hard wire a radar dectector

[Tommy00GT1]

Good morning, friends! My first official post on the forum since I joined a few days ago.... awesome forum!!!
Has anyone hard wired a radar dector in a 2000 GT1? I just bought the car six days ago, and I am hoping to install the detector up above the mirror, very close to the headliner. I am hoping to snake the wire down the drivers side pillar (or passenger side..) but I am uncertain where to pick up the power in the fuse box. In my old Olds, I simply connected to a switched vacant terminal that was powered up when the car was started. But on the Grand Am, I don't know where to pick the power up. Also, this car has so much more electronic stuff that my Olds didn't have; I don't want to botch anything up here.
I apparently have two fuse boxes (drivers side - passenger side ), and was wondering if any of you have hard wired a radar detector, and if you had any difficulty.
I am also thinking about leaving the factory head unit in place, but possibly upgrading the speakers. Can anyone recommend some decent speaker replacements... and if you used 4x6 in the doors, or if you went with a larger size? I would like to replace the rear 6x9's too; but I understand that the rear deck must come out (oh no!!) But, I guess it is the only way to remove the rear speakers, darn it....
My car is entirely stock; it is truly a rare find in that it was owned by an elderly man who took meticulous care of it. I am so happy I found it.
Thanks for reading my questions; you've got an excellent forum here, and I have already learned so much! Thank you!
Take care.... Tommy
(I hope I posted this in the proper place; it is my first post..)

[Bjornboy81]

As for the fusing, check your owners manual and find a fuse that has a switched power source. There are these terminals that you can buy that actually go around one of the pins of the blade fuse and enables you to tap off the power source using a blade connector. All you do is put that terminal in with the fuse, and connect a wire to the end of the terminal (fuse it) and run it up to the detector. This is what I did to get a switched power source for my aftermarket radio.

I'm sure there's pics on here somewhere of whay i'm talking about.

[Tommy00GT1]

Hi Paul... Wow, that was a fast response! Thank you, that is probably the way I'll go then... I'll look for one of those connectors that will allow a tap-off and the fuse at the same time. I wasn't sure if that would work, so I'm happy you mentioned that.
Man, these GM radios just lack frequency response; at least mine does... It is heavy on the bass, but really lacks the treble and high response. I do know for certain, that those factory speakers are comin' out! Not sure yet about the radio itself... I don't yet know it any company makes a custom face plate to fill the voids by an aftermarket radio... I'll researcxh that though.
Thank you again, my friend... Happy motoring Paul!
Tommy

[Bjornboy81]

The speakers in these cars aren't really all that bad. I have a Kenwood head unit with stock speakers, and it sounds great! Here's a kit for mounting an aftermarket HU:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ecizxFUMPbH/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=112200&I=120993527

[Bjornboy81]

sorry wrong link

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Pyc4XtnxvvX/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=120992001

[Brandon]

on my radar detector it says for best results place as low in the car as possible... i am assuming this is good for most if not all detectors?

as far as hardwiring it... go to autozone,pepboys,walmart and get that add a fuse/circuit that bjornboy81 was referring too.

there are radios that will fill the void of the factory hu. but in my experience they are a) ugly b)suck balls c) pricey.

just get that plate that will fill in the void or give you more cubby space.

[Tommy00GT1]

Hi Paul and Brandon.... Excellent! Thanks so much for the info and links. That info is just what I was hoping for....
I just played the Cd player in the car for the first time, and it sounds much better than the FM radio frequency response. So right now, I'd probably just replace the speakers for now and see how the factory radio sounds then. If it is still lousy, then I suppose I can replace that radio.
I haven't found out yet if this GT1 has that Monsoon thing; but I don't think it does. It has eight speakers, but I don't think it has that subwoofer. Of course, at my age I don't need the pounding bass anyways, but I do definitely want a nice frequency response though...
Thanks again everyone; I'm so grateful for your replies!
Tommy

