Seamless Factory Look Install on a Challenger SRT8

[Donnysan]

Using the Blendmount Hinge model, armed with official Chrysler/Dodge wiring diagrams, my installer, a Senior Master Tech at an Atlanta area Ford dealer, installed my new V1 in my 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 by tapping directly into the wiring connector behind the power mirror. He did the install in his driveway in about an hour. Attached are photos from the install.

My installer used the wiring diagram available to Chrysler/Dodge dealer service technicians (it can be accessed online through dealerconnect, though you'll need to have a Chrysler/Dodge tech access it for you). The wiring diagram and connector illustration is found under 8W-49 OVERHEAD CONSOLE EC MIRROR. Power is taken off the connector for FUSED RUN/START RELAY OUTPUT and ground is, well ground. I don't have the connector illustration in front of me, but the wiring diagram shows Pin 13 for the power and Pin 8 for ground. Double check this against the actual connector diagram.

My installer unplugged the mirror and dismounted it from the windshield to make it easier to install the Blendmount. The connector is a little tricky -- push it in, then depress the release clip and it will pop out. The individial pins can be removed from the connector to solder to the power line on the V1. It is not necessary to use the fuse on the hard wire kit because this circuit is already fused. Trim off the wire, but slice open the wiring at the fuse to see which color wires on the V1 power line are connected to the black and red wires that come out of the fuse. On my kit it was red for power, green for ground. These should be stripped back, soldered to the OEM wires at the pin connector, and the insulator heat shrink wrapped. The pins are reinserted into the OEM connector, this get's plugged back in, and voila, power to the V1.

The Mirror has an access panel to get to the connector, and there is plenty of room to run the V1 power line.

Power to the unit comes on with the mirror, which is in run/start condition. There is not power to the mirror when in "Acessory" mode.

The rod that connects the mirror swivels itself as does the mirror where it connects to the rod. This allows you to adjust position of the V1 and the mirror independantly. I noticed that on my mirror, my favorite position does tend to place the V1 slighly off centerline. I've seem absolutely no difference in performance with this slight off center position, and I can put it directly back on centerline with a very small adjustment of the mirror. It doesn't matter, the V1 can see everywhere in the front is this position, and has a great view out of the back.

Be sure if you tint your car's windows to use ceramic based tint to prevent weakening of the signal.

Finally, I HIGHLY recommend if you live in Atlanta to use my installer, who is very skilled, and reasonable. Shoot me a PM and I can give you his cell phone number or email address.