My install was a 2020. The new 2021 likely has the same A pillar airbags. If so, just remove the bolt under the plastic "airbag" label, and the pillar cover will be able to be moved out of the way. You will see a factory wire channel on top of the airbag itself. Just run your wires in the factory wire channel up the A pillar with the other Tesla wires to the headliner. I loosened the sunvisor mounts on the headliner to put the cables under it. Of course, don't fool with the airbag.
-
The final cut of the 9th episode of the Tesla Motors Club Podcast, featuring Balazs Biro, of the prominent Hungarian EV channel Villanyautósok, is now available. You can watch it now on YouTube or listen to it on all major podcast networks.
Has anyone installed a radar detector in a updated 2021 model S?
- Thread starter 2thfixr
- Start date
That is what I did with my 2021 LR+ as well. I have not pulled the A pillar cover on the Plaid yet but there is no plastic 'airbag' tab like there was in the pre-refresh model. Waiting for someone to post a youtube video so I don't break things.
Thanks to @MarcG on another thread, there is an OBD port with switched 12V power. Up thread from his post, there are instructions on how to make a OBD connector to get power.
teslamotorsclub.com
Diagnostic Port Index
Nope! The diag connector on the 2021+ refresh cars actually turn off the 12v when the car sleeps. This is new behavior and fantastic for our purposes here. (the previous s/x diag 12v was always on) Excellent! @JWardell heads-up, I just ordered a dual-bus canserver from you :)
This issue here (I've read; not tried myself as of yet) is that the refresh cars use "virtual fuses", in which the car monitors the amperage each circuit has, if it exceeds the normal amount by too wide of a margin, the circuit is shut off until the demand goes down, then it is turned back on. This allows them to save weight, space, wiring, cost, and also allows them to pinpoint issues far easier.... BUT with these circuits tuned to the normal usage amount, when you tap them to add aftermarket devices, it senses it and shuts it down.
What I DON'T know is how much of a margin and what you can get away with... what I DO know is that you can just tap the cigarette lighter port under the armrest and run a cable under the passenger footwell up thru the A-pillar. Sort of a PITA, so I'm waiting until someone more adventurous than me breaks some clips forging the path before I tackle it, haha.
Makes sense if that is the case. I don't have the car yet so can't verify anything but I would be curious if that threshold could be changed via software. I don't believe the detector has that high of a draw will have to check but it all depends on what that threshold is obviously. Like you said there is a backup option too. Will be monitoring this thread.
Venom
Member
I am glad that this is working out for you. Per another thread, there is one on the driver's side as well. I heard a rumor (from here somewhere?) that these are intended for improved ambient lighting within the doors.
This is switched, correct? If so, that works for me, though I also need a non-switched access. There is an OBD-II port in the driver's footwell. unswitched in my current S. I hope that proves the same.
This is switched, correct? If so, that works for me, though I also need a non-switched access. There is an OBD-II port in the driver's footwell. unswitched in my current S. I hope that proves the same.
Venom
Member
Venom
Member
Actually I'm not sure if it is the cigarette lighter, I'll double check with the installer tomorrow. He's the one who found it after 3 hours lol
URBAN LEGEND
Send Hook‼️
See this thread.
12V Access: Model S 2021 Refresh
I am creating this thread to discuss access to power for those who desire modifications to the 2021 refresh Model S, such as adding a radar detector, dashcams, additional LED lighting, etc. This is being already discussed in multiple different areas, but not consolidated anywhere. I...
