• Mustang Forums
  • Mustang Sound & Shine All

Hardwiring radar detector

  • Thread starter Thread starter jas142
  • Start date Start date Dec 11, 2003
J

jas142

Founding Member
Feb 11, 2002
1,358
0
0
Dec 11, 2003
#1
  • Dec 11, 2003
  • #1
I'd like to hookup the radar detector full time so it looks cleaner then having that dangly wire going into my Cig-lighter. Would it be possible to mount the radar detector like normal, and then cut the plug off of the end of its wire (where you normally plug it into the cig lighter), then connect the end of the now exposed wires to the fusebox? Like remove the radio fuse, put the wire in, then put the fuse back in so they both make contact? Would it work?

Can the same be done if I wanted to put a small neon tube under the seats? Thanks
 

glowstang93

20+ Year Stangneter
Feb 9, 2003
853
8
39
Illinois
Dec 11, 2003
#2
  • Dec 11, 2003
  • #2
Yes it can be done.
First, before cutting off the plug make sure you know which wire goes to the center of the plug and which wire goes to the edge of the plug. The center will be connected to +12 volts (wired to one leg of a fuse in fuse block with an inline fuse holder before going to fuse with the fuse from the cigarette lighter plug in it) and the edge wire will go to a ground (wire should have a terminal put on the end of it and using a screw attach to a metal part of car; floor pan). The +12 v wire I usually strip the end off, twist, and then wrap once around one leg of the fuse and stick it back in. Remember only one leg or you will be bypassing the fuse and defeat its purpose. You need to decide if you want the detector on all the time or just when the ignition is on, it makes a difference which fuse you choose. I usually like a fuse that can be done without temporarily, like horn, cruise, etc just in case it does blow. The use of solderless terminals make the job easier with a pair of crimpers and must have electrical tape. Be sure also not to have the +12 wire in a position that may get cut into or come in contact with metal, it will short and blow the fuse.
The same thing can be done with hardwiring neon and most any +12 volt accessory.
I chose not to cut off my plug, but to buy an extension plug for an accessory and hardwire it. This way my plug is always there if I want to unplug and move it to another car. There are also multi-plug accessory outlets (3-4 outlets) that might be helpful if you plan on more in the future.
Good Luck
 
J

jas142

Founding Member
Feb 11, 2002
1,358
0
0
Dec 11, 2003
#3
  • Dec 11, 2003
  • #3
Thanks! My friend had told me that somthing small like a little 8" interior neon tube wouldn't need to be grounded? Do I need to? Wheres a good grounding location when working with the interior if I'd like to avoid ripping up the carpet?
 

glowstang93

20+ Year Stangneter
Feb 9, 2003
853
8
39
Illinois
Dec 12, 2003
#4
  • Dec 12, 2003
  • #4
Behind the kickpanels or I use a screw into the firewall right next to the console. The screw points forward and its screwed into metal there. Just look for a preexisting screw that is in metal, should work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
1991 GT cigarette lighter/port not working (horn is working)
  • MartinM
  • Aug 29, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
189
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2025
MartinM
M
W
Interior and Upholstery New Member auto dimming mirror install issue
  • WigSnatcher92
  • Aug 25, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
159
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 28, 2025
Mustang5L5
F
Electrical From scratch: alternator wiring
  • fox racer v2
  • Jun 23, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
533
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 23, 2025
fox racer v2
F
J
'96 Cobra: A/C gets weak and engine misfires under load when warm
  • jruhnke
  • Oct 22, 2025
  • SVT Tech Forum
Replies
2
Views
276
SVT Tech Forum Nov 20, 2025
nickyb
J
Fuel Pump Wire Mystery
  • JF82
  • Sep 15, 2024
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
607
2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk- Sep 23, 2024
horse sence
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • Mustang Sound & Shine All
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?