Radar Detector MirrorTap/Hardwire?
#1
Radar Detector MirrorTap/Hardwire?
I've had my 23 NX350 for almost a month now and i'm loving it! Has anybody tapped used a MirrorTap to power their radar detector on this 2nd Gen NX yet? I can't find any info out there on how to remove the trim pieces around the rearview mirror to gain access to 12V power.
I can't even use my Escort MAX360c at all with the standard power cord, as the cigarette outlet power plug doesn't let the wireless charger door close when inserted.
Thanks so much!
I can't even use my Escort MAX360c at all with the standard power cord, as the cigarette outlet power plug doesn't let the wireless charger door close when inserted.
Thanks so much!
#2
I've had my 23 NX350 for almost a month now and i'm loving it! Has anybody tapped used a MirrorTap to power their radar detector on this 2nd Gen NX yet? I can't find any info out there on how to remove the trim pieces around the rearview mirror to gain access to 12V power.
I can't even use my Escort MAX360c at all with the standard power cord, as the cigarette outlet power plug doesn't let the wireless charger door close when inserted.
Thanks so much!
I can't even use my Escort MAX360c at all with the standard power cord, as the cigarette outlet power plug doesn't let the wireless charger door close when inserted.
Thanks so much!
I therefore hard wired my dash cams and Valentine V1 radar detector last weekend instead.You just have to be careful running wires down the "A" pillar as there is an airbag that the wires can not block. I took the "A" pillar cover off and ran them behind the airbag and zip tied to existing wiring behind it .
There were 2 empty fuse connections in the fuse box under the drivers side of the dash. One of them + battery and one for accessory. I fuse tapped the 3rd wire I needed off the 15A power outlet fuse.
#3
I appreciate the reply, and Happy Easter! How exactly does the A-pillar pop off? This was my plan B, to pop off the A-pillar and run a direct wire to the fuse box. Did you take any pictures that you could share?
Has anybody attempted a MirrorTap also? This would be the most concise way of providing power to the radar detector.
Has anybody attempted a MirrorTap also? This would be the most concise way of providing power to the radar detector.
#4
Stay with me as I know this isn't related to what you are doing but I think it could work.
I was on the forum yesterday and saw a thread about a dash cam. I followed the link to the site that was posted https://fitcamx.com/collections/fitc...x-for-lexus-rx (it covers the NX as well.
Included at the site is how to take the rearview mirror apart to attach the dash cam and use the wiring. Hope this helps.
I was on the forum yesterday and saw a thread about a dash cam. I followed the link to the site that was posted https://fitcamx.com/collections/fitc...x-for-lexus-rx (it covers the NX as well.
Included at the site is how to take the rearview mirror apart to attach the dash cam and use the wiring. Hope this helps.
#5
Attached are the instructions for the Lexus Integrated Dash Cam installation. Pages 6 & 7 show how to remove the roof map console and the mirror cover. You could probably buy the wire harness PT949-48210 and cut off the connector end for the dash cam and splice in the power for your radar detector.
The following 4 users liked this post by aarongue6:
#6
I appreciate the reply, and Happy Easter! How exactly does the A-pillar pop off? This was my plan B, to pop off the A-pillar and run a direct wire to the fuse box. Did you take any pictures that you could share?
Has anybody attempted a MirrorTap also? This would be the most concise way of providing power to the radar detector.
Has anybody attempted a MirrorTap also? This would be the most concise way of providing power to the radar detector.
#7
I'm not sure if this is helpful or not, but I looked around my parts bin and came up with a simple, non invasive way to power our dash cam that could likely be used in your situation. I ran the USB wire along the windscreen, tucking it in to the headliner so not visible. I used some white electrical tape to camouflage across the A-Pillar and then tucked into the weather stripping and driver's door sill. I have All-Weather mats so ran the wire underneath the driver's side to the rear console outlet, which is switched. I used a double corded outlet so I still have an available outlet for rear passengers to charge devices. Not as elegant as a hard wiring set up but not visible and easily reversible.
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#8
I appreciate the reply, and Happy Easter! How exactly does the A-pillar pop off? This was my plan B, to pop off the A-pillar and run a direct wire to the fuse box. Did you take any pictures that you could share?
Has anybody attempted a MirrorTap also? This would be the most concise way of providing power to the radar detector.
Has anybody attempted a MirrorTap also? This would be the most concise way of providing power to the radar detector.
I just followed the pre existing wiring above the airbag down to behind the dash.
The following users liked this post:
NacsMXer (04-12-23)
#10
Has anyone tried one of these? Essentially a splitter that plugs into the rear view mirror connector with a usb slot to plug in a dashcam or radar detector.
https://dongar.tech/en-ca/products/12pin-tacoma
https://dongar.tech/en-ca/products/12pin-tacoma
#11
MirrorTap Installation Guide
I got the MirrorTap kit installed in my NX350 F-Sport and thought I would post pictures of the installation to help anybody also interested in hard wiring their radar detector.
I have trim removal tools but I surprisingly was able to get the plastic trim pieces removed with just my fingers. No need to pry on things like some of the dash cam installation videos and risk leaving a mark. Begin by pulling down on the front (driver's side) portion of this panel with your finger, there is a lip allowing enough leverage to pull this side down.
Work the clips free with steady downward pressure from left to right as you rock the panel down. Once the clips are free, pull the panel towards you as there is a hooked portion on the right side allowing it to rest in the headliner.
Hooked portion on passenger side. Do not pry down on this side first as you will potentially break the hook. Start with the driver side only.
