First I would mention that if the detector is hitting the pod guages it is not mounted properly. The front of the detector is supposed to touch the windshield to stop it from bouncing and the detector should be level.

I have pictures here: (click to enlarge)

<http://www.2koolkats.com/glenn2/index.html>

of the installation of my old detector, which was replaced by a Passport 8500. I bought it on eBay for $249 (new). The installation was done in exactly the same way for the 8500. I used the hardwire kit from Escort ($9.95). I ran the wire in the space between the windshield and the dash and at the "A" piller tucked it flat against the dash. The Escort wire looks better because it is all black. Then I squeezed it between the water gasket seal and the vertical side of the dash. Once it was down to the bottom of the dash I just tucked it behind the side plastic piece and wrapped the positive wire around one leg of a fuse and attached the ground wire to the screw holding the release lever for the hood. I did cut the ends off the wire to accomplish this, but it is not a big deal. I have done this with detectors for many, many years and it works well.

Glenn

 

installed

 

The center console can be removed quite easily in a few steps; I have done it now like 6 times with a power issue I have been having.

#1 - remove shifter cover. To avoid damaging the plastic, use a flat head screwdriver (thin as possible) covered in a thin cloth like a tshirt. Have someone push the cover forward where it starts to curve up and meet the radio. This provides a small gap on side nearest to the ash tray. Put the flat head in and pry up each corner a bit. Then pull up from there. Once up, you need to unplug the AC unit cable (white cable) and turn the cover either left or right. I recomend putting a cloth under the cover all around so the cover doesn't scratch the remainder of the console as you work.

#2 - there are two visible screws on the front edge; originally covered by the cover you just removed -- remove those. There are 4 additional screws behind and to the sides of the climate control unit. The climate control unit is a white plastic box. The cable you disconnect in step #1 leads out of this box. Loosen the climate contro unit a bit and pull it forward about an inch.

#3 - Pull off the rubber in the storage / navi area. It's not glued so it comes right off. This will expose two small screws on the front plage of the storage area. Remove those screws. Pull the plate towards you from the back -- at first this may feel tight, but that is the way it comes out. Under that cover there are 2 additional screws; remove those.

#4 - The whole console comes off from the top. Try to move it a bit prior to pulling from the top to loosen any inherit grip it may have to make it easier. From behind the 3 gauges, pull back. It should snap loose. Shortly after pulling it loose make sure you unplug the 3 guages -- the plug is on the driver side.

 

any word on the install yet? i think i will be heading down to the austin area and i am willing to pay the 100 dollars for the install if it looks that great. did you have to purchase the hardwiring kit from escort to do that?