12v switched power for Radar Detector

[lemkeant]

Want to hop in and say thank you to @Pics999. I used this thread to install my Blackvue dashcam. Worked great on my '22 MYP

 

[Bart57266]

For me it’s about a clean install where I can run wires out of sight. My radar detector sits right below my rear view mirror (Blendmount) so I run the power wire along the headliner, down the post to the driver’s side footwell. Getting to the 12v in the center console isn’t all that easy if you want to keep all the wires hidden.
True - the radar detector will shutoff after a period of activity for my brand it’s 1-4 hours. I wasn’t keen on this option - personal preference.
Finding the connector in the driver’s side footwell is a great solution for me - I’ll admit to being OCD so I know it maybe a bit much for other folks and not everyone will care about chasing this down.

What year is your S?
And did it switch off even with Sentry on?

I'm asking, because I am also seeking switched power even with Sentry on, for my 2018 S.

 

[mightaswell]

Sorry if I missed it in this thread, but has anyone confirmed whether the trailer brake pigtail works in newer (‘22) model Y that have the factory tow package?

That method looks a little more appealing to me if it is viable.

Thanks

 

[Flyhuge]

I can confirm the wire in passenger footwell provides power on brake and turns off when exit. On 22 Y . however…. Voltage is over 15v. This is going to burn up some detectors, i ordered regulator and will wire that up inbetween.

 

[Flyhuge]

The red wire to use is the one that is not wraped with the blue or brown wire.

 

[Futaba]

I can confirm the wire in passenger footwell provides power on brake and turns off when exit. On 22 Y . however…. Voltage is over 15v. This is going to burn up some detectors, i ordered regulator and will wire that up inbetween.

Most (all?) ICE cars when the engine is running driving its alternator, the "12V" output is at 15V or more. All 12V car electronics are designed to account for varying voltage. Nothing is going to burn up. don't worry.

 

[ngng]

I can confirm the wire in passenger footwell provides power on brake and turns off when exit. On 22 Y . however…. Voltage is over 15v. This is going to burn up some detectors, i ordered regulator and will wire that up inbetween.

Most 12v is within a range which includes 15v. Double check. The V1 is rated to 36

Most (all?) ICE cars when the engine is running driving its alternator, the "12V" output is at 15V or more. All 12V car electronics are designed to account for varying voltage. Nothing is going to burn up. don't worry.

No, 15v is a precursor to something failing. Should be around 14.4v

 

[wiltrup]

It’s the trailer brake harness. There’s a 4 pin plug inside the footwell.

I assume that, in my case, where I do have a factory mounted tow bar on my M3, that plug is most likely already occupied ?

 

[Madsen203]

I assume that, in my case, where I do have a factory mounted tow bar on my M3, that plug is most likely already occupied ?

No Tesla comes with a brake controller installed. Just a plug that is ready for it as mentioned. You can tap into that one as noted in the OP. Mine still works to this day and I’m on latest update and don’t need to activate tow mode.

 

[wiltrup]

No Tesla comes with a brake controller installed. Just a plug that is ready for it as mentioned. You can tap into that one as noted in the OP. Mine still works to this day and I’m on latest update and don’t need to activate tow mode.

Awesome, I’m gonna give it a try. I’m adding lights to the fog light housing, so probably add a relai.

And just to be sure - when the car is “off”, is that plug always of, or does it "wake up" every now and then, ex if sentry mode kicks in?

 

[skydve1]

Awesome, I’m gonna give it a try. I’m adding lights to the fog light housing, so probably add a relai.

And just to be sure - when the car is “off”, is that plug always of, or does it "wake up" every now and then, ex if sentry mode kicks in?

It's off unless you open one of the doors. You can also add a 12v switch to make sure it stays off when you want it to - which is what I did.