Radar Detector Hardwire DIY

[HyperM3]

I figured I would post this since a lot of us on here like to do this mod to our cars. I use a V1 in my car for this DIY, you can use any detector you like. I dont want to turn this thread into a "which detector is better" debate. This is just for information on how to install yours.

Unlike all my previous Audi's where the fuse I would tap(homelink) is in the drivers side fuse panel, this car actually has it behind the dead pedal.

Step 1: Remove the cap on the dead pedal. Just take a little flathead screwdriver and pop it out. It is clipped in at 3 and 9 so its better if you try to pop it out at one of those spots.

Step 2: Use a t27 torx wrench to remove the nut below the cap. Once you remove the nut, pull the dead pedal out and up.

Step 3: Locate the Homelink fuse and use a fusetap to connect your hardwire. Run the wire along the inside where the bottom clip and upper t27 nut wont catch it. Reinstall the pedal.

Step 4: Run that wire up to the side fuse panel (popped off held in place by three clips). Inside use one of the nuts to the frame as your ground.

Step 5: Place your detector where you want. I put mine, as I always have, right next to my mirror. Then I run the cord along the headliner to the A-Pillar. Unfortunately, the A-pillar airbag is really tight along the window so I ended up "rigging" the wire across the top by the crease into the rubber molding.

Step 6: Connect all the wires and cables to the proper pieces and stuff inside the drivers side fuse box.

Step 7(optional): I also have the concealed display for my V1 so I mounted that at the bottom of my dash.

If anyone has any questions or more picture requests please let me know.

deadpedal.jpghomelink.jpgground.jpg

[HyperM3]

More Pictures

v1.jpgapillar.jpghiddendisplay.jpg

[Kczach]

It works well but just hope that you have a friendly S.A. if you need to go in for any electrical issues. They got all pissy at me when they couldn't do a service interval reset and said it was all my fault.

[HyperM3]

It works well but just hope that you have a friendly S.A. if you need to go in for any electrical issues. They got all pissy at me when they couldn't do a service interval reset and said it was all my fault.

Never seen that in my life. Ive had hardwired detectors for over 20 years. Your dealership must really suck.

[cheewy16]

Is the mirror tap option not available on the B9 A4?

[HyperM3]

Is the mirror tap option not available on the B9 A4?

It might be. I've always just done this way because of the concealed display. There wouldn't be extra room up to stuff the extra components.

[oripaamoni]

i would be careful with your install. What happens to that wire when the side curtain airbag goes off??

[HyperM3]

i would be careful with your install. What happens to that wire when the side curtain airbag goes off??

If I'm in a situation where my side airbag is going off, that wire is the least of my concern.

[Top1105]

I paid someone to do my radar and dashcam for about $80. All the wires are hidden and I asked them to use fuse taps and they said they ran the wires into the fuse box underneath the footrest.

[markynels]

Nice install. I've been looking for a power source for my dashcam; is this 12v continuous? I'd like to have the camera active when I power down and park somewhere, as it has motion activation and will be negligible strain on the battery.

[HyperM3]

Nice install. I've been looking for a power source for my dashcam; is this 12v continuous? I'd like to have the camera active when I power down and park somewhere, as it has motion activation and will be negligible strain on the battery.

Thanks. It is not continuous, I didnt want the radar detector sapping battery power when the car was off. Ive seen some dashcams that come with a battery backup so they can power themselves when the car is off, might want to look in that direction. Otherwise, not sure which fuse would be a continuous. Maybe the alarm fuse or something like that.

[markynels]

Thanks. It is not continuous, I didnt want the radar detector sapping battery power when the car was off. Ive seen some dashcams that come with a battery backup so they can power themselves when the car is off, might want to look in that direction. Otherwise, not sure which fuse would be a continuous. Maybe the alarm fuse or something like that.

Sadly the backup battery seems only to warrant about an hour or so of recording time. My big thing is with hit and runs, especially parking in the city over night.

Appreciate the write up though! I'll finally be able to transition away from the 12v adapter that's killing my interior appeal lol.

[chris4prez]

@marknels - look into a cellink b dashcam battery for parking, they will power a dual camera setup for about 20hrs or with the extended battery up to 40hrs. Takes approx ~1.5hrs of driving to charge running without the extended battery setup.

[markynels]

@marknels - look into a cellink b dashcam battery for parking, they will power a dual camera setup for about 20hrs or with the extended battery up to 40hrs. Takes approx ~1.5hrs of driving to charge running without the extended battery setup.

Awesome, I'll check it out! Thanks for the tip.