COBRA OBDII to Barrel Connector Power Cord with for Cobra Radar Detectors
Quick take
This COBRA power cord lets you run power to compatible Cobra radar detectors through your vehicle’s OBDII port, aiming for a cleaner install than using a cigarette lighter or accessing the fuse box. It is most convenient for drivers who want a simple, routed cable for windshield or mirror-mount setups, but buyer reports suggest compatibility can vary by vehicle, and a small number of users experienced intermittent power over time.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Plug-and-play approach using an OBDII port, avoiding a wire tap (for cleaner routing).
- 9.8 ft cable length for flexible placement to windshield or mirror mounts.
- Designed to power compatible Cobra radar detectors directly from the OBDII port.
- Helps free up other cabin power ports for phones and accessories.
Cons
- May not behave the same on every OBDII-equipped vehicle, with some users seeing power only at startup or intermittent behavior.
- For the detector to avoid draining power while the vehicle is off, a power setting change may be required.
- Some buyers report that reliability issues can appear after a period of use.
What buyers think
Buyer feedback is mixed, with the strongest recurring theme being connection convenience. Several comments highlight a secure, “stays put” fit compared with relying on older or loose cigarette-lighter style connections. Others, however, report inconsistent power behavior, such as intermittency or the detector powering on briefly and then shutting off. There is also limited but relevant evidence that not all vehicles’ OBDII ports provide the same power behavior, even when the vehicle has an OBDII interface. Overall, the buyer-review evidence supports the idea that this cord works well when your vehicle’s OBDII port matches the expected power behavior, but it is not a guaranteed fit for every OBDII implementation.
How this power cord works
This is an OBDII-to-barrel connector power cord built to supply power to supported Cobra radar detector models using an OBDII port located in the dash console. The main benefit is simplifying installation, since the cable is intended to plug in rather than requiring fusebox access or direct wire tapping.
It also emphasizes a “clean up your cabin” approach. By drawing power from the OBDII port, you may be able to free up USB and cigarette-lighter outlets for other devices. The cord is long enough (9.8 ft) to route to common radar detector mounting positions, such as windshield or mirror-based installations.
Compatibility and vehicle power behavior
This cord is meant for compatible Cobra radar detectors, including models such as RAD350, RAD380, RAD450, RAD480i, and RAD700i. Compatibility here is not just about the detector, it is also about how your car’s OBDII port supplies power.
Some buyers report that their vehicle’s OBDII port did not deliver stable power as expected, leading to behavior like powering on only during engine start, shutting off soon after, or experiencing intermittent connection power. That points to a practical shopping caveat: your vehicle’s OBDII port may be configured for accessory power differently than other vehicles, and that can affect a radar detector’s operation.
Setup experience for windshield and mirror mounts
The intended setup is straightforward. You plug the OBDII end into the dash, then route the 9.8 ft cable to your detector mount location. The longer length is specifically useful if you want to hide the run and position the detector where you can still see it clearly.
One more important step is power configuration on the detector side. The product description notes that compatible detectors may require a power settings change to prevent constant power draw when the vehicle is not running. That means you should plan for a quick menu adjustment so your detector does not stay powered when the car is off.
Pros and cons in plain terms
When this cord is a good fit
- You drive a vehicle with an OBDII port that reliably powers accessories the way you need.
- You want a cleaner installation than using a cigarette lighter or USB port.
- You need cable reach for a hidden windshield or mirror-mount routing path.
- You own a supported Cobra radar detector model and want direct OBDII power.
When you might want an alternative
- Your OBDII port only provides power at startup or shows inconsistent accessory power behavior.
- You prefer a power solution with fewer variables, especially if your car has known quirks with dash power circuits.
- You are not comfortable checking and changing your radar detector’s power setting to avoid constant draw while parked.
Verdict
If you have a compatible Cobra radar detector and your vehicle’s OBDII port behaves as expected, the COBRA OBDII to barrel connector power cord is a tidy, plug-in way to power your setup without wire tapping. The main reason to pause is that buyer feedback indicates vehicle-by-vehicle differences in OBDII power behavior, and a minority of reviews mention intermittent power over time. If you are specifically trying to avoid cigarette-lighter power limitations and you can confirm your OBDII port works reliably for continuous or switched accessory power, this cord can be a practical match.
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FAQ
Is this OBDII to barrel connector power cord compatible with any Cobra radar detector?
It is intended for compatible Cobra radar detector models, including RAD350, RAD380, RAD450, RAD480i, and RAD700i. If your detector model is different, compatibility may not apply.
Will my radar detector stay powered when the car is off?
The detector may need a power setting change to prevent constant power draw when the vehicle is not running. Check your detector’s power configuration after installation.
Does it work with every vehicle that has an OBDII port?
Not necessarily. Some buyers report inconsistent behavior depending on the vehicle, including powering on at startup and then shutting off. Your car’s OBDII power behavior matters.
How long is the cable?
The cable length is 9.8 feet, which is intended to support flexible routing for windshield or mirror mount installations.
Does it require a wire tap or fusebox connection?
The cord is designed for a plug-and-play OBDII connection and is positioned as avoiding wire tapping for cleaner installs.
Specifications
| Product Title | OBDII to Barrel Connector Power Cord with for Cobra Radar Detectors, Compatible with Cobra RAD350 380 450 480i 700i for Windshield or Mirror Mount Applications |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Vehicle Electronics Accessories > Radar Detectors |
| Brand | COBRA |
| Manufacturer | Cobra Electronics |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 2.72 ounces |
| Connector Type | Obdii to Barrel |
| Cable Type | OBDII to Barrel Connector |
| Compatible Devices | Radar Detector |
| Other Special Features of the Product | 9.8 Foot Cable |
| Compatible Phone Models | No Compatible Phone Models |
| Connector Gender | Male-to-Female |
| Number of Pins | 18 |
| Maximum Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Recommended Uses For Product | OBDII to Barrel Connector Power Cord |
| Specification Met | Obdii |
| Indoor Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| Unit Count | 9.8 Feet |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Brand Name | COBRA |
| Model | 0010088-1 |
| Item Length | 9.8 Feet |
| UPC | 028377316708 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00028377316708 |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Manufacturer |
| Part Number | 0010088-1 |
| Included Components | OBDII to Barrel Connector Power Cord |
Available variants
Style
- 12-Volt Power Cord
- OBDII Power Cord
- Direct Wire Power Cord
- USB-C Power Cord
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