Next, hook your finger under the left side of this panel and pull down to release the clip on this side.
Pull down on the passenger side of the panel to release the clip on that side.
Pull the panel free straight towards you
With a hand on each side of the bottom panel, push straight down towards the wiper cowl area to disengage the two clips.
There is a 10" long version of the MirrorTap, but I highly advise going with the 15" version so you will have plenty of reach to your device. This part number MTX-1015 cable has the correct RJ11 type connector for my Escort radar detector.
The next step is to use a multi meter to probe various connector wires for ignition-on power and ground. I started with the small black connector here on the driver's side, but could only find 12V power that was hot with the vehicle off, no key-on power. This will not do.
I moved on to probe the large connector for this unit. This is where I found my ignition-on power and ground.
The white wire with black stripe in the top middle area of the connector is the ground. I used the second smallest tap in the kit and inserted it carefully along side the wire in the connector. I set my multi meter to the continuity setting and touched one probe to the end of the wire tap.
I touched the other probe on the multi meter to the outer wall portion of the 12v cigarette outlet in the center console, and noted a reading of continuity on my multi meter, indicating a good ground.
Ignition-on 12v power was found at the white wire with the blue stripe at the top-right of the connector. Touching the positive multi meter probe to the tap inserted in this wire, and the ground probe to the 12v cigarette lighter outer wall showed 12+ volts with the key on, and nothing with the ignition off. Perfect
Now we can connect the MirrorTap cable to the two taps and verify key-on power before we wrap up.
Plugged the connector into the detector and we have power with the ignition on, and nothing with it off!
Next, I wrapped the included electrical tape to ensure the taps would not loosen from the cable, plugged the OEM connector back in, and secured the MirrorTap cable with a zip tie.
I routed the cable behind the mirror stem like this.
I mounted my detector as high as possible and installed all the trim in the reverse order of removal. The MirrorTap cable has plenty of space to exit through the trim opening around the mirror stem once all the panels are reinstalled.
The detector is up and out of the way for a clean install. I can't even see the cable while driving. Everything is well-hidden behind the mirror.
Unfortunately a BlendMount bracket to integrate the radar detector under the rearview mirror is not possible on the 2022+ NX due to the mirror stem design. So your existing suction cup mount is what you have to go with. I am well-pleased with how it all worked out though, and glad to have my detector back in my vehicle.
I have trim removal tools but I surprisingly was able to get the plastic trim pieces removed with just my fingers. No need to pry on things like some of the dash cam installation videos and risk leaving a mark. Begin by pulling down on the front (driver's side) portion of this panel with your finger, there is a lip allowing enough leverage to pull this side down.
Work the clips free with steady downward pressure from left to right as you rock the panel down. Once the clips are free, pull the panel towards you as there is a hooked portion on the right side allowing it to rest in the headliner.
Hooked portion on passenger side. Do not pry down on this side first as you will potentially break the hook. Start with the driver side only.
Next, hook your finger under the left side of this panel and pull down to release the clip on this side.
Pull down on the passenger side of the panel to release the clip on that side.
Pull the panel free straight towards you
With a hand on each side of the bottom panel, push straight down towards the wiper cowl area to disengage the two clips.
There is a 10" long version of the MirrorTap, but I highly advise going with the 15" version so you will have plenty of reach to your device. This part number MTX-1015 cable has the correct RJ11 type connector for my Escort radar detector.
The next step is to use a multi meter to probe various connector wires for ignition-on power and ground. I started with the small black connector here on the driver's side, but could only find 12V power that was hot with the vehicle off, no key-on power. This will not do.
I moved on to probe the large connector for this unit. This is where I found my ignition-on power and ground.
The white wire with black stripe in the top middle area of the connector is the ground. I used the second smallest tap in the kit and inserted it carefully along side the wire in the connector. I set my multi meter to the continuity setting and touched one probe to the end of the wire tap.
I touched the other probe on the multi meter to the outer wall portion of the 12v cigarette outlet in the center console, and noted a reading of continuity on my multi meter, indicating a good ground.
Ignition-on 12v power was found at the white wire with the blue stripe at the top-right of the connector. Touching the positive multi meter probe to the tap inserted in this wire, and the ground probe to the 12v cigarette lighter outer wall showed 12+ volts with the key on, and nothing with the ignition off. Perfect
Now we can connect the MirrorTap cable to the two taps and verify key-on power before we wrap up.
Plugged the connector into the detector and we have power with the ignition on, and nothing with it off!
Next, I wrapped the included electrical tape to ensure the taps would not loosen from the cable, plugged the OEM connector back in, and secured the MirrorTap cable with a zip tie.
I routed the cable behind the mirror stem like this.
I mounted my detector as high as possible and installed all the trim in the reverse order of removal. The MirrorTap cable has plenty of space to exit through the trim opening around the mirror stem once all the panels are reinstalled.
The detector is up and out of the way for a clean install. I can't even see the cable while driving. Everything is well-hidden behind the mirror.
Unfortunately a BlendMount bracket to integrate the radar detector under the rearview mirror is not possible on the 2022+ NX due to the mirror stem design. So your existing suction cup mount is what you have to go with. I am well-pleased with how it all worked out though, and glad to have my detector back in my vehicle.
#15
Yes, I am still using the EZ mag suction cup mount that came with my Escort Max 360c. I am not aware of any mirror mount for the 2nd Gen NX at this time, but I don't mind the suction cup since it mounts the detector up high and out of my line of sight.