Mirror Tap Instructions for Radar Detector or Dash Cam (Switched 12v) - DIY Writeup

[Darkenmage]

I decided to venture and do this without any help or wiring diagrams. I couldn't find ANY resources online for any reference. I managed to figure it out and I took photos along the way to help others that may be wanting to do the same.

I've done many mirror taps in the past, but this one was a bit intimidating, not knowing where to tap because of all the unusually color coded wires, and all the tech involved in this piece.

PLEASE PLEASE be VERY careful removing the plastic housing. I don't want to be responsible for anyone breaking this piece. Be gentle and take your time.

Circled is the terminal that you will be using removing and tapping into. The release is on the top, towards the windshield.

Testing the taps:

The Black Wire is the neutral/ground. Connect the Black tap wire to this. The White Wire is the 12v switched lead. Connect the Red tap wire to this.

This is what it looks like tapped:

Testing:

Vehicle off:

Vehicle on:

Complete!

Exactly where in the cover should one start to pry it to open? I do not want to pry in the wrong spot and break any of the clips?!

 

[generaltso]

Exactly where in the cover should one start to pry it to open? I do not want to pry in the wrong spot and break any of the clips?!

You can just use your hands.

 

[Darkenmage]

You can just use your hands.

Awesome TY

 

[Darkenmage]

I decided to venture and do this without any help or wiring diagrams. I couldn't find ANY resources online for any reference. I managed to figure it out and I took photos along the way to help others that may be wanting to do the same.

I've done many mirror taps in the past, but this one was a bit intimidating, not knowing where to tap because of all the unusually color coded wires, and all the tech involved in this piece.

PLEASE PLEASE be VERY careful removing the plastic housing. I don't want to be responsible for anyone breaking this piece. Be gentle and take your time.

Circled is the terminal that you will be using removing and tapping into. The release is on the top, towards the windshield.

Testing the taps:

The Black Wire is the neutral/ground. Connect the Black tap wire to this. The White Wire is the 12v switched lead. Connect the Red tap wire to this.

This is what it looks like tapped:

Testing:

Vehicle off:

Vehicle on:

Complete!

Sorry but I tried pulling down on the middle left and right side of the cover but it wont budge and I did not want to exert too much effort in fear of breaking the tabs. Are there specific spots on the cover where you need to do the pulling/pinching to release those tabs?

Can one use something to gently pry them open?

 

[Darkenmage]

You can just use your hands.

Wow, watching your video, it seems to have pried so easily but when I tried mine, it is really super tight and I am afraid to exert additional pressure for fear of breaking any of the tabs holding it.

Any suggestions?

 

[generaltso]

Wow, watching your video, it seems to have pried so easily but when I tried mine, it is really super tight and I am afraid to exert additional pressure for fear of breaking any of the tabs holding it.

Any suggestions?

The clips are made to release, so they shouldn’t break. Even if they do, you can replace them inexpensively.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X3B4M42/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_9?smid=A1THAZDOWP300U&psc=1

 

[Darkenmage]

TY. I will try again and exert more effort. Crossing my fingers and toes....

 

[Darkenmage]

The clips are made to release, so they shouldn’t break. Even if they do, you can replace them inexpensively.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X3B4M42/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_9?smid=A1THAZDOWP300U&psc=1

GOT IT! Whew, it felt like it was snapping/breaking but you are right. Got my Uniden R7 radar installed with the tap kit. Works perfectly and turns on when I turn on the vehicle!

 

[Panzer948]

Great write-up as I need to install 12V power on for my radar detector and eventually a dash cam. I wonder if this circuit could handle both? Has anyone split the + and - leads coming out of the plug to go to dash cam and detector (or some similar 12v device)?

 

[HuntingPudel]

Great write-up as I need to install 12V power on for my radar detector and eventually a dash cam. I wonder if this circuit could handle both? Has anyone split the + and - leads coming out of the plug to go to dash cam and detector (or some similar 12v device)?

I would think that one additional accessory is already pushing the circuit, as it was designed just for the mirror dimming. I definitely would not try to add two accessories to the circuit. It is not all that hard to run power up the A-pillar from the fuse box.

 

[Panzer948]

I would think that one additional accessory is already pushing the circuit, as it was designed just for the mirror dimming. I definitely would not try to add two accessories to the circuit. It is not all that hard to run power up the A-pillar from the fuse box.

True, but alot easier to pull from there and a time savor at that. I don't have a problem going down the A-pillar if I need to though but need to get more familiar with this car (had it only a few days) so just trying to learn. Maybe there is another circuit in there I can tap into. If not, A pillar it is. I will likely need a separate constant on power source anyway.

 

[HuntingPudel]

True, but alot easier to pull from there and a time savor at that. I don't have a problem going down the A-pillar if I need to though but need to get more familiar with this car (had it only a few days) so just trying to learn. Maybe there is another circuit in there I can tap into. If not, A pillar it is. I will likely need a separate constant on power source anyway.

If you need both switched and constant, check over on the FitcamX thread. @markboris and several other of us ran +12V switched and +12V constant up the A-pillar for our cams (along with ground).

 

[RC-Premium23]

I decided to venture and do this without any help or wiring diagrams. I couldn't find ANY resources online for any reference. I managed to figure it out and I took photos along the way to help others that may be wanting to do the same.

I've done many mirror taps in the past, but this one was a bit intimidating, not knowing where to tap because of all the unusually color coded wires, and all the tech involved in this piece.

PLEASE PLEASE be VERY careful removing the plastic housing. I don't want to be responsible for anyone breaking this piece. Be gentle and take your time.

Circled is the terminal that you will be using removing and tapping into. The release is on the top, towards the windshield.

Testing the taps:

The Black Wire is the neutral/ground. Connect the Black tap wire to this. The White Wire is the 12v switched lead. Connect the Red tap wire to this.

This is what it looks like tapped:

Testing:

Vehicle off:

Vehicle on:

Complete!

What kind of pins are you using to tap that connector?
Thanks!

 

[apailthorp]

What kind of pins are you using to tap that connector?
Thanks!

Mirror tap is a kit you can buy from a variety of vendors, different names, pins are just typical JST type bare on wire: https://www.amazon.com/MIRRORTAP-POWER-CORDS-MirrorTap-MT-4015/dp/B00OQQWHLO
More: https://www.amazon.com/stores/MirrorTap+Power+Cords/page/517C8CAE-1DEA-418A-9578-6EBAC27056FD

 

[Vinces34]

THANKS jdmrc93! Took about 10 mins and works perfectly In conjunction with the irr mount for the redline 360c.