of the plugs pictured unfortunately. I have yet to work on any cars with a 'gas' pedal

Try on the passenger side, I would guess the body harnesses are the same from left to right hand drive, with the dash connections running in the centre tunnel, to make line build easier.

Hope that helps,

James@paralight

[millsjq]

James, I will try and look again tomorrow. I did take a quick look early and on the passanger side the majority of the space was taken up with the Heating/AC blower and evaporator. The cabin fuse box is under the passanger floor so Aston must be moving some of the electronics from one side to the other for export. The plug that I am looking for is it "empty" or does it power something, if so I may able to trace it back.

Jack; [e-mail]

[matg]

[quote=millsjq]I am across the pond so the drivers side is one other side, I am assuming that the plug that is be referred to would still be some what over the gas pedal but in my case not near the wheel wheel. attached is a photo of the plugs along the wheel well side. What does the plug I am looking for power? That may help me find it.

Where you upside down in the car to get that photo!

[alevine]

I'm in the same boat. I'm looking to hard wire a radar detector as well. Per the Owner's Manual the following CABIN fuses appear to be open; F50, F63, F67, F68, F70 and F73. They are either 5 amp, 15 amp or 20 amp spares. What would be the proper fuse for either a Passport 9500 ix or Valentine 1 radar? Any help would be appreciated. Pics would be nice too.

Thanks,
Adam

[millsjq]

You only need 2amps for a Valentine or passport

[matg]

Does this help? I don't see a black and blue/black

[Paralight]

Yup, 2nd from right plug 2 thick wires in it Black red (ground), blue 12v+ve. Sorry for the mistake on colour coding, I tend not too take too much notice of the tracer colours...This plug supplies the air con blower, so has plenty of current capability. Strip back outer, Good solder joint (let solder flow into wire properly) job done.

Kind Regards,

Paralight

[keitheva]

Matg/Paralight - can you please confirm what we're looking at in the photo - passenger side (lhd vehicle), where exactly? Thanks.

[matg]

keitheva said:

Matg/Paralight - can you please confirm what we're looking at in the photo - passenger side (lhd vehicle), where exactly? Thanks.

Photo is from my 2006 Vantage, Right Hand Drive, UK car.

I put the drivers seat (in my case) all the way back, opened the drivers door and knelt on the floor outside the car and just into the foot well above the accelerator pedal on the right hand side of the car are the plugs you see pictured.

About where the orange box is:

[keitheva]

matg said:

Photo is from my 2006 Vantage, Right Hand Drive, UK car.

I put the drivers seat (in my case) all the way back, opened the drivers door and knelt on the floor outside the car and just into the foot well above the accelerator pedal on the right hand side of the car are the plugs you see pictured.

Thanks. Interesting, no sign of those plugs on either side in a lhd vehicle as far I can see. All I can find are the same set as millsjq photographed, in the equivalent position on the lh side. Guess the wiring loom must be different.

[matg]

keitheva said:

Thanks. Interesting, no sign of those plugs on either side in a lhd vehicle as far I can see. All I can find are the same set as millsjq photographed, in the equivalent position on the lh side. Guess the wiring loom must be different.

I doubt it, all built in the same factory. Apparently not according to Rick.

Edited by matg on Monday 21st February 10:44

[rick-derby-]

wiring looms are different based on spec lhd rhd etc

[millsjq]

Mystery solved. After pulling the carpet back on the right hand side I did indeed find the two wire gray plug with switched power and ground. So in this regard the wiring loom for the RHD and LHD are they same. I was able to tap in to the two wire and power my device and I am now ready to go. Thanks for the photos and suggestion.

[rick-derby-]

The engine bay wiring looms are the same but the cabin wiring looms are definitely not, some plugs and features will be in the same areas whereas others again will not,