I have purchased one of these:

ESCORT Radar 9500ix 8500 x50 7500 Redline Passport iQ STEALTH MIRROR Direct Cord 737795085034 | eBay

I was wondering which of the 4 wires in the rvm plug I need to tap.

I would guees that the solid black is the ground, and one if the others is a "switched on" wire that has power only when the ignition is on. Of course I don't want constant power to the detector, so which of the red, green, or yellow striped cords do I tap?

Thanks!

 

A simple 12v test light should tell you.

 

The color itself does not correlate to what they are. The middle wire should be ground and the bottom most wire when connected is linked to the ignition switch. On mine it is Black/Yellow=Ground and Black=Ignition.

 

Searching helps too.

https://www.rx8club.com/do-yourself-...allation-8242/

 

9. The all-black wire (or maybe it has a brown stripe, my eyes are getting old) will provide power only when the car is turned on. The red/black wire is constantly powered. From the V1 kit, attach the blue wire clip to the wire that will give you the behavior you desire.

...So, the all black wire is the one to tap for "switch on" power. Red/black is NOT what i want. so between the yellow/black or the green black...which one is the ground?