Switched & Unswitched Power From Mirror for Windshield Cam or Radar Detector

Just wired switched power to a radar detector in my 2018 SR5 4x2 so I am posted my project to save some research time for others. The mirror connector has both switched and non-switched power. The switched power is enabled by a full key ON position (not ACC) so perfect for radar detector power. My mirror has the auto-dim and compass features.

This would work as well for a dash cam, Go-Pro power, or anything else where you need power around the mirror. Remember this is 12v, so if you need 5v, then you will need to buy a dc-dc converter and wire it in this same place.

I dunno why there is a non-switched/always-on voltage to the mirror. I guess certain models like the TRD have the package with the garage opener buttons in the mirror that may use this.

Here is the pinout of the black (I8) connector on the rear of the mirror. The release is on the top. This is the view from the front (pin side) of the connector. The wires will be on the back of the connector.





The cable harness can be accessed by removing the map light console, just insert your fingers between the plastic lip and the headliner and pull straight down. There are four push-in plastic clips holding it, one on each corner, and it comes off easily. Only fingers are necessary (no tools needed) and I think it would be pretty hard to break it. Disconnect the wiring harness and set it in the back seat out of your way.

The wires from the mirror will converge into another harness located on the driver's side of the opening. I point to it here:



The wire bundle was just stuck down with hot melt glue, you can work it loose and pull it out to manipulate it.



You are looking for the brown wire. Lucky us, Toyota likes the color brown, and you will find 3 solid brown wires.



I used a vampire tap and got lucky and hit the correct wire the first time. Unless you want to cut out the tape on the bundle and follow the wire back to the mirror, you will just have to use trial and error with the vampire tap to test and find the correct brown wire. Be careful when squeezing and don't cut the wire. The wire has +12V when the key is in the ON position and no voltage in the off position. To double-check, I turned the ignition off and measured continuity between the tapped wire and the brown wire on the mirror connector.



I didn't want to play find the ground wire, so I just drilled a hole and used a self-tapping sheet metal screw to connect my ground. When you drill the hole you will see there is another piece of sheet metal between here and the roof, I didn't want to penetrate that so I started the screw to tap the hole, then backed it out, ground the screw down to like 3/16", and then rethreaded it in the hole.

My radar detector included a short wire with a fuse just for installations like this. It is good to use a lower amp fuse, I think this was 1A, when connecting to an existing circuit.



Tuck the wiring back in and use some foam packing material to prevent any rattling.



Hope this helps others save time!

 

Dash Cam suggestions

 

time to upgrade that V1 the new one is pretty good.

 

I thought that someone makes an adapter for this?

Which radar detector are you using and how'd you mount it?
This is yet another thing on my growing to-do list but I also want to do a dash cam and want to keep all of it out of my view.

 

This is Valentine 1, had it for about 15 years, bought it because I used to live in Virginia! I am sure it needs an upgrade but I don't drive that much anymore. Helps me to keep out of trouble in those 25mph zones where the cops leave their radar on while they take a nap, waiting for the alarm to wake them up. The mount is the factory suction cups, they designed a really low profile windshield mount. I wanted to place it over the left side of the mirror, but you can see the black area there on the windshield is some type of rubberized coating and the cups didn't want to stick. I may try to find some new cups and try again.

The area on the right side of the mirror is perfect for a dash cam and in my '18 is has the go-pro mount.

 

Gotcha, I think that blacked area might block the signal and iirc it has to have some "sight" to the rear to catch those signals.

I have an old escort 9500ix and used it in my work truck all the time and that had a lot more windshield to work with. I haven't used it in the taco yet, my front windshield is tinted so I don't want to mount it that way.
Agree about those 25mph zones, out in boulder city nv going to searchlight the speed was 75, then 55, 45, 25 and there was always a NHP waiting there with the radar on all the time!

It looks like blendmount makes a nice mount for stuff.