[TurboSpecC]

After 3 years of my V1 I got sick of the constant false alarms, as 95% of my driving is in town. Picked up a 9500ix for its GPS functionality/lockout features and like it so far, but the powercord port is on the left side which seems completely stupid as it gets in the way of the center stack on just about everyone left hand drive vehicle, and my knuckles brush against it while shifting into 3rd and 5th.

I don't want to hardwire it as I may be selling the car soon, but is there a solution you guys have found for this ergonomic problem? I feel like attaching a clip to the vent to pull the powercord out of the way could be the most effective solution.

[SilverII]

get a straight power cord and sneak it in the trim

[W.WCherry]

I would say that getting the hardwire is more than worth it. It takes about 30 min to run it to a fuse.

[TurboSpecC]

Originally Posted by B.Corso

I would say that getting the hardwire is more than worth it. It takes about 30 min to run it to a fuse.

If I do this and stick it under my rearview mirror to minimize wires, will it still be able to get a good GPS signal with the mirror assembly in the way?

[asifjahmed]

I have mine hardwired through the center speaker/vent cover. That way you can keep it low on the dash, and only like 2-3 inches or cord is showing

Will try to snap a pic. Have not seen any other hard wire done this way.

[Nedim]

I love my 9500ix it memorizes the false alarms which is great

[saeyedoc]

Another option is to hardwire it to your rearview mirror, I think they have to be the auto-dimming ones that have power to them.

[bkrM3]

I just kind of lift the cord over the top of the unit and wedge it in the front by the suction clip...it stays there without any problem usually and that gives it enough of a right-side-bias that the cord just stays to the right of my iDrive screen and out of the way. Not an ideal solution by any means and it really might not work for you with the flat dash...

Subscribed to see if someone has figured out something better

[TurboSpecC]

Originally Posted by asifjahmed

I have mine hardwired through the center speaker/vent cover. That way you can keep it low on the dash, and only like 2-3 inches or cord is showing

Will try to snap a pic. Have not seen any other hard wire done this way.

Interesting suggestion! I am hesitant to mount it below my rearview and run wires up there due to A) Potential GPS signal problems (although I guess a lot of people run this setup and don't complain), B) Difficult to access buttons on top of the unit, C) Unit's display is not directly in driver's field of view like it is mounted lower on the windshield.

I'll continue to scour the internet for setup pictures.

[BTTGMan]

I did an add a fuse hardwire in ten minutes. I am not experienced. Stupid easy due to location of fusebox. Reversible just as quick as there is no cutting or splicing. I love it.

Buy a ten dollar straight cord on amazon. Buy add a fuse at autozone. Mount above mirror on left. All research shows nobody has had gps issues in that location despite how close to roof it is. Best part is that it is almost invisible from outside. I never take mine down.

[HellsBells]

Originally Posted by BTTGMan

I did an add a fuse hardwire in ten minutes. I am not experienced. Stupid easy due to location of fusebox. Reversible just as quick as there is no cutting or splicing. I love it.

Buy a ten dollar straight cord on amazon. Buy add a fuse at autozone. Mount above mirror on left. All research shows nobody has had gps issues in that location despite how close to roof it is. Best part is that it is almost invisible from outside. I never take mine down.

Can you post a pic please?

[ctuna]

Also on the original passport I had all the plug in adapters
got intermittent after awhile.

[TurboSpecC]

I think I will go the hardwire route, especially so I can leave it mounted up and to the right of the rear-view mirror and not have to worry about it being super visible.

Just ordered the Direct Wire SmartCord as I definitely want a mute button within reach: http://www.amazon.com/Escort-79-0000...PQ/ref=lh_ni_t

I've done endless searching and have only found a few people who have installed these in BMWs, more than using the velcro which looks awful. I was thinking a custom, yet not completely intrusive, install location would be either to the left of the headlight knob in the dead button area (vertical) or in the ashtray/cubby next to the cig lighter, which of course could be closed when not in use. Leaning toward the latter.

Can anyone comment on if one of these locations would be significantly easier than the other?

[zachar3]

i just position the plug so the cord is on top and the mute button is more towards the back of the car.

