So you’ve upgraded to a sleek new Audi S6 and want to keep it protected with your trusty radar detector and dash cam. Mirror taps might have worked in older models, but for this 2023 S6, a direct hardwire using a Smart Cord offers a cleaner and more reliable power solution. If you’re looking to avoid constant plugging and unplugging and want a professional, integrated look for your devices, especially without messing with the Audi Obd2 Cord and diagnostic port, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the process of hardwiring your Escort Redline and dashcam, focusing on finding that elusive switched power source in your new Audi.
Discovering the Switched Power Source: Footwell Fuse Panel to the Rescue
Like many modern vehicles, the cockpit fuse box in the 2023 Audi S6 presents a challenge: always-on circuits. After initial testing, it became clear that tapping into the cockpit fuse panel wouldn’t work for devices that need to power down when the car is off, like radar detectors and dash cams. These devices require a “switched” power source – one that turns on and off with the ignition.
Frustration turned into discovery thanks to online Audi forums! It turns out, the secret lies in the footwell fuse panel. Specifically, the bottom row of fuses in the footwell fuse panel provides the switched power we need. This panel, often overlooked, becomes the key to a successful hardwire installation, bypassing the need to search for alternative power sources or consider complex wiring solutions that might involve the audi obd2 cord area, which is typically reserved for diagnostics and not accessory power.
Locating the switched 12V power source in the Audi S6 footwell fuse panel.
Step-by-Step Hardwiring Guide: Smart Cord Installation in Audi S6
Here’s how to hardwire your radar detector and dashcam in your 2023 Audi S6, ensuring they power on and off with your vehicle’s ignition:
1. Gather Your Tools and Materials:
- Escort Direct Wire Smart Cord (or equivalent hardwire kit)
- Radar Detector (e.g., Escort Redline)
- Dashcam
- “Add-a-Circuit” fuse tap (Low-Profile Mini Fuse is likely needed for modern Audis)
- Plastic trim tool
- Fused jumper wire (approx. 2ft red wire with in-line fuse)
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Heat shrink tubing and heat gun (or electrical tape)
- Optional: Glue gun (alternative to heat shrink for fuse tap insulation)
2. Accessing the Footwell Fuse Panel:
The footwell fuse panel is typically located on the driver’s side, down near the pedals. You may need to remove a plastic trim panel to fully expose it. Consult your Audi S6 owner’s manual for the exact location and access instructions.
3. Identifying a Switched Fuse Location:
Refer to your Audi S6 manual’s fuse diagram. In this 2023 S6, fuse position 6 on the bottom row of the footwell fuse panel was found to be empty and switched. Important: Always verify with your manual and test with a multimeter if unsure to confirm a switched circuit and avoid any issues. Using an empty fuse slot ensures you’re not interfering with any existing vehicle systems.
Fuse diagram from the 2023 Audi S6 manual, indicating position 6 as empty.
4. Preparing the “Add-a-Circuit” Fuse Tap:
Depending on the design of your “Add-a-Circuit” fuse tap, you might need to make a slight modification for better fitment in the fuse box. In this case, the heat shrink tubing on the fuse tap connector was carefully cut, the connector bent 90 degrees, and then re-insulated with new heat shrink tubing. Alternatively, as mentioned in forums, a glue gun can be used to re-insulate the connector.
“Add-a-Circuit” fuse tap prepared for installation.
5. Connecting the Fused Jumper Wire:
Since the cockpit fuse panel lacks a switched source, a fused jumper wire is used to bring switched power from the footwell panel to the cockpit area. Connect one end of your 2ft fused red jumper wire to the “Add-a-Circuit” fuse tap. Insert the fuse tap into the chosen switched fuse location (position 6 in this example) in the footwell fuse panel.
6. Routing the Jumper Wire and Smart Cord Cable:
Carefully route the fused jumper wire from the footwell fuse panel up to the cockpit fuse panel area. Use a plastic trim tool to tuck the wire neatly along the trim and headliner, ensuring it is hidden and secure. Similarly, route the RJ11 phone cable from your Smart Cord (which will connect to your radar detector) along the headliner and down the A-pillar towards the cockpit fuse box area. This ensures a clean and discreet installation.
Example of A-pillar trim removal for cable routing.
7. Connecting to the Cockpit Fuse Panel:
Connect the other end of the fused jumper wire to the power wire of your Smart Cord. You can use a suitable connector or wire tap for this. Ground the Smart Cord’s ground wire to a suitable grounding point in the cockpit area (a metal screw or bolt connected to the car’s chassis).
8. Mounting Radar Detector and Dashcam & Final Connections:
Mount your radar detector using a BlendMount or similar mount. Connect the RJ11 cable from the Smart Cord to your radar detector. Mount your dashcam according to its instructions and connect it to the Smart Cord’s power output. The Smart Cord typically has multiple outputs for powering both a radar detector and a dashcam.
Clean installation of radar detector and dashcam with BlendMount.
9. Testing and Tidying Up:
Turn on your Audi’s ignition to test if your radar detector and dashcam power on and off correctly with the car. Once confirmed, carefully tidy up all wiring, ensuring no loose wires are visible. Reinstall any trim panels you removed.
Discreetly mounted Smart Cord interface with multi-function button.
Conclusion: Clean and Switched Power for Your Audi S6 Accessories
By utilizing the footwell fuse panel and a simple “Add-a-Circuit” approach, you can achieve a professionally hardwired setup for your radar detector and dashcam in your 2023 Audi S6. This method avoids the need for potentially less reliable mirror taps or intrusive wiring methods, and most importantly, bypasses the always-on circuits of the cockpit fuse panel. While some might consider using the audi obd2 cord for certain car electronics, for clean and switched power for accessories like radar detectors and dashcams, tapping into the footwell fuse box offers a straightforward and effective DIY solution. Always consult your vehicle’s manual and exercise caution when working with automotive electrical systems. Enjoy the peace of mind and clean aesthetics of your newly installed devices!