[Bjornboy81]

That's what we're here for man! :)

[doobiess]

i may get a debate on this one.. but as for hardwiring you radar detector.. and being just me and having those air bag fuese and wiring close by i dont wanna go near that fuse panel or at least mess with it... so if it were me i would run the power line down and under the dash and run over the cig lighter adapter and just splice of that power line since your radar detector uses minimal power .. and would be an easier spot to work on... but thats just me i wouldnt wanna work under the dash like that

As for the speakers ya i would aggree the high and mids arent very good but low end frequecies were surprisingly decent.. but i replaced all my speakers out and deck at the same time but as for the change im using my brand (massive audio) for my speakers and the clarity is like night and day.. but they dont have much low end but the speakes i bought were designed that way so they would perform alot better and high volumes since they were designed to be running with a sub.. which carries the lows... otherwise i can head a pin drop in a middle of needle storm if needed to...

[Bjornboy81]

Originally posted by doobiess
i may get a debate on this one.. but as for hardwiring you radar detector.. and being just me and having those air bag fuese and wiring close by i dont wanna go near that fuse panel or at least mess with it... so if it were me i would run the power line down and under the dash and run over the cig lighter adapter and just splice of that power line since your radar detector uses minimal power .. and would be an easier spot to work on... but thats just me i wouldnt wanna work under the dash like that



You have to go near those fuses to reset the Oil Life light. As long as you don't mess with the wrong fuses there's nothign to worry about.

[Tommy00GT1]

Thanks for that info, Ryan. Yeah, the low frequencies are great but the mids and highs just don't cut it; and I like my treble.
I haven't actually studies that fuse b;ock yet, but I'm hoping that there might be a vacant post that is powered up when the ignition is turned on. That was the way I did it on my Olds Cutlass and it worked very good. But I don't yet know about this Gt1, though. I'm waiting for a nice comfy day to explore that; it's been to damn hot and humid here in the northeast lately.
Those rear speakers look like they could be a challenge to replace! I would sure like to do that myself; hope it is not too difficult. Looks like they must come out from only the top rear deck. Oh well... when we get some nice weather, I'll explore that too.

Does anyone use that clay stuff to wax their cars? My nephew does that car detail work professionally, and he did my GT1 yesterday for me. Wow, I could not believe the beauty that he brought out in the finish. Whatever that clay stuff is, it is simply fantastic. He then followed that with two coats of (unknown?) synthetic wax as a long lasting protectant. I can't remember the name of the sealer, darn it... but it is incredible. I do know that he gets some of his supplies from Germany though, if that is any help.
My car is the Pontiac arctic white with the leather interior. I never knew that the color white could look so good. I was blown away by his work on the car.

Hope this post is not too long, but has anyone else added Sylvanis Silver Star bulbs in their headlights, and are you pleased with them? I am browsing websites and trying to see if Sylvania makes a Silver Star for my fog lights too.

Thanks again everyone for your help. I am so glad I found this forum! I just happened to find it by doing a google search for "Grand Am GT1". Take care....
Tommy

[nineteen88ga]

I really don't see why everyone insists on getting power from the fuse box. Your ignition harness is fairly easy to get at (just to the left of the radio) and you can get constant 12v, and switched 12v from it. When Adding other accessories, just tap on the the power wource your looking for add a fuse to protectthe circuit you jsut made, and voila, your done. no more messy fuse box with wires running everywhere.

btw, ignition harness colors are...

Red : Constant 12v
Pink: switched 12v
Orange: accessory 12v

[Bjornboy81]

I never knew you could tap off of there.
Good info Steve!

[Tommy00GT1]

Thank you, Steve... I didn't know that neither. How difficult is it though, to get access to that harness? Do you have to remove the radio and/or front panels? I'm trying to determine how best to access this harness; I would like to tap off the 12v switched source. Are you referring to an actual "plug" type fitting; or are you saying to cut/splice into a wire.
Many thanks, Steve.
Tommy

[RocketFast321]

I just the flasher fuse in the driver side panel.

