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Radar non-mirror, no cut "Mirror Tap" Mount for 2021 Prius

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by Steve Ball, Jul 28, 2021.

  1. Steve Ball

    Steve Ball Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2016
    17
    8
    7
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius
    Model:
    LE AWD-e
    All -

    I posted this (by mistake) to the Prius Prime forum, then (more correctly...) to the Gen 4 Prius forum - and I'm awaiting moderation. Oh well.

    I have just bought a 2021 AWD-e LE, adding to my 2012 Gen 3 Prius.

    Wondered two things:

    • the mirror is manual, no power or lights - all fine.
      Is there anywhere in the vicinity that I can tap a 12V radar detector mount?
    • related to the above, is there a factory service manual PDF or similar around?
      I have paid around $20 for these for other cars, but can't see anything for gen 4 Prius.

    First commute in it tomorrow! It has 45mpg from my Gen 3 to beat... let's see!

    First thing - great!! On same journey as my Gen 3, which consistently gets 45mpg, I got 52mpg on both trips, exactly the same route, same driving style: that's a 15% improvement. I'm pleased!!

    In the meantime, awaiting moderation, I answered part 1: I tapped the 12V wires to the indoor lighting, which seem always hot, and threaded the mount down.

    Since I don't have any answer to my second question (factory service manual PDF, so I can refer more precisely to things!), I'll explain what I did in my own words.

    Watching this useful YouTube video:
    ...

    ... I was able to remove same in my car.

    This reveals three connectors: two white, one gray/brown.

    One of the white connectors (the more square, 2 wires high) feeds the 'SOS' button, the other white connector (longer, thinner, only one wire high) feeds the lighting [this is the one I tap]. The other, gray/brown, I'm not sure what it does. It may connect the rear lighting??

    Anyway, on the lighting connector, looking at it with the red wire on the left, the red wire and the next wire (green) tested to providing a solid 12V.

    I tapped into that, rerouted the radar detector cable through the mirror hole, and now have a neat and permanent cable that looks good and keeps the car tidy.

     
    burrito likes this.
  2. Steve Ball

    Steve Ball Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2016
    17
    8
    7
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius
    Model:
    LE AWD-e
    Edited original post: the first (red) and second (green wire) are only hot when the headlights are *off*. I didn't notice this when originally completing this tutorial. Anyway, the first (red) and last (white/purple) are always hot - so should be wired to that instead.
     
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2008
    23,316
    15,104
    0
    Location:
    Indiana, USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Welcome to PriusChat!

    Here is our wiki page for information about the repair manuals, wiring diagrams, etc.