Hardwiring radar detector to a Camry ceiling

[Bill from Maine]

Anyone have any experience hardwiring a radar detector to the power inside the ceiling of the Camry or Camry Hyrbrid?

The best radar performance is had by mounting the unit as high as possible.

Escort recommends either using their lighter cord (ugly) or using their direct wire cord to the fuse box.
Their direct wire would mean having to run the cable down the A pillar - which opens up a whole can of worms with the airbag. That is also more expensive, since I would want to dealer to do that.

My thinking is that there is plenty of switched power available up there (mirror compass, sun roof etc).

Has anyone actually done that?
Any clue how to remove the sunglass holder and dome lights to get access to the power in there?

This company http://www.invisicord.com/ makes a short cord just for that purpose, but it is not fused.
They insist that by connecting to a fused circuit you are inherently fused.

Any advice is appreciated !

[toyomoho]

Not inside ceiling no. Ran a wire inside the drivers side roof pillar and out above the visor. The unit fit nicely above the visor. Use velco, etc. for more support.

If the airbag is a problem tap off the Dome light circuit.

Mounting the unit above the visor is a pretty good spot. No one can see it unless they really look! If stopped by a cop they can not see it unless inside the car. Worked great!

If you want a hidden detector buy one that mounts the antenna in front of the car.

[GvilleTCH]

I can't speak for others but IMO a radar detector is counterproductive in a TCH , and I drive thru two AAA speed-traps...

[njerald]

Wired mine into the switched sunroof power in the upper console and have it mounted just in fron of rear view mirror with suction cups.

[Bill from Maine]

njerald:

Can you offer any tips on removing the hardware to get to the sunroof power?

And.. did you use a fuse in the cable?

Thanks!

[njerald]

Originally Posted by Bill from Maine

njerald:

Can you offer any tips on removing the hardware to get to the sunroof power?

And.. did you use a fuse in the cable?

Thanks!

Pry off the upper console from the front left corner. It is in there tight!!!!!

Tap into sunroof power and ground wires

I didn't fuse as the sunroof is fused.

[camron4showw]

I did mines on my 2008 toyota camry hybrid. i purchased a escort 9500i and purchased a cable and installed to my ignition. installation at best buy is only $20.00 and all wires are hidden and also the remote was installed right by the gear.

$449.99 Escort 9500i
$29.99 Cables
$19.00 Installation.

Total $499.99 Plus Tax,