Installing this mirror mounted Passport 8500 X50 is a fairly simple process which utilizes the BlendMount MirrorTap and Mount. Some installers mention building their own wire tap but I went with a pre made wire. I think it looks cleaner and installation was much quicker plus it came with an inline fuse. Below are the instructions for installing the Passport with a few added notes as to what I experienced with my Challenger.
This page describes the process of how I installed an accessory on my car. Always use the manufacturers instructions (MT-1009, BBE-2001) and or consult a professional in the event you need assistance.
PARTS / TOOLS
- Passport 8500 X50 Rader Detector
- BlendMount 2000 Series Type 1 Mount
- BlendMount MirrorTap 9″ Power Cord
- Velleman DMM Digital Multi Meter
1) INSTALLING MIRROR TAP
NOTE: The MirrorTap Power Cord (MTPC) utilizes an in line fuse to help protect your radar detector and your vehicle’s electrical system. You will need to identify the ground wire and the +12 volt switched wire in your mirror’s wire harness. This can be done by using a volt meter. On my Challenger the ground wire is black and the +12 volt switched wire is black with white stripe. If you are unable to use a volt meter and or you can’t confirm the proper wires then it is recommend that you take your vehicle to an auto stereo install shop.
- a) Most auto dimming rear view mirrors have a molex plug supplying power to the mirror. Push the release tab down and pull the plug out of the mirror. You may have to wiggle the plug from side to side as you are pulling.
- b) IMPORTANT – Each wire enters the molex plug via a rectangular port as shown in the manufacturers instructions. When inserting the MTPC prongs into the rectangular port of the molex plug, you will have to try inserting the MTPC prong in all four sides of the rectangular port to determine the best wedge fit. DO NOT use excessive force trying to insert the prongs.
- c) Insert the two prongs of the MTPC. The black prong wedges against what has been determined to be the ground wire. The red prong wedges against what has been determined to be the +12 volt switched wire.
- d) Secure the MTPC to the mirror’s wire harness using the supplied cable tie. This will help prevent the MTPC from accidentally being pulled out of the plug.
2) INSTALLING MOUNT
- e) Install your radar detector (RD) onto the mount before attaching to the rear view mirror. To release tension from the spring clip, simply squeeze the tab and the back side of the mount together. This will lower the bottom portion of the spring clip allowing you to slide the RD on and off the mount.
- f) Push the RD Release button and slide the RD onto the Spring Clip until the RD hits the bottom of the Tab. Then release both the Tab and the Button. Now slide the RD toward you until you hear it lock into position. Remove the RD a few times so you can observe how the spring clip functions. When used properly, the spring clip avoids putting excessive pressure on the mirror stem when installing and removing the RD.
- g) This mount was designed to fit rear view mirror stems that are 718″ or 314″ in diameter. If the mount is too big to clamp onto your RVM stem, wrap the supplied bushing material (1116″ x 318″ x 2-112″ ) around the stem before tightening the mount. This will reduce the inner diameter of the mount to 3/4″.
- h) Most compatible mirrors have a stem between the mirror and the wind shield that has a pivot on both ends. It is recommend that you try moving the mirror upward to minimize any viewing obstruction of the mirror and radar detector. Grab the mirror and move the stem upward using the windshield pivot only. Adjust the mirror to your normal viewing position using the mirror pivot only. This will move the mirror to a higher location.
- i) Install this mount from the passenger side of the vehicle. Remove the right half of the mount by removing the two socket head cap screws. Be aware that there is a small lock washer on the lower screw. With the left half of the mount still attached, position the mount around the mirror stem.
- j) Reattach the right side of the mount. Make sure the small lock washer is still on the lower screw and tighten until the screw is fairly snug . Leave the top screw loose so the mount can slide along the mirror stem to the desired location.
3) ATTACH RADAR DETECTOR
- k) Install the RD onto the mount. Make any necessary adjustments. It is recommend you adjust the RD so it is as close to the bottom of the mirror as possible. Using the vertical adjustment, adjust upward as far as possible while making sure the RD buttons are still accessible. After all adjustments are made, be sure to check that the hinge pivot and vertical adjustment screws are tight. The screw on the very top of the mount should be tightened last. Grab the long arm of the allen wrench to assure that these screws are securely tightened.
- l) This mount can get extremely hot when setting in the direct sunlight, especially with the windows rolled up. If you intend to remove your RD frequently, it is strongly recommend that you install the 3/32″ thick touch strips which will not get as hot as the metal of the mount will. Place these strips where your two fingers make contact with the mount. They may be trimmed with a blade or knife.
- m) With multiple adjustments available, you should be able to position your RD right where you want it. If you are unable to achieve this, be sure to review each step above.