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Jmganim... Thanks. We aren't looking for a relay, just the closest point for power next to the mirror. Some theorize that there is power in the mirror. I'm certain there is power in the overhead. I'm going to talk to my Ford dealer and see what info I can find out and then post it back. Detector comes on Thursday so will be getting this done then.
The f-150 uses the same mirror mount as the 2017. Do a google search on f150 mirror tap and you will find the instructions it is very easy. I did mine, I just do not have time right now to document it for you
I installed a escort max360 today and the guy doing it hard wired it somewhere underneath the steering column with a relay so it would work properly and not interfere with the electronics of the vehicle. He mounted the radar to the left of the rearview mirror. Not sure if my comment helps, but he said a relay is necessary in the '17 f250.
Be aware that the lane keeping camera is on the driver side of the rear view mirror. If you place a device in front of the mirror, it will disable the steering wheel vibration feature. Look behind the mirror and you'll see the camera.
Thanks JWC... I actually found it two posts earlier. Epic... Thanks for the info. However, that's a feature they couldn't pay me to have. That and adaptive cruise are the only features I didn't get. Drives me nuts in my Wife's Land Rover.
I popped off the top piece just now by using my fingers and carefully pushing in the plastic L clips. Sure enough there is power in there. Will be tapping into it later today and will post more.
Here is the cover turned over. Slide your finger or a tool and press the silver clips away from you while pulling down.
Now the question I have... does anyone know which of these wires are power and ground? (I will start actually tapping later today when my detector, mount and wire come)
1- Follow the directions in the post on the F150 forum that JCW posted.
2- I ended up taking the lower plastic piece off and to my surprise, even though I don't have lane departure, etc. The camera is in there.
3- It's easiest to unclip the white clip and then do the tap. To do so, one long side has the release. Press in the center to pull the plugs apart.
4- The wire-taps are as directed in the F150 forum. The top black wire is ground, skip a yellow with the line, tap the next solid yellow for hot. AND... DON'T make the same stupid mistake I did and test it after tapping and not plugging it back in. DOH! Cost me 20 minutes of troubleshooting thinking the tap didn't make contact. (And I'm an Electrical Engineer!)
5- I put a small notch on the top piece where it's round going around the mirror post. In hindsight, there is plenty of room to pass the wire between the plastic housing and the mirror post without notching. I wouldn't drill the hole either as the person did in the F150 forum.
6- Line up the covers, put the bottom first, then the top. Snap in easy. Looks great.
7- If you are using a BlendMount, it's a little tricky to get the mount just right. I took out the center piece. Also, make sure you can still move the mirror. It does interfere a bit and you can't slide the mount away from the mirror because the mirror post is tapered toward the mirror. There is a very small flat surface.
Conclusion... Verdict is out. It looks great. Looks like factory installed. It's too visible to every single COP that goes by, or should I say that I pass! You can't quickly hide it should you get pulled over, etc.. In all my previous trucks I just velcro'd the detector to my dash. It's less visible. Can be stashed quickly but the curly cord is always in the way. I just don't know if it was worth the $100 for the mount and the couple hours of time. Good luck!
