[flip68]

Hey Guys:

Decided to hard wire my Passport 8500 on my new MO.

Since I live in one of the two states that does not allow radar, I didn't want any cigarette lighter cables dangling around. I did the same hardwire install on my Vette.

I was able to find an ignition switched 12v supply on the front A-pillar drivers side. This way the radar powers on and off with my ignition and I don't worry about battery drain.

After you pull off the plastic panel, you will see a wiring plug. I tapped into the ORANGE wire on the plug. (Follow the link below to see pics of install)

http://www.nissanmurano.org/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=8929&thumb=1

Took all of 15 minutes to do this.

 

[Mosh]

linky no worky

I couldn't get that link to work.

 

[flip68]

Hmmm.....try it now.....if not look in the gallery under FLIP68

:4:

 

[Dr V]

How did you tap into the orange wire? Just push it in at the same location that the orange wire enters the connector and tape it there?

 

[flip68]

I copied Enforcer's install images below (he used wiring in the courtesy light housing), but its the same process.

The hardwire that came with my passport included a wire "TAP" made by 3M. This allowed me to use the tap to wrap around the orange wire.

You can get these at Walmart, Pepboys, etc.

-Flip

 

[Dr V]

Flip,

Have you thought about flipping the unit over and mounting it that way? This way the top mounted rear lazer detector is not blocked by the sun visor. Additionally you could mount the Escort in the upper left hand corner of the windshield to make it even more inconspicuous.

 

[Dookie]

I've never ventured out with radar detectors, but most of the time, I would think that you wouldn't use the rear portion of the detector would you? Also, what do you mean by "a better spot in the left side of the window"?

 

[Dr V]

I believe the Escort 8500 and the Bel 985 can be mounted upside down so that the laser sensor on the top of the unit is now on the bottom and the display flips over to be rightside up after the switch. This way you can mount it from a visor and not block the laser sensor on the top of the unit. If you mount the detector near the corners of the front window, it won't stand out as much as being mounted in the center given that it will be near the pillar. What's nice about the MO is that the top sunblocking blue strip near the windows top edge should block the unit from direct view from on coming traffic (i.e. police).

 

[Dookie]

How effective is the 8500?

 

[Enforcer]

Do a search on google for radar detector comparisons and vg1. The 8500 and valentine1 are pretty evenly matched. The reason I got the escort is because I can buy it at the local best buy...was in a hurry. The 8500 has been better than any previous radar detector I have owned, which includes Mr. Valentines original Escort and passport. Haven't bought the v1 yet but probably will. Hot topic on the Z forms too. Do a search on my350z.com, I remember somebody did a comparison with the two.