How to Hardwire Radar Detector (Tesla Model S & X Refresh)

[@EverydayChris]

Get the items here: // Uniden R8 // ► geni.us/qY5U // Uniden R7 // ► geni.us/nEBrM // Mirror Tap // ► geni.us/xozsBg // Cable Clips // ► geni.us/B4Xvlh // Trim Tool // ► geni.us/RX5ZO1k //Blend Mount Rear View Mirror// ► bit.ly/3o4pvoM

[@NJturtlePower]

Just completed my install on my 2023 Model X LR w/ HW4. Uniden R7 on my Model 3 Blendmount and MirrorTap MTX-1015 (15") kit. Used a T10 driver to remove the module (with the green & black wire) the white clip is attached to and you’ll be able to manipulate it in a better angle to plug in the smallest WireTap leads. I zip tied the WireTap lead in two spots to secure it, tested multiple times before reinstalling it all. You just need to press the brake pedal to turn the mirror power on. In Easy entry or once you put it in park and the driver door closes the power will shut down. Perfect! ✅

[@Jerry-ix9mi]

This is helpful! thanks for the sharing

[@eeng4234]

Thanks for the detailed video, it helped a lot. Mine is a 24 MXLR. The green and black wire is in the back. Closer to the cabin camera side of the plastic housing. I used the smallest wiretaps along with the 10” wiretap. I ordered the Blendmount, so I think/hope the wire is long enough. Seems to be 10” or 20” only (no 15”). I considered using the suction cup mount on top as you did in the video, but I feel the Blendmount is cleaner and is more in my field of view. Also I had the mount drop off my window once.

[@erikflornes6159]

Thank you so much Chris! I just installed the uniden r8 in a new Tesla plaid lunar silver with sport seats. It was even easier to install it I didn’t need any tools just a firm grip with a little pressure and the plastic cover came right off. The green and black wires were connected to the top of the camera housing a little different then the X but the wires went in simple. Took 5 min. Thank u so much for posting this and doing all the legwork!!! You’re the best!!

[@0xJano]

I am taking delivery soon of a Model S Plaid as well. When you say "plastic cover came off", do you mean you only need to do 5:47 ("Remove Plastic Air Vent") section? Another question is which Mirror Tap did you go with? 10''? 15''? 20''? Also where did you decide to put the Uniden R8? To the left of the rear view mirror? To the right of the rear view mirror? Behind the rear view mirror? In front, though this might block the rear view mirror, of the rear view mirror (so that it is right underneath the touchscreen?

[@1duncanjohnston]

Thanks Chris! Because of this tutorial I was able to successfully mirror tap my Escort 360C to my new Model 3 Performance!

[@brianyu1676]

Just did this on my 2022 Model Y. Followed most of the same principles and it took like 15 minutes. Thanks for the vid!

[@EverydayChris]

Woohoo! Don’t forget with the newest update it turns off in park!

[@hitenpatel4440]

Just did mine! Thanks bud. I didn’t have to take the mirror off or big housing all the way out I fished the wire enough to stick it and popped everything back.

[@tyranelewis7763]

tip: get a small bubble level and adjust the bracket to have detector level to ground and your performance will be much greater than tilting down the window.

[@johnnyg8206]

Wiring works out perfect! Turns on when you get in and turns off when you get out. Thank you! I use the Blendmount with R8 and it does not look intrusive, but costs $160, boo

[@NJturtlePower]

What you need is a Blendmount man! Custom radar bracket that attaches to the rearview mirror stem which put the detector in an ideal position for viewing and scanning down the road. Been using mine like that in my Model 3 for year and just ordered a new Model X LR so plan on switching it over. Good to know the 12v switched power is so accessible unlike in the 3 where you need to run the hardwire down to either side or the center console...PITA!

[@EverydayChris]

I got it on the Y! I actually didn't like it as much because it's not super close to the windshield so I found the signal was less on the Y. Also, with the X and the HUGE windshield I basically have it on the roof of the car and it allows me to get more range out of the bands!

[@strykher]

Just got our 24 Model Y Perf last night. This will be my first proj for it to transfer our R7. It looks like you don't need to go to all that step, just open the vent cover insert the +- probes (as seen on T15:30) and done. Thanks for the vid.

