F55/F56 :: Hatch Talk (2014+) MINI Cooper and Cooper S (F55/F56) hatchback discussions.

F55/F56 Hard Wiring a radar detector?

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Old Aug 1, 2014 | 10:29 AM
  #1  
Tacoman03's Avatar
Tacoman03
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Hard Wiring a radar detector?

So if I have Car Toys hard wire my radar detector, would that void any warranties?
Any one done that yet?
 
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Old Aug 1, 2014 | 10:35 AM
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SeppTB's Avatar
SeppTB
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From: Syracuse, NY
Been a couple discussions on this topic. I'm not familiar myself, but these threads should help.

First: A problem trying to do so, and folks looking for which fuse to use when doing so:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ggestions.html

Second: A guide for hard wiring in the F56: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-the-f56.html

I recall there were warranty concerns brought up in one of those. The wording on the MINI Warranty is very broad, ANY aftermarket modifications are voidable. So you'd be taking a risk there.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2014 | 02:34 PM
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I also went to car toys to schedule a hard wire but then I saw how nicely it fits out of the box. You decide.
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Old Aug 1, 2014 | 03:48 PM
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Chazman
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From: Los Angeles CA
Originally Posted by Tacoman03
So if I have Car Toys hard wire my radar detector, would that void any warranties?
The warranty will be voided if the hard wiring is found to be the cause of the failure whatever that might be.

The warranty will NOT be voided if the hard wiring has nothing to the with the failure.

But in real world it's not always clear. Dealer may just assume and blame on your hard wiring and may not cover the failure in fear of not getting reimbursed by the manufacturer. They don't want a headache. Let's say, for whatever reason, your ECU shorted out (just an example). They may say your hard wiring caused it and would not cover $1000 replacement of the ECU.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2014 | 05:18 PM
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That's exactly what I'm worried about, and I am OCD about no cords.....and unfortunately I drive fast..that is my dilemma.....
 
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Old Aug 1, 2014 | 06:34 PM
  #6  
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Pennengr
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From: Johns Creek, GA
Hardwire kits are pretty cheap, and the DIY install isn't so bad. I'm still fighting my low voltage issues on auto start/stop though.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2014 | 10:04 PM
  #7  
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glucklich21
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From: Austin, Texas
Originally Posted by Tacoman03
That's exactly what I'm worried about, and I am OCD about no cords.....and unfortunately I drive fast..that is my dilemma.....
Installing my driving lamps this weekend I found a more stealth method for getting power. There's a threaded power source behind the fuse box. The install is a little more labor intensive, but you won't see anything. Using the grounding point in the passenger footwell I doubt they'll ever notice.

 
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Old Aug 5, 2014 | 03:40 AM
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Pennengr
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Glucklich, where did you end up grounding exactly? Small screw at the base of the glovebox? Thanks.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2014 | 11:16 AM
  #9  
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muellerfilm
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Glucklich, is that power source hot all the time?
 
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Old Aug 5, 2014 | 12:05 PM
  #10  
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glucklich21
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From: Austin, Texas
Originally Posted by Pennengr
Glucklich, where did you end up grounding exactly? Small screw at the base of the glovebox? Thanks.
It's down on the rocker panel behind the kick panel trim on the passenger side. Go look at my DIY I have posted to give you an idea of how to get to it.

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https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...825-post1.html

Originally Posted by muellerfilm
Glucklich, is that power source hot all the time?
Yes, but if you are looking for switched power that stays on even with the start stop use fuse 52.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2014 | 09:10 AM
  #11  
George 2014's Avatar
George 2014
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I used a Tap-a-fuse, which you can put into any IGN-switched circuit in the fuse panel. There is no "hard-wiring" this way; it's instantly removeable if need be...

 
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Old Jul 1, 2015 | 06:49 PM
  #12  
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zsqure
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From: Massillon
I have used my tap a fuse for my 9500ix and get the low voltage dip and shut down omce the car is started. is there any way around this? I have been in fuse location 34 and 44.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2015 | 04:31 AM
  #13  
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From: Long Island NY
Originally Posted by zsqure
I have used my tap a fuse for my 9500ix and get the low voltage dip and shut down omce the car is started. is there any way around this? I have been in fuse location 34 and 44.
Three posts up. He says fuse 52. ?

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring
 
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Old Jul 2, 2015 | 05:30 AM
  #14  
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hammerhands
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From: Cold, Sleepwalking Winnipeg
Here's how they wire the Click & Drive.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...lick-drive.pdf
 
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