Acura TSX: How to Install a Radar Detector

Want to install a radar detector in your TSX but don't want to use those ugly suction cups or have wires dangling across your windshield? Here's how to install one the clean and integrated way.

By Brett Foote - May 9, 2016

This article applies to the 1st and 2nd Gen Acura TSX (2004-2014).

Radar detectors are a great way to save you lots of money in potential speeding tickets and the subsequent increased insurance costs. They are also hideously ugly and distracting if you simply slap them on the inside of your windshield and run the power wire across your center console to the cigarette lighter. A much better option is mounting the radar detector to your rear view mirror and hiding the wires for a neat, clean installation that won't block your field of vision. There are several kits on the market that make this possible without having to rip out the interior and tap into your car's fuse box, making installation a breeze. Here's how to install a radar detector (the right way) in your TSX.

Acura TSX: How to Install Radar Detector

Material Needed

Blendmount radar detector kit (or similar)

Step 1 – Install integrated wiring into rear view mirror connector

The Blendmount kit comes with a power connector that is designed to tap right into your rear view mirror's connector, and it even features a small inline fuse. Unplug the mirror connector and insert the power and ground wire taps into the left and right side of the connector (as you look from left to right at the back of the connector).

acura tsx how to mount install hardwire radar detector — Figure 1. Tap the included ground and power wires into the existing rear view mirror connector.

Step 2 – Mount radar detector onto rear view mirror

Install the radar detector rear view mirror mount onto the radar detector and tighten the screws. Place the radar detector around the neck of the rear view mirror and install the clamp piece on the mount, then tighten the screws. Test the radar detector to ensure it is working properly. Use the included zip ties to neatly secure the excess wiring to the neck of the rear view mirror (as shown in Figure 4).

Figure 2. Install the rear view mirror mount onto the radar detector.
Figure 3. Place the top piece of the rear view mirror mount around the neck of the rear view mirror, then install the clamp and tighten the screws.
Figure 4. Use the included zip ties to secure the wiring for the mount kit neatly out of the way.