Found what I thought would be a good spot to get power for my Passport Max, the passenger vanity mirror. Removed the passenger sunshade (3 screws) and wired the passport direct wire cord to the wires going to the mirror lights. Checked and double checked the connections, all were correct and still are. There are 12 volts to the proper pin (and nowhere else!) and the ground is fine as well. However all was fine, the lights came on, which is the same circuit as the reading lights. I know that because within 2 seconds of plugging the phone connector into the Passport Max, the circuit is opened! It’s not a fuse since in about 5 minutes it comes back on. However repeated the process and it switches off, then on in about 5 minutes. Obviously a circuit breaker but there are no shorts! Also the radar detector has only a 2 amp fuse, which is not blown. In fact the drivers mirror lights were off when I tried to plug in the connector and it no doubt pulls more than 2 amps! The Passport Max works fine when used with the supplied Smart Cord plugged into the receptacle on the console! Called Escort Techs and my dealers service folks-so far no answers.
Does anyone know how to access the rear fuse panel? Where is it? Have lifted the rear matt and only have found the battery. Not easy to lift anymore? Any thoughts?

 

I didn't look myself, but according to the manual:

Rear Compartment Fuse Block

The rear compartment fuse block is
in the rear of the vehicle, under the
load floor. Lift the carpet and access
door in the center of the load floor to
access the fuses.

 

I would not assume the vanity light draws at least 2 amps. The newer lighting technology gets a heck of a lot of light out of very little power.

 

You could be right but 2 amps X 12 volts is only 24 watts for 2 lights, or 12 watts each. LED's are efficent. I'll try with all 4 lights off!

 

I lifted the rear matt (not easy to do) and took Photos for everyone to see without lifting the matt.
There is ONLY one 2 amp fuse for steering wheel #11
ALL the other fuses are 5amps or MORE.

#14 is 5amps for the OnStar mirror..

I will try to do the same for my V1 when I get a chance.

 

My guess is the typical "time out" on most GM interior lights. Maybe the detector draws more power than the bulb, causing the time out to occur sooner.

 

I tapped into fuse #37 for my new Passport Max. #37 is for the accessory port on console, works fine and shuts off when car is off.

 

I use an accessory port on all of my cars for detectors.

 

Thanks for posting

 

Will it be possible to wire it into the rearview mirror as I've done on my C5?

 

Damn VETJAZZ, it almost looks like you got a photo of 'KILROY' in the mirror!

 

Frightening isn't it!

 

I was lazy and took mine to Fry's. $25 for the install, $6 for some fuse-relay thing?, and he said he ran it to the fuse box. Took about an hour.

 

Thanks for the pic! I had a hard enough time pulling up the corner to get at the battery. Did see those large connectors to the left but just didn't go far enough. Too bad there is nothing closer, but I will probably use 37 fuse as well. It says, Front Accessory Power outlet where the Passport Max is working fine with the Smart Cord plugged in.

 

On the C6 we use an Invisacord wire that plugs into the back of the electrical connector on the rearview mirror.
The Invisacord comes with pins on the end of each wire (Pos and Neg) and they insert into the back of the mirror electrical connector. Non-intrusive and easy to remove with no wire cutting or splicing. Takes a minute to figure out which wires are the correct ones.

http://www.invisicord.com/install.html

 

There is not an exposed connector on the C7 mirror.

 

I put my Passport max in this location, people will flame me on this. I drove 3000 miles and picked up signals farther than needed, it may be because the max does have a farther reach.
I hid the wire under the door sill then under rear carpet to fuse box.
When there is a visor mount that fits the C7 I will relocate my Max.

 

Well lets hope when you have a passenger with you that its not a real bright sunny day. He will be an unhappy camper with no sun shade to bring down to protect his eyes.

 

Awhile back there was a post about an access hole in the back of the rearview mirror post. Has anybody check into that to see if it is capable of powering the detector??

 

Someone who is good at this stuff should pull to cover in front of the mirror where the vehicle performance camera mounting will go. There are definately wires there and a nice hole in the front of the plastic to run you detector wire through.

I also see that there is a wire that plugs into the back of the mirror and is covered. I have GM instructions on how to replace the mirror if anyone wants to see them.