So. Yesterday I finally got around to hardwiring my radar detector following the instructions I printed off from here. (Thanks. Good instructions, good pics!)

Pretty straightforward install. I tucked the wire into the trim, plugged into the ignition tap on the fuse box, and grounded to the recommended spot on the kick panel.

Switched on the ignition to test and the detector didn't power up. When I took it down off the windshield I noticed a tiny puff of smoking leaking out the front. Immediately switched off and unplugged the unit. A follow up test using the original d/c plug revealed the detector is now DOA.

It's a Cobra 9300 (nothing fancy) and I was using a hardwire kit I purchased at Best Buy. The wiring kit comes with 3 plugs that are compatible with a wide range of dectectors. I was using the only plug that would fit my Cobra and confirmed it was on the list printed on the back of the kit.

I'm thinking the polarity of the tip may have been reversed from the stock wiring that came with the detector. Could that have fried it?

What can I do to ensure the replacement detector survives my install?

 

Use a multimeter and measure the polarity on the power cord supplied with the detector (plug it into the car). Then verify that it is the same on your hardwired cable - if not reverse your + and - wires.

 

Thanks. I'll check it out. Silly me trusted the manufacturer.

Can we assume that puff of smoke was a bad thing and the detector is indeed permanently DOA?

 

I would be a little concerned with smoke coming from my detector My escort 8500 just broke and Escort fixed it for $50.
On the other hand I just bought a new Bel detector RX65 for $200 on ebay and am really impressed.
Not sure how fast you drive but you could use this opportunity to try out the RX65- worth its weight in gold to me

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll do some research. I've always gotten by with less expensive (and probably less effective) detectors. Good success so far.

I'm pretty cautious as to where and when I let the horses run. Fortunately, I've learned where our local boys like to patrol and where they don't. That's not to say there hasn't been a surprise or two, but generally if there out you know where they'll be.