Connectors close to rear view mirror question

[Pescakl1]

I know some of you already played in this area to wire radar detectors and other devices.

My plan is to locate my GPS close to the rear view mirror in order to get the bluetooth mic closer to me, so I am looking at a 12V and ground wires to connect the powering cable.

I have the basic FWD model so I was wondering if the wiring is the same as the room lamp harness shown in the FSM, page PG-72.

I was thinking about hooking up my wires to the R9 connector (for the auto anti-dazzling mirror) or the R6 or R3 connector (what are they for?). Does anyone know to which color wires I can connect to get 12V and ground?I can look for with a voltmeter but I suppose somebody here already know the answer.

Other question: How to pull the headlining to get access to the connectors? Just pull it with a remover tool? Where should I start pulling, in the center or close to the sunshade? What type of precaution should I take to be sure to be able to put it back (seems fragile)?

Thanks for your help.

[philipa_240sx]

Other question: How to pull the headlining to get access to the connectors? Just pull it with a remover tool? Where should I start pulling, in the center or close to the sunshade? What type of precaution should I take to be sure to be able to put it back (seems fragile)?

Thanks for your help.

Be careful using a pry bar near the side windows. The side curtain airbags are hidden up there and you certainly don't want to damage them.

[Leo2005]

I connected my valentine one radar to a dome light. I found constant 12V+ and simple connection of 2 wires. Might post pics a lil later.

[Pescakl1]

Be careful using a pry bar near the side windows. The side curtain airbags are hidden up there and you certainly don't want to damage them.

Thanks for the warning, but it was not my intention to play around the A pillar.I want to install my GPS as close as possible to the rear view mirror (Is there somewhere a place to buy a SMALLER rearview mirror? the one we have is way too big for what we can see, a 7"x2.5" would be enough), and there are a lot of connectors over there when you look at the wiring harness layout.

Just wondering if all these wirings are in place even on the basic model (SL FWD without premium). I suppose one is for powering the sunroof (that I don't have), another I cannot figure out what it is for (bluetooth mic and ambient lighting?) and there are one on each side for the vanity mirror lamps (that I don't have).

[Pescakl1]

I connected my valentine one radar to a dome light. I found constant 12V+ and simple connection of 2 wires. Might post pics a lil later.

I would be nice, thanks.

And how about accessing the wires: Pull the headliner hoping not to break anything ? Any advice?

[Leo2005]

Carefully pop the dome light buttons and switch panel with screw driver.Then you will see 4 clips holding the assembly:Pop them with screw driver one by one:There's 4 wires that goes to the dome light:White wires have blue lines from one side. If you look at the wires with blue lines up front the one on the left will be constant 12V+ and 2nd from the right will be negative. The fuse on the picture is just an extra safety for radar.

[Pescakl1]

Thanks a lot Leo, that helps tremendously (I am a visual guy ).

Is there an enough gap between the roof and the headliner to push the cable up to the dome lights?You didnot have to pull the headliner to run the wire?

[Leo2005]

I did pull it. There's a simple small sticky pad located behind the dome light. You just pull the headliner a little bit and then you will have enough space to get the wire throw.

[Pescakl1]

Ok thanks. I really have to do this this weekend because those wires running everywhere are getting on my nerves .

[philipa_240sx]

WOW... great thread! Thanks for the step-by-step and photos Leo2005. I will add this to the FAQ.

[GregAFATC]

Alright, so I hooked up my wife's radar detector just like you posted and I appreciate the pictures! I noticed the wires are still hot even with the ignition off. Will this drain my battery if I do not disconnect the radar detector each time we turn off the car? If so, any suggestions on this matter? Thanks!

Greg

[Leo2005]

My radar is always on. So far didn't have any problems with that.

[rjchoops]

I have my Valentine One mounted under the mirror and ran the wires up the mirror post and then under the head liner to the left side and down the windshield post to the fuse box. So mine is only on when the car in on.

[takeshi]

By the way, if you don't want to dig around and have the Gentex/autodimming mirror, the Stealth Cord (or equivalent) works well in my experience. Probably not suitable if you have any remote accessories for your RD though.

The V1 normally lives in the other car but gets mounted in a Blend Mount in the Rogue for road trips. I probably wouldn't buy a Blend Mount now given its price and how it places the RD in plain view (you also have to use your V1's suction cup mount to complete the install) but I happened across their testing program for the V1 Blend Mount and was able to purchase it at significant discount.

V1, Blend Mount and Stealth Cord in the Rogue: