Installing a Passport 9500ci radar detector / laser diffuser

[flitedocnm]

I was told that any installed radar detector violates the vehicle warranty.

Loving this thread.. so is there a way to confirm with Tesla who they consider authorized installers in order to ensure the warranty won't be violated?

Shortly after my wife and I purchased a 2013 Model S, we asked the Tesla folks about have an radar detection system installed by a qualified technician, and we were told that any installation would have to involve the car's electrical system, and given the nature of the complex electronics in the Tesla, that there was no way of doing this that would NOT void the vehicle warranty. At least for us, that made an installed radar system clearly not worth it. Does anyone have any information that contradicts this?

Thanks much.

 

[pete8314]

Shortly after my wife and I purchased a 2013 Model S, we asked the Tesla folks about have an radar detection system installed by a qualified technician, and we were told that any installation would have to involve the car's electrical system, and given the nature of the complex electronics in the Tesla, that there was no way of doing this that would NOT void the vehicle warranty. At least for us, that made an installed radar system clearly not worth it. Does anyone have any information that contradicts this?

Thanks much.

That seems a bit extreme, it's not as if the radar detector needs anything from the car aside from 12v power. I think if it came down to it they'd have a tough job justifying a voided warranty based on a (fused) accessory that millions of cars have.

 

[Fezzik]

That is absolutely absurd. I have not clip or cut into any of the Tesla's wiring harness. I've used the provided 12v lead that was for 3rd party accessories and created a plug that plugs into an existing plug. How should this void warranty. They would have to prove that the radar detector caused the malfunction, and if it did then I'd take responsibility for it

 

[HankLloydRight]

That is absolutely absurd. I have not clip or cut into any of the Tesla's wiring harness. I've used the provided 12v lead that was for 3rd party accessories

What lead? The 12v source in the headliner/microphone area? There's no source or indication that that was made for third party accessories. It's just a spare/unused plug on the wiring harness that people discovered on certain cars. I think the only accessories that Tesla would support are ones that plug into the provided cigarette lighter port.

 

[Fezzik]

The one WK posted on. The one that is in the passenger foot well near the center area. There is a 12V plug there.

EDIT: here you go
Spare Switched 12V Circuit on Model S built after July 2014

 

[Andyw2100]

That is absolutely absurd. I have not clip or cut into any of the Tesla's wiring harness. I've used the provided 12v lead that was for 3rd party accessories and created a plug that plugs into an existing plug. How should this void warranty. They would have to prove that the radar detector caused the malfunction, and if it did then I'd take responsibility for it

How did you create a plug that plugged into the one in that tech bulletin? Edit: Never mind. I read the rest of that thread and saw.

Is there any sort of more "official" connector available, if I wanted to shop for one? Any idea what it might be called?

I recently had an issue involving needing to have my wiring harness replaced (at my expense) because of bad third-party installation work. I am about to have a different installer reinstall the front camera switch and power for my radar detector system. The plan had been to go with "add-a-fuses" in the fuse box, so as not to tap the wiring harness. But if this connection could supply enough switched power for both devices (I'd have to research that) and I could buy the appropriate connector type, this might be a whole lot easier and cleaner.

Thanks!

 

[4SUPER9]

To anybody that has installed the 9500 LED behind the mirror: Do you still have the plastic case that the LED was originally inside? If so, would you be willing to part with it? I bought a 9500 off ebay and the seller had the display module covered in glue and basically destroyed. I called Escort and they only sell the purple bezel. To get the entire casing, I would have to buy an entire new LED module for $200 plus shipping.

Just PM if you can part with it!

 

[4SUPER9]

To anybody that has installed the 9500 LED behind the mirror: Do you still have the plastic case that the LED was originally inside? If so, would you be willing to part with it? I bought a 9500 off ebay and the seller had the display module covered in glue and basically destroyed. I called Escort and they only sell the purple bezel. To get the entire casing, I would have to buy an entire new LED module for $200 plus shipping.

Just PM if you can part with it!

A couple of people contacted me with possible solutions, but nothing has panned out. I called Al & Ed's in West Hollywood (the guys that do all the Tesla mods out here) and they were not able to help. If anyone has one, I have a set of laser shifters I can trade in return. Well, the 9500 comes with them, so that may not be any help.

 

[HankLloydRight]

Try After F/X in Stamford, CT. They've installed hundreds of these. I had a Belltronics STir+ with a red LED display, and they had a blue LED display that they installed for me instead (I asked). I think they had a box of extra parts.

Home Page - AfterFX Customs

 

[4SUPER9]

I am curious, where does one install the radar detector receiver on newer Model S's now that the nose cone is gone?

 

[Bearyw]

Thanks for the great directions. I worked with my local install shop for the last couple of days and just finished my install. Here are a few photos of the chosen locations. Please note that I have used the 9500ci on another car, and really dont feel the need for the display or controls to be fully visible. I have a cover, (which I forgot to take a picture) will later that hides the controls completely. The sound is strong and the led is located in the vent. Finally, the rear diffuser is located under the license plate and not on it.



View attachment 21305View attachment 21306View attachment 21307

jayfrost,

How did you route the wires from the storage cubby to the brain (which I assume is under the dash on the left side)?

 

[Sacrebleux]

Did anyone get that done by a professional in the seattle area? (9500ci or Stir+). Thanks

 

[Fezzik]

I am curious, where does one install the radar detector receiver on newer Model S's now that the nose cone is gone?

I'd say it still have to go behind the bumper. That's what I did for my G. Had to take the bumper off to get to it.

 

[SailorDave]

I put mine behind the bumper. Accessed from inside the Frunk. Works great

 

[BestRadar]

I am curious, where does one install the radar detector receiver on newer Model S's now that the nose cone is gone?

If you put in the lower opening you will have better sensitivity than mounting it behind the bumper. Here is my remote radar in the lower opening below the license plate:

 

[Fezzik]

Are those the ALP in the small opening there?

 

[fabricator]

Here is where I did mine......Invisible

 

[BestRadar]

Are those the ALP in the small opening there?

Yes, Those are ALP Sensors.

 

[4SUPER9]

Here is where I did mine......Invisible

That is a ridiculous installation. And by ridiculous, I mean insanely amazing.

 

[Fezzik]

Your install looks great!!! The rear is hard to hide, but you did a great job!