[Tommy00GT1]

Hello, and thank you! That is a possibility indeed... I know one thing; there is a heck of a lot more wiring in this GT1 that what I had in my ole' Olds! But of course, my Olds was 18 years old, lol...

I am also hoping I can simply stuff the wire into the plastic pillar, so I don't have to remove that pillar. Looks like the headliner will be no problem too; just that pillar. Maybe I can stuff the wire in with a plastic putty knife.
I do prefer to hard wire this so I don't have a cigarette type connection and wire visible; I hate that....

Tommy

[RocketFast321]

yep you don't have to remove nothing. Then with a small flat head you can stuff the wire into the piller.

http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/attachment.php?postid=393097

[Tommy00GT1]

Hi William... Yup, I just finished installing it and it went so easy; no difficulties at all. I took a small, plastic putty knife and was able to stuff the wire up inside the headliner; then down that plastic pillar covering; then with some fishing around a bit, I was able to reach and find the end of the wire; pull the slack out; and then connect it to a switched source by using a fuse tap.
I prefer this way of installing a radar detector as all the wire is tucked out of the way and not visible. And the radar detector itself fits up right above the rear view mirror and nicely out of the way too. Luckily, the radar detector is pointed slightly in a downward position to optomize detection capabilities.

Take care William; enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Tommy

[RocketFast321]

Same place I got my radar.
http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/attachment.php?postid=392786
here is a pass pic when i was showing off my new mirror w/lights.

[Tommy00GT1]

Holy cow, William! I think I not only have my unit installed the same as you, but I believe we both have the same darn Whilstler! I don't know the exact modle number at this typing here, but it looks identical to yours in the pic.
My install here looks exactly like yours; even the mirror with the lights! Mine came with that mirror though.... it is a GT1 and I think it was standard equipment then. In fact, the car has every single optional thing that was available on the GT1.

I'll tell you something though... this factory Delco radio is just terrible. I will yank that out soon, I hope. I was browsing Crutchfield's website all day today, and reviewing Alpine head units and Infinity speakers, and a Infinity amp. Even though I am 50 years old, I have to have a good audio system here... not for that thump, thump stuff; but for a nice, clear frequency response.
My "thump, thump" days are over, lol... Guess I'm gettin' older, lol....

Oh well, always nice chatting with new friends here on this forum. I am so fortunate to have found it!
Take care, William...

Tommy

[RocketFast321]

I don't think so man, that radar i have is like a 7 year old uniden maybe more :P A friend found it in a field. Free-Be :cool:


also you will fit in with Rayz,Old Guy, and the local crazy old coot Chain :lol:

[Tommy00GT1]

Oh; o.k. .... It sure looks almost identical to the one I have here; even the exact samr mounting clip.
Oh well... I see I have some older guys company, lol.. I haven't met them yet, but I'll be posting a couple of audio questions later on, so maybe I'll chat with them sometime.
Take care my friend; happy motoring!
Tommy

[barrelpusher]

hope you got one that picks up lazer. That's what they use here in Atlanta. Best here just to go with the flow. I go to Aug. and run 80 with no broplem from the law. Take a state route down to Milledgeville Run 65 -70. Your eyes are a lot better then a detecter

[Tommy00GT1]

I'm not sure about that... I don't think mine detects that newer kind, but I am not really sure though.
I live in a rural setting here, and my detector picks up all the widely used methods of radar here. It even picks up the state police ones too; but I don't know what kind they use.

I didn't post on this thread in some time now... but the install went great for me. I had more then adequate room to hide the wire up in the headliner, and then down that windshield pillar plastic moulding; then down to the fuse box where I tapped off a switched terminal there.
The detector actually seems better at detection in this GT1 than the old Oldsmobile I had prior to getting this newer car. Maybe because of a different and better mounting method I used here. I have the detector up by the switch that operates the sunroof, and it angles down a bit; fits perfectly and works great.
Tommy

[bmanhand]

I hardwired mine in with an ADD-A-CIRCUIT from a local pep boys. Just run it into the fuse box into a fuse that will only turn on when the car is turned on, i think i used the airbag fuse.