[BTTGMan]

Originally Posted by TurboSpecC

I think I will go the hardwire route, especially so I can leave it mounted up and to the right of the rear-view mirror and not have to worry about it being super visible.

Just ordered the Direct Wire SmartCord as I definitely want a mute button within reach: http://www.amazon.com/Escort-79-0000...PQ/ref=lh_ni_t

I've done endless searching and have only found a few people who have installed these in BMWs, more than using the velcro which looks awful. I was thinking a custom, yet not completely intrusive, install location would be either to the left of the headlight knob in the dead button area (vertical) or in the ashtray/cubby next to the cig lighter, which of course could be closed when not in use. Leaning toward the latter.

Can anyone comment on if one of these locations would be significantly easier than the other?

Smart cord is cool but entirely unnecessary if you hardwire above rearview. Mute is within reach. Lights not obvious. I know smart cordcseems cool but just nit necessary. IMO.

To the guy who asked for a pic... Mount the damn thing on your windshield above and to left of rearview as high as you can and close to center as u can and see how it feels. Take u 30 seconds. Decide for yourself.

I researched every mount option out there. Cost being no issue, this simple aproach is #1 for a passport. In my opinion. Also happens to be cheap n easy.

Look up add-a-fuse in the DIY. Use the big torx screw in behind glovebox, next to fusebox, for your ground.

[neusaab]

Very clean. I tapped into the fusebox, very simple. The wires run stealthily along the windshield and trim. I could lengthen the run to clean up the look a little more at the detector, but haven't bothered. Sorry for the focus issue with the iPhone:



Remote mounted here (velcro tape):

[TurboSpecC]

I used the 9500ix for the first time at night and that blue power light is blinding. It really should dim with the unit display. I think I need to have the Smart Cord display mounted in the ashtray cubby so I can close it (if you pull out the cubby, the remaining space should allow it to sit in there and still be able to close the lid.

[bkrM3]

Originally Posted by TurboSpecC

I used the 9500ix for the first time at night and that blue power light is blinding. It really should dim with the unit display. I think I need to have the Smart Cord display mounted in the ashtray cubby so I can close it (if you pull out the cubby, the remaining space should allow it to sit in there and still be able to close the lid.

If you rotate the plug you can make it so that the blue light doesnt blast you right in the eye...

[TurboSpecC]

Originally Posted by bkr335

If you rotate the plug you can make it so that the blue light doesnt blast you right in the eye...

I've tried this but as long as I'm hardwiring it, I think it makes sense to put it completely in the ashtray so it can be completely hidden when I want it to be.

Can't wait to have the dash free of wires after 4 years of clutter!

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by asifjahmed

I have mine hardwired through the center speaker/vent cover. That way you can keep it low on the dash, and only like 2-3 inches or cord is showing

Will try to snap a pic. Have not seen any other hard wire done this way.

Ah, not so - now you've seen one

Here's my 9500ix setup:

RD mounted low on windshield above dash using Escort Super Mount






Hard wired using Escort Remote Hard Wire with piggy-back adapt-a-fuse in 'ignition only' tap of fusebox, then run to Remote Unit which is covertly mounted in ashtray, then up behind radio & thru center dash speaker opening, out from under grille, and to detector.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

If only passport just put on some damn arrows

Ive had the V1 for 10 years and on my second one. I know its a little sensitive but if only the 2 can combine their PRO's and eliminate all Cons that would be the ideal radar detector.

Hard-wiring is definitely worth it OP. Just get an add a circuit fuse and tap into the fuse box. Snake the wires under head liner around A pillar and into glove box. Done.

[TurboSpecC]

Originally Posted by Jeff@topgearsolutions

If only passport just put on some damn arrows

Ive had the V1 for 10 years and on my second one. I know its a little sensitive but if only the 2 can combine their PRO's and eliminate all Cons that would be the ideal radar detector.

Truth; after 3.5 years with the arrows I'm still getting used to not having them, but I think the tradeoff is more than worth it for the Passport. It's been a week and I've locked out (or it has) all the irrelevant signals on my daily commute, and it's so nice to not hear the endless beeping and having to lean all the way forward to hit the mute button. Also the endless customization options are great, as they should be on a $500 piece of electronics.

Hopefully Mike Valentine will bring the V1 into the 21st century with some much-needed GPS functionality.