Enhance your driving experience and stay one step ahead on the road by installing a radar detector in your 2023 Mercedes GLC 43 AMG Coupe. While modern Mercedes vehicles boast sophisticated features, a factory-integrated radar detector isn’t typically one of them. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough, adapted from a successful 2017 installation, to help you equip your GLC 43 AMG Coupe with this valuable gadget. Please remember, this is a guide based on a previous installation and should be approached with caution. Mod at your own risk.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential tools and materials to ensure a smooth and efficient installation:
- Credit Card or Thin Plastic Wedge: Useful for gently prying and separating plastic trim pieces without causing damage.
- Wedge Tool (Plastic Trim Removal Tool): Provides a broader, safer surface for removing larger trim panels.
- Allen Wrench Set: For tightening and loosening various screws, ensure you have a set with different sizes.
- Radar Detector Mount (Specific Collar Type): The most crucial component. Look for a mount compatible with Mercedes rearview mirror stems. Brands like BlendMount or RadarMounts.com (similar design shown) are good starting points. Verify compatibility for your 2023 GLC 43 AMG Coupe.
- 22-22 Gauge Red and Black Wiring: For connecting the radar detector to the car’s power source. Red for positive, black for negative.
- RJ11 Telephone Wiring: Standard telephone wire, often used for radar detector power connections.
- Small Screws: For securing the radar detector mount to the windshield cover. Visit your local hardware store (Lowes/Home Depot) for a selection.
- Posi-Tap Connectors (20-22 Gauge): These user-friendly connectors make tapping into the car’s wiring harness clean and reversible, without cutting wires.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these steps carefully to install your radar detector. Work methodically and double-check connections for a successful and safe installation.
1. Removing the Windshield Cover
The first step is to access the wiring by removing the windshield cover located behind the rearview mirror.
- Wedge Tool for Main Cover: Gently insert the wedge tool along the edge of the main windshield cover and carefully pry it downwards. Work your way around the edges to release the clips.
- Credit Card for Smaller Section: For the smaller section of the cover, especially near the rearview mirror stem, use a credit card. It’s thinner and less likely to scratch the plastic. Slide it in and gently release the tabs.
- Tab Orientation: Pay close attention to the orientation of the tabs as you remove the cover. This will help you understand how to reattach it later.
2. Lowering the Upper Lighting/Sunroof Control Module
Next, you need to carefully lower the upper lighting and sunroof control module to gain access to the power source.
- Two Wedges Required: This module is held in more firmly than the windshield cover. Use two wedge tools inserted on opposite sides of the module.
- Gentle and Even Pressure: Apply gentle, even pressure to both wedges to slowly and safely lower the module. Avoid forcing it, and work your way around the edges if necessary.
3. Mounting the Radar Detector Mount
Now, prepare the windshield cover for mounting the radar detector bracket.
- Position and Mark Holes: Place your radar detector mount on the windshield cover in your desired location. Mark the positions for the screw holes.
- Avoid Underside Tabs: Be careful not to drill too close to the underside tabs or any structural elements of the cover. Ensure sufficient clearance.
- Drill Mounting Holes: Drill pilot holes at your marked locations. Choose a drill bit size appropriate for your screws.
- Drill Wiring Hole: Drill another hole nearby to run the radar detector power wire from the mount to the power source you will access in the control module area.
- Attach Mount: Use the screws you purchased to securely attach the radar detector mount to the windshield cover.
4. Wiring the Radar Detector
Time to connect the radar detector to the car’s electrical system for power.
- Locate Power Source: With the control module lowered, you’ll see a wiring harness. Identify a suitable power source.
- Posi-Taps for Connection: Posi-Tap connectors are ideal for this. They allow you to tap into existing wires without cutting or splicing.
- Identify Positive and Negative Wires: In the example, brown is negative (ground) and red is positive (12V power). Always verify wire colors and polarity with a multimeter for your specific vehicle before tapping.
- Connect Wiring: Use the Posi-Taps to connect your red wire to the positive wire in the car’s harness and your black wire to the negative (ground) wire.
- Run Wire to Mount: Route the wiring you ran through the hole in the windshield cover to your radar detector mount and connect it to your radar detector according to the detector’s instructions.
Important Note on Power Source: The chosen power source may remain active for a short period (approximately 15 minutes) after the car is turned off and locked. This might vary on your 2023 GLC 43 AMG Coupe. Monitor your car battery if you are concerned about potential drain, although in the original installation, no battery issues were reported. Consider researching alternative power sources if you prefer immediate power-off.
5. Reassembly and Testing
- Reinstall Control Module and Windshield Cover: Carefully reattach the upper lighting/sunroof control module and the windshield cover. Ensure all clips and tabs are securely engaged.
- Mount Radar Detector: Attach your radar detector to the newly installed mount.
- Test Functionality: Turn on your Mercedes GLC 43 AMG Coupe and test your radar detector to ensure it powers on and functions correctly.
Enjoy Your Enhanced Ride
Congratulations! You have successfully installed a radar detector in your 2023 Mercedes GLC 43 AMG Coupe. Enjoy the added peace of mind and enhanced driving awareness that your new radar detector provides. Remember to always drive responsibly and obey all traffic laws.
(Dashcam hardwire installation guide coming soon!)
