12V Switched Power Source for Radar Detector Installation in 2017 GMC Acadia

Updated 07/10/2017 | Published 07/07/2017

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Hook Probe Circuit Tester

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10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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Circuit Breaker - 20 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket - Cycling Auto Reset - Plastic - Type I

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Question:

I am trying to find the 12V switched wire and ground wire behind the rear view mirror shroud on a 2017 GMC Acadia. I know you guys deal with trailer wiring concerns but I am trying to wire my radar detector into the power sources and no others forums have been able to help me and I am not confident in my multimeter skills. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

asked by: Mike U

Expert Reply:

If one of the wires in your 2017 GMC Acadia's mirror wiring harness carries 12V power that you wish to tap into for powering a radar detector you can find this pretty easily using a basic probe-style circuit tester like # PTW2993 (please see linked video). All you need to do is find a wire that goes hot when you have the ignition key on, if you want the detector's power to be controlled by the key; or there may be a wire that is hot all the time. Either one could suffice to deliver operating power to the detector, but there is then the concern that that wire has enough capacity to power both the OEM mirror functions as well as an added aftermarket product.

An alternative is to run a dedicated 12V power wire from the battery positive terminal, such as # 10-1-1 run through a circuit breaker like # PK54220PL.

expert reply by: Adam R