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RJay
Dodge Dakota
12/05/2001
00:50:39
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 Subject: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
Help! I need to direct wire install my Valentine 1 detector into my new Dakota. I need to tap into a 12v source which is switched (ie. on only when the ignition is on) Has anyone done this on their Dakota? Which wire is easiest to tap in to? What color, where is it, etc.
Thanks!
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Jon
Dodge Dakota
12/05/2001
01:17:43
|  RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
I havent done it on my truck but the map/trip light computer deal only works when the key is on. ANd it is in a nice locale.
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Bill in NY
Dodge Dakota
12/05/2001
08:16:32
|  RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
I have an '01 QC and a Valentine One Radar Detector. All I did is run the Valentine One wire under the dash over to the fuse panel. The copper color wire is slipped in and wrapped tightly around the fuse legs that feeds the radio (thus the radar detector gets power when key is on and no power when key is off) and the other wire goes to a screw (any screw close by)and is the ground. REAL EASY to do for anyone! I have done this on many vehicles over the last few years. By the way, the Valentine One is no longer the #1 radar detector. Look here: http://www.radartest.com/DS4HEM.html
Bill in NY
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Rjay
Dodge Dakota
12/05/2001
10:23:49
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
Bill - Thanks, I do have the direct wire kit which clamps on to an existing wire (rather than inserting a wire around the fuse legs. What color is the radio wire?? Thx
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DarkFury
Dodge Dakota
12/05/2001
12:27:24
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
Well... I tapped my direct wire kit directly to the fusebox and I picked a fuse that only operates when the key is in the "ON" position.
BTW, is there a reason why you "wouldn't" want to go to the fusebox with the wire?
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Brian024.7
Dodge Dakota
12/05/2001
14:47:43
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
use the fuse box, its safer and smarter...
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rjaY
Dodge Dakota
12/05/2001
17:29:48
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
ok - direct to the fuse box it is. Now is there a preferred fuse to use, that isn't already overloaded? Radio? Thx
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Bill in NY
Dodge Dakota
12/06/2001
08:10:06
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
Rjay, Personally, I would not cut/quick clip into the wiring harness. Non invasive hookups give the dealer / dealer mechanic no excuses for other electrical problems should they arise.
Bill in NY
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NizateCizain
Dodge Dakota
12/06/2001
17:29:19
|  Dont buy a valentine 1...
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Message:
Go to radartest.com and see what they say about the valentine one... hmm. Just get a Escort solo, it works off of 2 AA batteries and goes for 2 weeks before it they need to be replaced. Plus its very nice and portable and its also advertised in playboy!!!
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Randy
Dodge Dakota
12/06/2001
17:40:58
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
I have the answer for you. I just went through this myself. I tried to find a keyed hot in the overhead console to no avail. I mounted mine just over the mirror replacing the suction cups with some heavy duty velcro (the mushroom type stuff not the fabric stuff) I ran the wire into the headline and across the driverside. Remove the handle of the window post and run the wire down that. It can then slip right into the fuse box area. I used one of the U shape wire connecteors used for attaching to a screw and cut one side off. I was able to slide it right into one of the slots where the fuse goes. Since the wire is already fused it should be safe.
I can now leave it on and I'm protected.
I've owned and older Escort (the big one) and it was good for the time, I've owned a Uniden and it was junky. The Valentine one is the best! IMHO!
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RJay
Dodge Dakota
12/07/2001
11:02:57
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
Randy -
Thanks for the info. I'd love to mount it above the rearview instead of below, but doesn't the shaded black area above the mirror interfere with performance? Can you tell me exactly how you used velcro to mount it, did you use the oem Valentine bracket and place velcro where the suction cups were?? Thanks
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Randy
Dodge Dakota
12/08/2001
22:42:15
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
RJay,
I'll take a picture or 2 tomorrow and email them to you. The shading doesn't affect it. I understand if the shade is metallic then it may cause a problem.
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nextgen
Dodge Dakota
12/09/2001
01:35:48
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
I hard wired mine directly to the overhead console. The radar detector turns on and off with the truck, I'll look tomarrow if I get a chance after work and I'll let you know what color to splice into.....I also have a Escort and have it mounted above the rearview mirror....
Tony
2000 4X4 4.7L Auto SLT +
Jet Stage II, Z-Tube
Custom Exhuast, Extang Soft Tonno
32X11.5X15" BFG All-Terrain T/A Ko's
16.2@80mph
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RJay
Dodge Dakota
12/09/2001
17:35:36
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
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Message:
Randy -
Thanks I'll watch for the photo's. Just trying tohold my detector above the mirror it doesn't seem to fit....do you have the auto dimming style mirror?
Nextgen - Thanks, I'd love to know which wire you spliced in to.
RJay
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nextgen
Dodge Dakota
12/13/2001
14:30:42
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok,
The wire that I spliced into is the blue/white wire that comes out of the headliner then attaches to the console, via a black wire connector.....The Radar detector turns on and off with the car...Its kinda cool cause when I start the truck the radar detector turns on and talks "testing, couple of beeps, System Ready, voice alert" Its almost like K.I.T.T...hehe people are always asking me why my truck talks, I just say cause it wants to...
Hope this helps!
If you need anymore help email me Warbudy@attglobal.net
Tony
2000 4X4 4.7L Auto SLT +
Jet Stage II, Z-Tube
Custom Exhuast, Extang Soft Tonno
32X11.5X15" BFG All-Terrain T/A Ko's
16.2@80mph
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Dakaty
GenIII
12/13/2001
14:50:05
| RE: Direct Wire Radar Detector Install?
IP: Logged
Message:
My Escort/Passport instructions said not to mount it behind any window tinting. I mounted mine just below the windshield tint line on the right side of the rear view mirror.
However, I haven't personally tested it to see if the windshield tinting has an adverse effect on the Escort's efficiency.
Bill
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