Escort 8500CI Plus User Manual

PASSPORT 8500ci Plus Installation Manual

A C B D

Front Radar/Laser Receiver

1 Determine the best location for the Radar/

Laser Receiver (typically under the bumper
or inside the front grill of the vehicle). For
the best performance, install the Receiver
with the label facing up and the arrow
pointing forward, with a clear view of the
road.

2 Using the supplied U-shaped bracket and
the right angle mounting bracket, mark the
mounting location.

3 Mount the Receiver using the supplied
hardware. It is recommended that the
Receiver be secured to the brackets before
mounting to the vehicle.

4 Plug the Receiver into the harness and
route the cable toward the interior of the
vehicle. Secure the cable with zip ties.
Although the in-line connector is
waterproof, it is best to locate it in a dry area
protected from moving parts, road debris,
and hot surfaces, such as the radiator and
radiator hoses.

5 Find a suitable entry point into the
vehicle’s interior. (See Installation Tips.)

6 Feed the harness into the vehicle’s interior
and to the Interface. Plug into the jack
labeled “ANTENNA.”

7 If entering through a drilled hole, pull the
grommet on the harness until the end sticks
through the hole. From inside the vehicle,
pull the grommet through until it seals
against the outer surface.

Interface

1 Install Interface under the dash using

supplied zip ties. DO NOT MOUNT IN
ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

2 Connect the black wire () to the ground
and the red striped wire (+) to a switched 12
volt supply. (If the 8500ci Plus is left in the
“on” position, it will automatically power on
and off with the ignition.) Use the provided
blue 3M connector to tap into the existing
circuit if needed.

3 The Radar/Laser Receiver, Display
Controller, GPS Antenna, Concealed Alert
LED Display, and USB data cable plug into
the Interface. The jacks are labeled and
color coded to match a stripe on each cord.
Be sure that all components are plugged into
the proper jack before applying power to
the unit.

4 Once the Interface is installed and
connected to power, it is recommended that
all other components are plugged in and
tested for proper operation before
completing installation.

Display Controller

1 Determine the best location for the

Display Controller in the vehicle’s interior.
Make certain that it is clearly visible from the
driver’s position and the controls can be
easily accessed without interfering with
normal driving. (Consult customer if
necessary.)

2 Remove paper backing from the back of
the Display Controller and apply the
controller to a clean, dry surface.

3 Route the cable to the Interface and plug
into the jack labeled “DISPLAY.”

4 Secure and conceal the cable under the
trim panels.

B

12 Volt

Power Line

±

A

A

E

D

C

Interior of Vehicle

Questions?

If you have any questions, please call or visit
our Web site. One of ESCORT’s trained radar
specialists will be happy to assist you.

800.543.1608 • www.EscortRadar.com

GPS Antenna

1 Determine the best location for the GPS

antenna. The GPS Antenna requires a clear
view of the sky. The magnetic base can be
used on most vehicles to mount to the roof
of the car or the trunk lid. For vehicles with
nonmagnetic surfaces, such as aluminum or
plastic, an optional window mounted
bracket is available for interior mounting.
(See instructions below.) It can also be
mounted to the dashboard or rear deck
using double-sided tape.

2 Mount the GPS Antenna, ensuring that
roof racks or other obstructions do not
block its view of the sky.

3 Locate a suitable entry point into the
vehicle. (See Installation Tips.)

4 Route the cable through the entry point
and secure along its path. If mounting near
the front or rear window, it is usually
possible to tuck the cable under the gasket
surrounding the glass.

5 Once inside the vehicle’s interior, route
the cable to the Interface and plug into the
jack labeled “GPS MODULE.”

6 Secure and conceal the cable under the
trim panels

GPS Antenna Interior Mounting Bracket
(Optional Accessory)

1 Choose a location on the

inside of the windshield or
rear window that will
provide a wide, clear view
of the sky. (This is usually
near the base of the
window or just left of the rearview mirror
for metallized windshields.).

2 Insert the three suction cups into the
holes on the mounting bracket.

E

Concealed LED Alert Display

1 Determine the best location for the LED

Alert Display. (Consult the customer.) An
optimal location is one that is clearly visible
from the driver’s position and would not
take the driver’s eyes off the road for more
than a moment.

2 Ensure there are no hidden cables,
brackets, or other components behind the
mounting location and there is adequate
clearance behind the panel.
Warning: Be sure to avoid air bags.

3 Cover the mounting surface with masking
tape to prevent accidental scratches.

4 Carefully mark the location and drill a 1/4”
hole through the mounting panel.

5 Remove the masking tape protecting the
trim panel.

6 From the front side, snap one of the panel
bezels provided into the hole.

7 Snap the LED Display into the panel bezel
from the back side.

8 Route the cable to the Interface and plug
into the jack labeled “LED.”

9 Secure and conceal the cable under the
trim panels.

USB Data Cable

The USB Data Cable allows easy access for
updating the 8500ci Plus’s DEFENDER™
Database and operating software. Once
connected to your computer, the 8500ci
Plus can download data directly from
ESCORT’s Web site. You can also back up
your data to your computer.
We recommend you install this cable at
the time of installation to allow easy future
access. To do so, simply follow these steps:

1 Determine the mounting location for the
standard USB connector inside the vehicle.
The optimum location is one that is hidden
but easily accessible.

2 Thoroughly clean the surface to which
the standard USB connector will be adhered,
as well as the surface of the connector itself.

3 Using double-sided foam tape (supplied),
mount the standard USB connector as
desired.

4 Route the cable to the Interface and plug
the mini-USB connector into the port
labeled “USB.”

5 Secure and conceal the cable under the trim
panels.

TEST

After all components are installed correctly:

1 Turn the 8500ci Plus on by turning on the
vehicle’s ignition. If necessary, press the
power button

Controller.

2 The 8500ci Plus will cycle through a brief
startup sequence

3 If any error messages come up, see the
Troubleshooting section of the Owner’s
Manual for suggested solutions.

on the front of the Display

.

3 Clean the window thoroughly with
alcohol.

4 Place the bracket on the window and
press the bases of the suction cups firmly.
Tip: To increase the adhesion of each cup to
the window, squirt a small amount of
hairspray or other light adhesive onto the
surface of the suction cup that mates with
the window and then apply firmly

5 Place the GPS Antenna onto the mount
using the magnetic base and align the edges.
The cable should point toward the window.

6 Route the cable to the Interface and plug
into the jack labeled “GPS Module.”

6 Secure and conceal the cable under the
trim panels.