[Tommy00GT1]

Yup.. that should work great. I tapped off the radio fuse; it is powerd up only when the car starts or the key is turned on to the "on" position.
It is so much neater looking that way... no wires in the way, and everything all tucked away and out of view.
Today I finally disabled those damn drl's. Took me all day, but I took it a step further than most people do as I installed a switch so I can have them on if I want, or slide a switch and shut them off. Took me quite a bit of schematic drawing, but I took my time and it came out great. I hid the switch inside my glove box; well out of the way. Now if I ever want or need them, I simply slide the switch.
Tomorrow, I am going to disable that damn ALC too.... I am tired of driving through a dark shady street and having the headlights turn themselves on, thinking darkness is coming.
That is getting disabled toworrow, and I'll control when I want my headlights on myself. Iill also be able to finally run with my running lights (parking lights) and fogs on too. I like the look of the car with running lights and fogs; just prior to dusk.
Take care......
Tommy

[bmanhand]

I LOVE the look with just the parking lights and the fog lights, i think it looks tuff. How did you disable the DRL?? i pulled the fuse and the service car soon light came on...then when you go to turn on the lights, only one of them work. Let me know how to do it without the switch please...AND a way that it can be undone for when i sell the car next year. thanks!!

[Tommy00GT1]

I followed a tutorial that I found here on this forum... BUT.. it was for 1999 and 2000 Grand Am's.. I believe your 2002 has a completely different wiring configuration than mine.
But I think I remember seeing another tutorial somewhere that might have been for other year Grand Am's. I'll search for it tomorrow, as I'll be going to bed here shortly. I reallt did a job on my lower back today, lol.... Extra pain pills for me tonight, lol....

If you want, do a search on the forum for " disable drl's "; or similar wording... it should return results.. I'll help you look for it tomorrow, as I can barely keep my eyes open here.

The procedure was easy for me; you just have to take your time and do it correctly. My "service engine soon" light does not come on; I followed the tutorial exactly, and it came out great on my 2000 GT1. Yours would be different as you have a 2002 Grand Am.. I'll see if I can help you find that tutorial tomorrow; or maybe somebody reading this thread will know where it is and mention it.
Take care.... bedtime for me ! ( too many pain meds tonight, lol )

Tommy

[04GASE1]

Originally posted by Bjornboy81
You have to go near those fuses to reset the Oil Life light. As long as you don't mess with the wrong fuses there's nothign to worry about.



Actually you never have to open the fuse panel to reset the oil life.
All you have to do is turn the key on but don't start the engine and depress the accelerator all the way to the floor 3 times in 5 seconds and it will reset .

[04GASE1]

hey

[RocketFast321]

but both ways work :)

[grandamdan99]

here is a question. why didnt you just wire it into the wiring for the lights on the rearview mirror? thats what i did with a 6"neon i put in the cubby up there, and my radar detector. it has a switch on it, so use it(the radar detector). if your installing it where i think you are, just pull the plug on the rearview mirror, strip the wires on the radar detector, push a little into the plug, and place the plug back on the mirror. I personally never unplug mine. it draws so little, and i drive so much that it will never have the chance of killing an optima battery.

[Tommy00GT1]

Hi Dan... I thought of that, but decided to run all the wiring down that plastic pillar instead. Then I just tapped off a switched fuse inside the fusebox. A bit more work, but I was happy with the way it looks and works. That way it is automatically shut off when I turn off the car.
When you reach these middle ages, ya' sometimes forget to turn off the radar detector manually, lol... I am disabled and don't really drive every day, so I wouldn't want the radar unit powered up while the car is not running.