Valentine V1 hardwire with Mirrortap

[Woodengun]

Nothing original but being a DIY kinda guy I know that seeing multiple installs helps me so maybe this will help someone else.

I'm posting through the app so I'll have several replies going through the steps. Thanks to the post by tom@eas....helped me a lot!

I got the mirrortap through Amazon. When you order they send you an email asking year make model of your car. Do not ignore that email like me! They need that information to send you the correct mirrortap....4012 for my F82. I thought they just wanted the info after I installed so they could keep track of which vehicles it worked in and which it didn't. I did not realize they have multiple types of mirrortap depending on your vehicle.

Finished install here. I have the V1 right above the mirror. I cannot put sun visor all the way to windshield but that doesn't bother me.

[Woodengun]

I open up the plastic cover by pressing on the driver side half. It is definitely easier to open when warm....let the sun hit the windshield for a bit if you want to. Press on it in multiple spots to get it open all the way.

[Woodengun]

Put the molex pins into the right spots on the harness. Tom@eas post helped me know. The red wire from mirrortap goes into the green/brown harness and the black mirrortap wire goes into the black/brown harness.

Insert the pins ALL THE WAY IN! You should not see any bare metal! Use mini pliers to help. When inserting the molex pins into the harness they go most of the way in and then hit a slight stop. Push a bit harder and the pins will go all the way in. I'll let your imagination run wild with analogies....

[Woodengun]

I looped the wire around from the right to the left and then closed up the cover.

The whole thing took me about 10 minutes.

[tom @ eas]

Great DIY, glad I could help!

[WVUDrJay]

I love the idea of no wire but on the escort the cord has a mute button which is invaluable.

[fathom3]

I agree w/WVUDrJay re. "I love the idea of no wire but on the escort the cord has a mute button which is invaluable."

I've got the remote w/mute hidden in the change cup in the console of my MDX Tech and it is great location.

But this is so much simpler I'm tempted to try it and see how annoying it is to have to reach up to mute it. Since I've used the 9500ix several years--and have stored lots of locations--I usually don't have to mute it much. It is definitely not going to be as stealth in the new F8X as my MDX. Behind the tint band at the top of my MDX windshield, it works great and is not visible from outside. The M3 doesn't have a similar tint strip and even the little 1" double suction button mount--without the detector mounted--is clearly visible from outside the windshield. (and not mounted is how it is for all my local driving unless I leave Virginia where I live.) Maybe a change to a 9500ci will be a future project.

[goneloco]

Originally Posted by WVUDrJay

I love the idea of no wire but on the escort the cord has a mute button which is invaluable.

Which escort? And how is it mounted? I use a BlendMount on my 9500xi and the mute button on the unit is easily accessible.

[Catania830]

Does the valentine one turn off when you turn off the car or short after?

[Woodengun]

Yes - use those wiring locations and V1 shuts off when accessories shut off.

[Woodengun]

Skip the molex pins. Mine have gotten loose and I redid it with the T taps.

[F80AYM3]

Just installed my V1 5 Minutes ago and works very well. I insert the pins on top of the wires and it secured completely.

[Krish_1]

Hey Woodengun , thanks for the write-up and pictures! Just ordered the v1 and mirror-tap. I am unclear about the T-Taps though, what are they for in the install process? Help please?

[997usa]

Originally Posted by Krish_1

Hey Woodengun , thanks for the write-up and pictures! Just ordered the v1 and mirror-tap. I am unclear about the T-Taps though, what are they for in the install process? Help please?

They replace the mirror tap pins - you can still use the mirror tap but cut off the taps and insert the wire ends into the T-Taps to make a much more secure connection.... The Mirror Taps can come loose at some point, the T-Taps are secured as they are 'clamped' into the existing wiring.

[Krish_1]

Originally Posted by 997usa

They replace the mirror tap pins - you can still use the mirror tap but cut off the taps and insert the wire ends into the T-Taps to make a much more secure connection.... The Mirror Taps can come loose at some point, the T-Taps are secured as they are 'clamped' into the existing wiring.

Thanks man, makes sense now! I am still stuck at step #1 though, I cannot get the plastic cover behind the mirror to come off. Does pushing the cover in multiple places make it snap out, or do you have to pull the two pieces apart? Also, do both the left and right pieces come off, or just the left one? Thanks in advance for your help!

[Woodengun]

If the plastic is warm it is easier to take off. Push firmly where I show in picture of second post. Then push/pull apart as you work your way along that seam/joint.

[mestes1999]

Question, and probably a dumb one. Does the mirrortap plug directly to the V1, or do I have to plug it into the little V1 box first then the actual V1?

[Ferg]

Originally Posted by mestes1999

Question, and probably a dumb one. Does the mirrortap plug directly to the V1, or do I have to plug it into the little V1 box first then the actual V1?

Valid question! Anyone?

[verruckt]

Mirrortap can go straight into the V1

[IRNM3]

Just finished this install. First the info here was key to me doing it so THANKS!

Couple of my notes:

1. It is much easier to get the pins in if you pop the harness connector out from behind the mirror - it gives you about an inch of cable behind it to play with, but this way you can angle the harness towards you and much more easily push the pins in
2. As was stated above - you need to get the pins ALL the way in. If its even a fraction out it doesn't work
3. If at any time during the install you turn the power onto the car and you notice that the compass on the mirror is dead - you probably popped the fuse. Some tricks to replacing the fuse. The fuse box cover in the engine bay is a pain in the butt to get off but it will come off with enough attempts. There is a fuse puller in the trunk fuse box to help you get the fuses out. There is also a little paper pamphlet in the trunk are too to help you identify fuse locations. The mirror fuse is 42 and it is 5A. For the life of me I could not find any spare fuses in the car so ended up ordering a new one.

[wuzhatning]

Sub for future install