Valentine 1 Power Adapter Falls Out

[Flakarter]

I have a Valentine 1 radar detector, which I have used for years. Unfortunately, the power socket depth in my 99' C2 is too shallow, and the power plug for the V1 falls out. You can just look at it and it will fall out. The problem also appears to be partially due to the fact that the V1 plug is too deep, and the ground wire blades on the side of the plug don't fit all the way into the socket. The plug simply won't fit in deep enough to stay put. And adding the little eurpoean adapter to the end of the plug (which increases the OD of the plug to fit in the larger ID european plug) doesn't help.

Currently, I have use a plug which splits into two power socktets, and then plug the v1 into one of those. But it's a bunch of spagetti and gets in the way (and really it looks like crap).

I don't have the time right now to hardwire the cord. I've tried replacing the end of the V1 cord with a different (shorter) style adapter plug, to no avail. Once you expose the two small thin telephone wires that act as power and ground, the wire is so thin that it will easily break if any stress is placed on the cord. So a new plug end won't work.

Valentine was aware of the problem but had no fix, other than to hard wire. They did mention that another Porsche owner had the same problem, and he called back to report that Porsche sells the following part (which I presume is a deeper lighter socket) with a part number of 901 613 80 100. Anyone know if that is a correct part number, and what it is?

Of course, by the time I buy that part and install it, I could probably hard wire the V1. Argh!

Anyone else have this problem, and find an easy solution?

Dean

[Sotally Tober]

I have the exact same problem.

I am very mechanically UNinclined, and I am looking for some easy instructions on how to hardwire my V1. I had my V1 in my previous car (BMW) and the DIY instructions for that hardwire were simple, even for an idiot like me.

I would love to find some easy DIY instructions on how to hardwire my V1. I am thinking about putting it right above the speakers on the driver side of the dash, as I feel it would be stealthiest there. I have a '00 996 C4 cab, and I don't think I want to mount it up high.

Any leads guys? TIA........Unless I am missing something, the DIY suggestions I have found here seem for tech-oriented guys. I am looking for a DIY for idiots lol.

Edited May 22, 2004 by Sotally Tober

[Poursha]

Have it hardwired. Do a search--there are several people that have done DIY V1 install sites. Here's one:

http://www.industryfigure.com/berkeley/Por...s/valentine.htm

I had mine hardwired at a stereo install shop--they charged $50, which was too good to pass up. Here's a few pix:

Main unit installed to right of rear view mirror, using sun visor clip wedged between headliner support and roof:

Concealed display on steering wheel housing:

[Sotally Tober]

Thanks for the response Poursha, and I saw that link before I posted, but it seems to be for a Boxster.

I am typing this as we speak from the interior of my car via laptop and I am thinking about trying to tap off the interior light cluster, if possible?

Thanks again, I will keep searching, but I appreciate if anybody can point out any specific links they found helpful.

[Poursha]

Here's one that taps into the overhead light for power. If you're going to install the concealed display (which I strongly recommend), this really doesn't buy you anything (and you have to do a lot of cutting and splicing), since you still need to run the wire from the main unit to the concealed display.

http://www.geocities.com/porschecarrera996...v3_document.htm

[Sotally Tober]

Thanks Poursha for all your help here. I am going to go your route and have a stereo shop install it. I just found one and am on my way to do it in a few minutes. I will post pics soon!

Thank you again. :cheers: