Hi guys, I just purchased my 2007 Land Cruiser on Thursday and joined this site today. Today is Monday and I've just completed my first mod. Granted this was an easy 10 minute mod I think it's one many folks can use. I run an Escort 9500i radar detector and had always hardwired it using the kit from Escort. This usually is connected in the fuse panel near the drivers left foot (on US models) and running the wire up the A frame through the headliner and bring the wire out somewhere near the rear view mirror. I started to do this on Friday until I tool off the A frame interior trim. The airbags were a concern as I did not want to make any changes that might cause a malfunction of the airbag if it ever needed to deploy in an accident. So I went online and found a solution called Mirror Tap. I ordered it from California on Friday afternoon and it was in my mailbox in Tennessee today (Monday). That is some fast service! So for $29 I had my solution. I installed it today in about 10 minutes. Here is the break down of the install.
Tools needed: Phillips head screwdriver and a pair do small snips to cut 1 zip tie
Steps:
1. Open sunglass compartment in overhead center console
2. Remove the 1 Phillips head screw and set it aside in a safe place
3. Slip you finger between the overhead console and the headliner and pull down easily but firmly
4. Unplug the 3 modular plugs that connect the console to the wiring harness. These plugs are for the power moonroof, Bluetooth microphone and the overhead console lights.
5. I selected to connect the Mirror Tap to the back side of the modular plug on the wiring harness for the overhead console lights. I selected this plug for 3 reasons. 1- It was a two wire plug that had a power and a ground. 2- If for one reason I blew a fuse or caused some kind of damage it was only to my map lights and I could live without them for a while. 3- This power source comes on as soon as I unlock my Land Cruiser with the remote key and it goes off either when I lock the doors upon exit or after a few minutes if I don't lock the door with the remote key.
6. Put the key in the ignition and plug your Mirror Tap wire into you radar detector. If it works zip tie the Mirror Tap wire to the trucks wiring harness. You may want to test out the. Best way to plug in the Mirror Tap ends into the back of the modular plug. I tried it a couple of ways before I found the one I thought was most secure. Then I zip tied and shook the wires around to assure I had a solid connection that would not fail later.
7. Unplug the Mirror Tap from the radar detector. Gently pull down on the head liner above the rearview mirror and slide the wire of the Mirror Tap wire through the notch that the wire for the auto dimming mirror goes through.
8. Mount your radar detector and plug it in for a final test.
9. Put the overhead console back in place using the reverse order of removal.
This is a easy mod with a clean look and is inexpensive.
I did did purchase the 20" Mirror Tap but they have shorter options.
Tools needed: Phillips head screwdriver and a pair do small snips to cut 1 zip tie
Steps:
1. Open sunglass compartment in overhead center console
2. Remove the 1 Phillips head screw and set it aside in a safe place
3. Slip you finger between the overhead console and the headliner and pull down easily but firmly
4. Unplug the 3 modular plugs that connect the console to the wiring harness. These plugs are for the power moonroof, Bluetooth microphone and the overhead console lights.
5. I selected to connect the Mirror Tap to the back side of the modular plug on the wiring harness for the overhead console lights. I selected this plug for 3 reasons. 1- It was a two wire plug that had a power and a ground. 2- If for one reason I blew a fuse or caused some kind of damage it was only to my map lights and I could live without them for a while. 3- This power source comes on as soon as I unlock my Land Cruiser with the remote key and it goes off either when I lock the doors upon exit or after a few minutes if I don't lock the door with the remote key.
6. Put the key in the ignition and plug your Mirror Tap wire into you radar detector. If it works zip tie the Mirror Tap wire to the trucks wiring harness. You may want to test out the. Best way to plug in the Mirror Tap ends into the back of the modular plug. I tried it a couple of ways before I found the one I thought was most secure. Then I zip tied and shook the wires around to assure I had a solid connection that would not fail later.
7. Unplug the Mirror Tap from the radar detector. Gently pull down on the head liner above the rearview mirror and slide the wire of the Mirror Tap wire through the notch that the wire for the auto dimming mirror goes through.
8. Mount your radar detector and plug it in for a final test.
9. Put the overhead console back in place using the reverse order of removal.
This is a easy mod with a clean look and is inexpensive.
I did did purchase the 20" Mirror Tap but they have shorter options.
