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Radar Dectector Installation

1.7K views 9 replies 9 participants last post by  PaNcHoGrAnDe  
#1 ·
I've read the guides where you install the dectector from the map light if you have a moonroof but is there a way to install the radar detector to the map light in a Mazda 3 without a moonroof. Any assistance in answering this question would be appreciated. Also, does anyone have a pictured guide on how to install one through the non-moonroof pathway if avaliable. Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
Tenatively, i would say you should be able to. However, I have neither read the guides on doing it nor do i own a non-moonroofed Mazda3. Im guessing the real issue at hand is, with a moonroof equipped vehicle, the headliner has more space between it and the roof's sheet metal/bracing. If i had to guess, you should still be able to get wires run out from your maplight to the front windshield (although it may likely require a small hole be placed in the headliner). IF you link me to the guide i may be able to help you out a bit more.
 
#4 ·
yeah all you need is a power and ground so just tap into the map lights and you'll be fine.
 
#5 ·
Yeah you need the orange/green??? was it green hmmm wire, and a negative earth, was handy for me as there is a screw where yo can hook it up to.

I soldered mine to the map lights, theres a wee hole on the left under by where you would twist the bulb out, its about 3 millimetres in diameter. I used this instead of splicing the wire in fear I might cut the whole darn wire and then I was trouble
 
#6 ·
I tapped mine into the back of the cigarette lighter .. ran the cable up through the dash behind the head unit and it comes out on the far side of the dash panel .. right in the center .. been that way for a few months.  Can't see the wire more than an inch or so.
 
#7 ·
FYI - if you wire directly into the maplight your Radar Detector will always be on (even if the car is off) unless it has an auto shut off feature. The Map lights are wired so that the light work even if the car is off, therefor the wires are "hot" (electricity going throught them) even when the car is off. If you don't want to risk draining your battery i suggest you NOT wire directly into your maplight. Go with using the wires from the cig lighter or other eletrical things that shut off when the car is shut off.
 
#8 ·
[quote author=Mazda3 of NH link=topic=56575.msg961869#msg961869 date=1158644593]
FYI - if you wire directly into the maplight your Radar Detector will always be on (even if the car is off) unless it has an auto shut off feature. The Map lights are wired so that the light work even if the car is off, therefor the wires are "hot" (electricity going throught them) even when the car is off. If you don't want to risk draining your battery i suggest you NOT wire directly into your maplight. Go with using the wires from the cig lighter or other eletrical things that shut off when the car is shut off.
[/quote]

Ah, yes. If you look at the harness of those who have moonroofs, you'll see several wires coming from it. Of these wires, each a different color, the black one is the one to splice from. Many people have routed power from the black wire which is powered when the ignition is set to ON (Why Mazda has a black wire as hot is beyond me). This black wire is the lead that enables the moonroof switches to be operated. The moonroof cannot be operated without the ignition being in the ON position, which makes it safe to splice from. Without that moonroof, you have 24/7 juice in those leads.

I really don't know what to tell ya. I understand the want to install the detector near your visor or rear-view, but you may just have to do the cigarette lighter route.
 
#9 ·
an alternative: i ran the power cable up the a-pillar and above the headliner, power from the ignition auxillary. (no side airbag to worry about here.)
 
#10 ·
I've alwayz intalled my FUZZBUSTERS to the fuze box therefore you still maintain the cig socket open... all u need to do is get a non coil radar detector wire and wire to the fuse box (radio)  by using positive end to the fuse and negative to any ground...


     Hope this helps.............. :)