I'm working on my Escort 9500ci installation, and need to figure out two things:

1. How to get the equivalent of four phone cords through the boot under the driver's side dashboard.
2. Where to derive +12VDC power (preferrably under the dashboard). The caveat is that the power needs to come on with the car, and turn off when the car is off. Otherwise, I'm going to toast my battery.

I'd appreciate any assistance you can provide!

 

Lift the steering wheel and you can tap the brown wire (accessory power) at the keyswitch.

 

Getting through that boot is very difficult. It's 2 or 3 layers of rubber.

I stabbed it from inside the car with a long awl to create a hole, then straightened a coat hanger, taped my power wire to it and shoved it through. This took several attempts. Once I got it through I untaped the end of the wire, pulled the hanger out and pulled the rest of the wire through.

If you've got connectors on the end of the wires it's going to be very difficult to get through. If you could unpin them, I'd try that.

 

I was hoping to jam a wire puller through the boot and grab all of the wires in one shot. I take it that's going to be immensely difficult unless I drill a hole in the boot? Can you think of any downsides to drilling a hole in there if I seal the side in the passenger compartment with silicon?

 

I shoved a tube big enough for my cable (wideband o2) to fit through, pushed the cable through and then removed the metal tube after. This way i wasn't pulling anything through and potentially damaging it. slide through really easy.

I used a exacto/knife to cut a slit on each side then push the rube though. When it's all done all you have is a slit and not a hole so the rubber close in on the wires more and isolates them between in the engine bay and in the car.

 

That's an awesome idea. Did you have to lube it up?

 

I guess i could of but i did not as i only needed like a .25" ID tube.You could use the minimum size tube needed for one cable and push one through, pull out the tube and repeat the process.

 

...and there goes the opportunity for a string of inappropriate jokes...

 

Lube is necessary, especially if it's your first time.

 

But probably not necessary if you have a 0.25" tube.

 

a 6Fr catheter is only 2mm's and requires lube

 

AAHHH mental pain