[@truthtable888]

that was actually exactly what I was thinking. Thanks for confirming that 24 MY got the same wire.

[@strykher]

@@truthtable888 Update: Actually 24 MYP isn't the same from this video. I followed this video instead. A much simpler and successful method. Been using it for over a month now. Good Luck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYXJon-wdplnm6M

[@harryneely8198]

Terrific vid , Chris..Very detailed , just what we need ..Kudos !

[@simplelife4213]

I don't own a Model X but I'm gonna drop a like cuz my man did a good job 😁😁

[@EverydayChris]

Sheeeeeeeesh

[@NefariousJames]

Worked great! now I don’t have to pay anybody install it 🔥

[@kylehill4437]

This takes about an hour I just did it to my 3 day old Model Y. The radar entire install took me 15 minutes, the reinstall of trim pieces 45 minutes (bunch of awkward angles and trying not to break anything).

[@EverydayChris]

Nice

[@dronyland]

I got a Uniden R8 as well, and just got a Tesla model 3. So, definitely useful video to find, after trying to figure out how to move my R8 from my old car to the Tesla.

[@tz1592]

Great video. I'm going to order an X soon, I really like the blend mount. I have an Escort Redline 360c that I'll be installing. Thank you for making this video, I'm new to Tesla and wondered about this.

[@bdtang]

My uniden R7 worked great in Oregon but since moving to OH, haven’t heard it go off once on the highway/tollway as I pass the speed traps.

[@em_lo]

Chris - First thanks for sharing. I've been looking for a video showing this install. I have a 22 plaid and looking at pictures on various websites and Tesla forums didn't quite give me that confidence. But with this video, I feel like i can do this. thanks again!

[@EverydayChris]

You got this!

[@Oijaz]

I just finished installing it in my 2022 Model X Plaid and it worked perfectly fine.

[@EverydayChris]

** Newest Update 2023.27.6 made the direct green wire connection even better. Now when parked the radar detector turns off immediately and turns back on when in D or R. LOVE IT! ***

[@captguitarj]

I have the same version. Place the car in drive/reverse it should come on.

[@EverydayChris]

Awesome! Will try it! Appreciate it!

[@xPhantasyx]

Very helpful and detailed! It's so fun and interesting to watch!

[@EverydayChris]

Wasn’t bad!

[@theyimyster]

Love the detailed video! Do you think it is possible to do the power tap without taking off the mirror and housing? Seems like if you just take off the first trim piece, you can unplug the power clip and just tap it in that way?

[@EverydayChris]

its possible! Just check first and see if the plug is there

[@qhrick]

Thanks for the video. Do you have a link for the double suction cup mount?

[@EverydayChris]

that came with the detector!

[@lkevonly]

Wow, I want to install in on my model s. Any suggestion on the position? Similar to model x?

[@EverydayChris]

very similiar as high as possible!

[@crappyneighborsofsweetwate8159]

Chris - sorry if I did hear this detail, but do you have a 2022 or a 2023? Thank you so much for everything you do in this community!

[@EverydayChris]

2023 MODEL X!

[@crappyneighborsofsweetwate8159]

@@EverydayChris Awesome and thank you! Do you have HW4 on it? I am picking up my 2023 S Plaid this week and want to do this same mod, but I hear that HW4 is an issue. Thanks again!

[@EverydayChris]

@@crappyneighborsofsweetwate8159 dont have hw4. Not sure how the set up is but open it up and find out!

[@captguitarj]

Correction they do provide power. The harness is not in the same place. It’s tucked up in the aft part of the housing. I’m glad I got the 15 inch wire tap.

[@EverydayChris]

I just updated to 2023.27.6 and there’s no longer power to the detector. :( gotta open her up and see

[@tz1592]

Hi Chris, quick question for you. After using the mirror tap to tap into the camera power, when you arrive to your destination and close your door, does the detector turn off immediately like it does when you use the aux power outlet? I was confused at the end of this video whether it was instant, or does it take several minutes to turn off? Thanks.

