Replace your Pontiac Vibe's stock 12-volt fuse with a fuse tap to wire a radar detector.
Permanently wiring a radar detector into a Pontiac Vibe interior fuse block provides a constant power source for the device. This eliminates the need for the radar detector's stock power adapter plug, giving the interior of the vehicle a cleaner look. When using a fuse tap, splicing into the stock fuse block is a simple plug and play procedure, requiring only minor modification to the radar detector's stock power cable.
Instructions
1. Disconnect the vehicle battery to ensure user safety when working with the fuse panel. Use wire cutters to cut off the plastic plug assembly connected to the end of the radar detector's power cable. Carefully strip away approximately 10-mm of isolation from the end of the cable, exposing its wiring.
2. Route the radar detector power cable to the interior fuse box, located to the left of the steering column in the driver side foot well. Remove the plastic fuse box cover to gain access to the fuse panel.
3. Use a fuse puller tool to remove the stock gauge fuse, located fifth from the left in the fuse panel bottom row. The fuse box cover also has a printed layout diagram for easy fuse location. Plug a fuse tap in place of the stock gauge fuse.
4. Insert the exposed radar detector power cable wiring into the fuse tap wire connection. Make sure that the cable is tight and secure in the fuse tap connection. Some fuse taps have a built-in wire crimper, which can be secured by firmly squeezing the fuse tap and radar detector wiring connection. Wrap the connection in electrical tape to further isolate and secure the wiring.
5. Replace the fuse box cover. Reconnect the vehicle battery. Start the engine and turn on the radar detector to ensure a proper power connection.
Tags: radar detector, power cable, detector power, detector power cable, fuse cover, fuse panel