So where do I plug my radar detector in my cx-5? The only power outlet I can find is in the center arm rest which is quite inconvenient.

 

If you are against running a cord to the under-console 12v outlet, then it might be time to upgrade to a USB or wireless radar detector (probably your best bet). There are always other ways to "rig" something up though. You could install a 12v accessory outlet fairly cheap into the dash. If your RD has bluetooth, you can find wireless bluetooth chargers that plug into 12v outlets. You could also hardwire it. I'm not an expert on RD and don't use them, but just from spending 20 minutes googling info on your issue I think your best bet is to search Amazon and find a new RD that would meet your exact needs. Hell, it'll give you an excuse to get a new RD! Good luck

 

Did you find the outlet on the center stack at the bottom?

 

Yes, but not the cigarette lighter plug in type. see new post.

 

Try this. It should work. Hook it up to your battery via the eyelets and you won't have to worry about it coming loose. then run the 12v inlet to wherever. It would be easy to hide your wiring this way too. If you really want to do it right, just go to a local trusted car audio store and have them run the wire for you or install a 12V outlet wherever you need it. It wouldn't cost much to have them do it and make it look right.

 

TOPOL,
I just got off the phone with Mazda USA and it appears that that outlet below the climate control on the 2016 CX5 was removed when we had a nav system added.
The space is now taken up with the SD card socket as well as 2 USB ports and an AUX port.
So it appears that there will NOT be a 12 volt outlet for your convenience on the dashboard. Hard to believe.
My next step, as suggested by Mazda USA is to let the Dealer Service Manager see if he can come up with a place to install a cigarette lighter, a $20 Mazda accessory.
I checked with Escort(Radar Detector Mfg) and they do not make a 5 volt USB powered device. Other choices under consideration is hard-wire or buying a new battery powered Detector.
I am stunned that this feature has been removed from a very expensive car.

MichaelZ

 

Thanks for the info Michael. I too am stunned that the cigarette plug in was omitted. Since I have a $400 escort which works perfectly I will not be replacing it. Hopefully there is an "empty" switched terminal in the fuse box so I can get it hard wired. These must be the same guys that alter a computer program for no other reason that they "think" the alterations work better even though the program before the changes worked just fine. It usually leaves you dumbfounded for a while trying to figure out the changes.


Thanks again,


Joe.

 

Mazda as well as Mazda Service was useless with this significant inconvenience. I went to an after-market installer and they had no problem installing an accessory outlet next to the USB ports and wired it to the ignition system. All for $125 (2 hours). I think Mazda owes me $125, what do you think?

 

There are lots of places to tap into 12v for a detector. The closest would be in the overhead console.

 

Hard wire was an option provided by the "After Market" company.
BUT, I also have a "Smart Plug" on my detector that is used to cancel an alert and I did not want to give up that feature.
I am just amazed as to how much trouble I had to go through because someone at Mazda decided that a accessory outlet is no longer required. or