[@jkl0009]

New Teslas operate with 16v lithium battery. Did you check with voltmeter prior to installing? Some people have had voltage overloads destroying their detectors

[@EverydayChris]

steady at 15.5 V constantly so we good

[@DG8RS]

Is that based on that particular model you installed? I'm a little concerned my Escort 360 MAX may not like the 15.5V compared to the 14.1-14.4 a typical ICE vehicle alternator puts out. I guess I'll be the guinea pig with my 1 week old Plaid Model S. Mirrortap arrives tomorrow. @@EverydayChris

[@EverydayChris]

Should be fine! @@DG8RS

[@DG8RS]

OK, hoping the wire harness looks somewhat similar inside, as the X and S have totally different mirror housings. I already have a Blendmount from my last car, and I have the universal MirrorTap harness ready to go. Saturday is D-Day for the install. I'll report back so we can have 100% proof it works on a 2023 Model S Plaid @@EverydayChris

[@DG8RS]

Update.. Tried to find an accessory lead in my new 2023 Model S Plaid. I did find a harness with the black/green connector, but when I probed it, it did not have power. Tried every other connector int he mirror pod and best I could find was a 5V output on a Brown/Yellow/White harness connector. Even one with a Black/Red wire connector (surely thought that would be a winner) was not powered on with the car on. No dice...@@EverydayChris

[@sundaesundae-s3d]

Could you please clarify if the electrical power obtained from this location will be cut off immediately after the vehicle is locked, or will it only be cut off after the vehicle enters sleep mode?

[@EverydayChris]

Sleep mode. Will stay on if sentry mode is on

[@jeffreysims1865]

Do the suction cups let go over time if you keep the radar detector constantly in place?

[@EverydayChris]

Probably that’s why I usually get the 3m perma mount

[@michaelcrz1430]

Would this avoid warranty from Tesla?

[@KingChuckGaming]

Asking the important questions

[@EverydayChris]

Will not void warranty. Had it on the model y and no issues. If you have a problem with the camera however it’s super easy to disconnect!

[@kylehill4437]

I just went to the dealer and they were trying to blame some issues on my Radar install. I laughed and asking them "if they were serious and willing to say that to the district manager right now?" luckily they backed off. Proceed with caution all Tesla SC's are different mine has a bunch of lazy SC employees.

[@EverydayChris]

@@kylehill4437 Agreed. It's all different and if it's anything related to the camera housing, autopilot cameras, etc very easy to remove the cables.

[@kylehill4437]

@@EverydayChris Thats the crazy thing I didnt even use the camera housing. I have a visor clip so my install was even more superficial basically a wire to the 12v outlet.

[@ethanpn2003]

Thanks bro. Does it work with model 3?

[@saunders407]

so was there any reason to take off that last plastic cover since the power/ground is exposed? Seems like you could get away with leaving the mirror there as well? or was it just to route the wire?

[@EverydayChris]

I think it’s because they removed it once to tint the windshield. Normally that plug isn’t exposed so it’s hiding but if it’s exposed then no need!

[@saunders407]

@@EverydayChris I had my windshield tinted but they didn't remove any of that stuff to do it. they just cut real close to so there's about a mm gap between the plastic cover stuff and the where the tint is. Guessing I'm hosed when I pull that cover off and that wire is hiding lol.

[@EverydayChris]

Haha wow the easy way. You can do it!

[@teslafybc3450]

Would this work for a dash cam as well?

[@dylanplayzgames7645]

Hi Chris, I have a model x plaid and want to do this. I want to put the radar detector below the camera housing. Should I get a 10” or 15” mirror tap?

[@reubenmarcus]

Hi Chris, I have a 2024 MXP and I see the green and black connector in a different location (closer to the rear of the plastic housing) as you mentioned - is that still the suggested place to do the wiring for a radar detector (V1)?

[@EverydayChris]

Yes! Lots of other people have done it. You can also use a torx screw driver to remove the black housing to gain access to the cables easier!

[@sherryberry6396]

@EverydayChris will this work with Hardware 4 model x?

[@EverydayChris]

yes!

[@WDELLAVECCHIA]

So I did this on my S. It worked for a little bit and then I went back out it wont power on. I checked the cables all is good., Any idea?

[@EverydayChris]

hmm weird. check the cable plug hole? If the car went to sleep it turned the radar detector off so try turning it on physically. Its weird how it worked and then stopped working. Mine works perfectly still

[@wahnyc]

Just opened up my '23 MX w HW4 and I didn't see the green wire. There was a connector with Red and Black on the driver side so I used that. It seems to shut off when the car goes to sleep, but when I'm driving my V1 will randomly shut off and turn back on. Gotta poke around a little more, but there aren't too many connectors I can use.

