Radar Detector Help (Hard wiring)

[ptung07]

Hi,
I followed the guide to hardwire my radar detector to my 2006 Solara convertible. I connected the power wire to the 20A fuse (seat heaters) (as shown in this guide: http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=4674) and the ground wire electrical taped to a metal spot around that area. I couldn't find a grouding wire/screw to connect that to, so I temp. electrical taped the ground wire to a metal part around the fuse box.
Now, when I plug the detector in, it doesn't work or turn on! I know the detector works beacuse I connected it to my Toyota Corolla radar detector power cable (from my other radar detector).
Is there something that I had done wrong? I just put the wire into the 20A fuse socket, and then put the fuse back in. The seat heater still works, but the Radar Detector doesn't. Is my ground causing all my problems?

Thanks again,
Paul[/url]

[FLUXEMAG]

Grounding is critical, you may have taped your ground wire to a painted surface, or the tape may not be good enough to create a contact to the metal. It won't kill you to try hooking it up live, just press it against different surfaces until you find one that turns the detector on.

You could also try putting it back in the box and returning it. Radar detectors detect a signal that has already clocked you. The only time it works is when it picks up a police officer who is targeting a car near yours. This is increasingly less likely as precision instruments like laser detectors pinpoint one car with no scatter to pick up. However when I had one, it saved me from getting locked up for criminal speed. Now that I drive slightly slower, it's not worth all the beeping and false alarms.

[ptung07]

Thanks man,
I tried another grounding point and it all works well! I didn't know grounding can be that critical.
Thanks