Help hardwiring V1 radar detector in S3

[UWbadger91]

Hey everyone... I bought a 2016 Audi S3 a few weeks ago and decided that I better install my V1 before I get a speeding ticket. I owned VWs in the past and I'd mount it to the right of the rear view mirror, then run the cord across to the left A pillar and down to the fuse box. I was always concerned about running it near an airbag but that's what most of the DIYs did. Now on my Audi I want to do it right, so how would you recommend going about routing the wiring? Is there a specific fuse location that I could plug my add a circuit to? Any help would be much appreciated!


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[14S4GWM]

Check your manual for a switched circuit and add it there. That radar detector hardly draws any power. You're not gonna mess with the airbag just tucking a wire behind the pillar. Us S4 guys went that route. Some have tapped in up top but not sure what you have up there.

Hope your V1 is a new or upgraded one. Side assist will go crazy if not.

[rollerton]

You'll find 'keyed 12V+' up at the sunroof MOTOR connection, (NOT at the switch). Use a test light or multimeter to double check. But the circuit will stay 12v+ live until drivers door is opened. Typically there are 4 wires there, I think the one I use is red/purple?
I like that particular circuit because
1. Easy to get to.
2. very short run of wire; simple remove overhead light lens, then assembly (phillips screws usually),
3. you can hide your wire most of the way down behind the rear view mirror trim.

[magnessr]

Just hardwired my Escort, and routed it across the headliner and down the A pillar to the fusebox. I know I used an empty spot in the fusebox, but don't remember which one. I can try to check tomorrow and see what fuse I used.


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[UWbadger91]

Just hardwired my Escort, and routed it across the headliner and down the A pillar to the fusebox. I know I used an empty spot in the fusebox, but don't remember which one. I can try to check tomorrow and see what fuse I used.


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Did you pop the A pillar off or just tucked it in there?

[JoshDub]

If the sunroof doesn't work out for you try the homelink buttons.

[UWbadger91]

If the sunroof doesn't work out for you try the homelink buttons.

I actually don't have home link. Weird that a $51,000 car doesn't come with it..

[14S4GWM]

I actually don't have home link. Weird that a $51,000 car doesn't come with it..

You can add it

[UWbadger91]

You can add it

Yeah I saw that. It's not worth the money to me. I just am using a garage door opener that came with my garage door.

[Z32drifter]

I ran mine up the A pillar and across under the edge of the headliner. I thought about using the overhead but I have the Bluetooth setup for remote display. I used a multi meter to locate a switched empty fuse position. I trimmed down a standard blade connector to fit in the fuse opening. As for the airbag I ran the wire between the airbag and the body of the car and secured it with a few small zip ties. If I recall correctly there is a factory harness running up the A pillar. As for the A pillar, they are a pain to remove. I just popped it out and worked with it in place. Routing the wire passed the mirror does not allow easy access to tuck under the headliner. Without the remote display setup I would have tapped something in the overhead controls.

[magnessr]

Did you pop the A pillar off or just tucked it in there?

I actually was able to tuck it in the A pillar between the door seal and interior cover without too much work. The picture above is where I also plugged mine in.

[UWbadger91]

Okay thanks for the help! I loosened the screw on the airbag cover then dropped it down in the weatherstripping. Where did you pick up a ground? Everything seems to be painted metal by the fuse box


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[chrisdazzo]

Just did this the other day on my S3, that's the fuse for the non-existent "Rear Wiper" or something - two to the right of the big grey/blue one, like the photo. Just look for the copper inlet.

Grounded it on the large bolt directly to the left, up a little. Worked like a charm! Just stuffed the wires below the steering column because I'll never move that.

[UWbadger91]

Just did this the other day on my S3, that's the fuse for the non-existent "Rear Wiper" or something - two to the right of the big grey/blue one, like the photo. Just look for the copper inlet.

Grounded it on the large bolt directly to the left, up a little. Worked like a charm! Just stuffed the wires below the steering column because I'll never move that.

Thanks for the reply! I ended up popping off the panel on the far left of the dash edge and then there was a bolt there that I grounded to. I got some Velcro to secure the v1 plugs along with my V1 connect, then zip tied the wires up nicely. Everything is on the far left side of the dash so all that can be seen in the fuse panel is the positive fuse tap running over.