[@EverydayChris]

Darn. Any other wires you can tap besides the red and black?

[@wahnyc]

@@EverydayChris I'm not sure if they just starting wrapping them up a little better, or removed them completely, but that green black one definitely isn't just sitting there like yours.

[@EverydayChris]

Man they make it harder and harder every year lol

[@HogwartsPhD]

Did you have any success here? I'm in a 24MXP with the same woes 🤓

[@wahnyc]

@@HogwartsPhDGreen and black wires are there. They are just wrapped up in black tape. Look for the white connector next to the red connector near the conduit that goes up the windshield.

[@DaePatel]

You create great videos. I tried hard wiring my 2023 Dec Model X & suffice it to say my layout differs from yours. What makes it worse is that the only thing I could connect to was the review mirror, which had small enough gaps for me to attempt to connect somewhere, to no avail. I was wondering if you heard of anyone recently having success in their new late 2023 to I'm assuming early 2024 Model X? Thank you in advance for any help you can give. Have a great day!

[@EverydayChris]

Glad to help! yeah they made it a SUPER tight fit now but if you remove the plug it's still possible. It's all the way located in the back. I think I pinned a comment or in the description.

[@DaePatel]

Thank you Chris!

[@sherryberry6396]

is this the only way to add a uniden r7/r8 in the model x?

[@EverydayChris]

You can use the cig outlet. Check out my new DIY install with the cybertruck the wires are more familiar

[@ananwolf]

does this method works on model 3 as well? Also if Sentry is on, does the detector stays on?

[@EverydayChris]

Yup! I have a model y install as well. It does stay on. Only turns off when car goes to sleep or with detector auto off function

[@ananwolf]

Cool, and model 3 should have similar camera plug to tap into? Would you recommend that over using T-tap into the 12v red wire on the passenger side? I’ve heard that the passenger 12v red wire powers off when no driver (or foot on break) is detected

[@EverydayChris]

Oops, for the y I used the 12v cig outlet. For the x I used the camera power in the housing

[@rivers8517]

Great video!

[@Oijaz]

Hello Chris In 8:00 the video say “Mirror power is not available in 2021+Tesla Model X LR/Plaid” I have 2022 Tesla X Plaid. Can I to do this or my car is not compatible with this video?

[@EverydayChris]

open up the housing and check. apparently due to HW4 the connections are different so what I have may not be the same power source. However, it should be similiar as cameras need to be on and off when the car is off!

[@Oijaz]

I just finished installing it and it worked perfectly fine. Thank you very much for your help. This video was extremely helpful to me! I have a Model 3 performance too. Do you have any video to do this installation in a model 3?

[@EverydayChris]

Should be similar in the model y! Which I have. I’m not sure about camera power but I had to route it into center cig outlet

[@truthtable888]

Will this work on model Y too?

[@EverydayChris]

yes! check my cybertruck one might be HW4 wiring

[@fallangel7521]

do you think can install with dash cam?

[@EverydayChris]

possibly but may take up way more power. maybe a cell link neo battery power pack is a better idea for parking mode with the dash cam

[@fallangel7521]

@@EverydayChris Thank you I will try escort_maxcam_360c I will let you know if it work

[@vincerossy]

@@fallangel7521did it work? Thinking about using 70MAI dash cam Omni.

[@harryneely8198]

In my new X (Sept 23) the green wire to the camera is very short and attached to the plastic housing ..Very difficult to access .

[@EverydayChris]

Try removing the plastic housing

[@frangeech]

Worked for me in 2023 MSP with HW4.

[@EverydayChris]

What cables did you plug in to? Everyone said there's now only a BLACK and RED cable

[@frangeech]

@@EverydayChris There is a Green/Black cable with white connector just like in the Model X, except it's not in the same spot. It is tucked up near the headliner, it's attached to the main housing cover. To access it, you have to pull the mirror and turn the main housing towards the drivers side and it will then be exposed.

[@rogerst.cockrill1491]

Can you post a picture where that green and black is? I tapped into the red and black that was in the location on the video and it doesn't seem to work.

