I bought a radar detector last week (Bel rx65) and installed it on the stang. However, when I turn the car off the detector stays on and I have to manually turn it off. Any idea as to how we can have the power to the detector turned off when the car is turned off?
Connect it to a keted power source? Sorry if that sounds rude, but cars have basically four types of power:
1.) On when key is in "run" position, off when in "off" or key out.
2.) On when key is in "start" (usually only the starter gets this source), off at all other times.
3.) On when key is in "accessory" position, usually also on in "run" but off in "off" or key out.
4.) Always on even with key out. This seems to be the circuit you are using.
Had exactly the same question. Solved mine with a 12 volt relay from radio shack. Located it under shifter boot.
used power wire for rear defogger to turn power on when the key is on. Works slick!
I just leave mine plugged in and on most of the time (which is whenever I forget to unplug it). It won't draw enough to hurt anything (unless an army of cops cruise your neighborhood all the time - lol). If I were to hard-wire it I'd likely do something different.
MY "05 vert has a stock automatic power shutoff designed to keep the battery from draining. I live in Canada so I'm not sure if that feature is also stock on U.S. models, as there are often some subtle differences in the vehicles by country and region.