[@EverydayChris]

It’s further back. It’s in a weird spot but it’s green

[@rogerst.cockrill1491]

@@EverydayChris I won’t need to take any other pieces off, will I?

[@knightriderfan1]

I need this on my Y.

[@EverydayChris]

Do it! It’s easier now.

[@viper5ko]

this will work with a 21 plaid S?

[@EverydayChris]

Should be close! My 22 model y might be more similar did a video on that

[@dogoargentino7834]

Would the wiring be the same on a refreshed 2021 model S? Thanks.

[@EverydayChris]

Yes but the wiring is way further away

[@WHATTHEFU6K]

Pretty identical process the wire is a little darker green but it’s definitely there .

[@GoVols2015]

@@WHATTHEFU6Kbut the housing looks nothing like the one in the video. Trying to find a video on removing it in a refresh MSP is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

[@vincerossy]

Can you do this with a 2017 Tesla Model X?

[@robertog3148]

When I was using Apple Maps it alerted me that I was being monitored for speed. Not sure what type of monitoring device.

[@EverydayChris]

Weird

[@marcyanow9178]

My installer guy just told me that he just did a 24 MX and there was no switched powerat the mirror.

[@EverydayChris]

Hmmm I just did it on the cyber truck. I wonder if they changed something again

[@marcyanow9178]

It’s $200 to run a wire all the way to the lighter to get power

[@eeng4234]

Not correct, I just did it on my 24 MXLR. It’s all the way in back of the housing. It turns off when I exit the car and turns on when the car starts.

[@NJturtlePower]

This Model X on HW3 or HW4? 🤔

[@EverydayChris]

HW3

[@NJturtlePower]

@@EverydayChris thanks…. Reports are that this route might be a no-go on HW4. 🫤

[@bubbalo3388]

I personally don't like to install electronic devices permanently in my vehicles like cameras or radar detectors. They'll invite thieves. And for the radar, I used to have ones that used suction cups or I sat them on my dash. Because if I got pulled over for some reason and a cop sees a radar detector in my car I can pretty much skip trying to get out of a ticket and say where do I sign officer. 😁

[@EverydayChris]

Hahaha

[@Penaltybox66]

If your device can detect the radar or LIDAR signal ….It’s too late. Don’t be the biggest and fastest moving vehicle to defeat the radar. LIDAR is target specific so hard to defeat a LISAR device

[@viper5ko]

update: this install seemed to screw up my GPS and cabin camera. GPS was unusble and way off. I put in a ticket and removed the install and GPS is back to working. This is a 21 Plaid S. Well see what service says.

[@EverydayChris]

I wonder if one of the plugs came loose. Go to the secret service menu and test it

[@viper5ko]

@@EverydayChris very weird bc I made a service ticket and removed the tap so service wouldnt blame me and then gps worked again. service said they couldnt find anything wrong with it

[@EverydayChris]

@@viper5ko hmm. This is a pretty chill install so you can try it again and see how it goes. I dont think anyone has issues with it

[@viper5ko]

@@EverydayChris i reinstalled after the service visit and its working for now for 2 days. Service did replace my cabin camera which was throwing errors before.

[@ChipMIK]

Radar hasnt been used here for +25 years since lasers took over.

[@larrycbrown1]

i would not recommend speeding

[@EverydayChris]

Agreed

[@dathyr1]

Duh!!!!!! Why need a radar detector if you don't break speed limits????? I don't speed with my Tesla and just drive around town. I don't go on fast Expressways anymore. Yes, the Tesla does accel. very quickly, but I keep my speeds at or around the correct speed limits through towns, So, I don't need to waste my money on useless radar gadgets. Bye!!!!

[@sundaesundae-s3d]

Could you please clarify if the electrical power obtained from this location will be cut off immediately after the vehicle is locked, or will it only be cut off after the vehicle enters sleep mode?

[@EverydayChris]

after sleep mode. cig outlet turns it off/on immediately which can get annoying .

[@NJturtlePower]

Many higher end Radar detectors are GPS enabled and have an auto-shutoff mode once motion is no longer detected in 30-60min. They draw nearly nothing anyways, its a none issue with my Uniden R7 I've had installed via constant 12v and also switched 12v source in Model 3's.

[@frangeech]

@@NJturtlePower Battery Saver mode was one of the first settings I enabled on my R8 just to be safe.