Passport 8500 Radar Detector Logo

Question about Passport 8500 Radar Detector

12 Answers

False Laser warning when engine RPM goes over 3000.

Every time my engine rev's over 3000 rpm, I get a false laser warning. As the rpm drops below 3000, the alarm goes away. The car is 1.5 years old and this is a problem that has showed up only now after working fine for over a year.

Posted by GerryR on

Add Your Answer
  • 4 more comments 
  • EASYLEI Dec 29, 2007

    FALSE LASER ALARM FROM ACCELERATION. I HAVE MULTIPLE AUTOS...THE 4 CYL CAMRY HAS NO RPM ALARMS, BUT WHEN I DRIVE THE V8 TRUCK AND SUV, LASER ALARMS EVERYTIME I GET ON THE GAS! IT DRIVES ME CRAZY! I WILL TRY BUYING THE LOOP, HARD WIRING IS NOT AN OPTION NOR DOES IT SEEM TO WORK.

  • gstang46 Feb 21, 2008

    About 6 weeks ago my unit kept going into self calibration, then about a week ago I started getting false laser warnings every time I step on the gas. I have two of these detectors, and another problem I have with both of them is when I turn on the windshield washer fluid pump the false laser goes off. Definitely seems like this unit is very sensitive to voltage changes.

  • troy777 May 02, 2008

    I have owned my 8500 for a couple years with no problems until a month ago. The laser started to false alarm constantly. It has been in the same vehicle (2004 F-150) since new, with no additional equipment or aftermarket accessories added. I couldn't figure out what or why it kept going off until I noticed the Laser alarm trip when I hit the throttle wide open. I found it odd, so I tried it again and again. Everytime I quickly raised the RPM's the Laser would go off. I realized that this was obviously a voltage issue. Why it just started now, I do not know. Is it better to just send it in the factory or go with a loop?

  • Anonymous May 13, 2008

    I have the same thing. Out of no where it just started doing that. False laser readings when I accelerate.

  • deadcandance Jun 02, 2008

    I am having the exact literal same problem as Gerry here., My Radar is about 15 months old and seems to go off in acceleration or deceleration at around 3000 rpm and I own a 2001 Nissan maxima. It happens only in Laser mode and just started happening 5 weeks ago and seems to be getting worse.
    Disabling Laser would be a poor solution since it was Laser that I was most wanting to acquire when buying a radar detector. It was also Laser that almost nabbed me twice. If this Escort 8500 appears to have an exact weak spot like this,maybe than I think we should all start passing this information on to warn other buyers of this apparent trait of the Escort Passport.
    How can this be solved?


  • Frenchy007 Jul 18, 2008

    I have also owned my 8500 for a couple years with no problems until yesterday when the laser started to false alarm constantly. It has been in the same vehicle (Dodge Magnum) since I bought it. I have not noticed however that it is triggered by either accelerating or slowing down. I kept unplugging it and replugging it hoping that it would re-boot properly; it worked for a couple of minutes until it started again. It is therefore unusable.

×

12 Answers

deadcandance

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.
    Corporal:

    An expert that has over 10 points.
    Mayor:

    An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.
    Problem Solver:

    An expert who has answered 5 questions.

  • Contributor
  • 3 Answers

Hey guys, me again....Deadcandance..... I posted my trouble on a Satellite forum I belong to and I had a suggestion which I tried. And it worked!!!!! No manufacture returns, no cost at all, what I did was tokk it apart gently ...watch how everything comes apart so that you can reassemble again....

Start by getting a couple Q-Tips (Ear Swabs).Leave them dry so they won;t leave any residue on the diodes. Gently clean the horn, than clean/wipe the electronics board, and blow out the diffusion screen (leave the spit in your mouth). After I wiped the unit down, I didn't see any dust persay or dirt on the Q-tip but whatever I did, fixed it....
It worked for me. Took 15 minutes to do and I have been using the Radar for three months and not one false alarm in Laser mode.
Good luck...

Posted on Sep 27, 2008

  • deadcandance Sep 27, 2008

    Hi All,
    I fixed my Radar, No Manufacturer help, no cost to me at all. I got advice from a forum member on a satellite forum I belong to. So what I did was I took apart the radar. Watch carefully how it comes apart so you can reassemble again after. Get a Dry Q-tip (ear swab) leave it dry so you do not end up leaving and residue on the diodes etc. Start by cleaning the horn, wipe the electronic board all over gently with the Qtip , blow ou the diffusion screen (leave the spit in your mouth). After all that I did not see a spec of dirt on the Q tip I used..there was
    no sign of dirt, residue but whatever I did do
    fixed the problem. I have been using it for three months and not one false alarm from the laser mode.

    Good luck all......

×

Anonymous

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.
    Mayor:

    An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

  • Contributor
  • 1 Answer

This is a known fault of this detector. After so much time the laser gets out of alignment and starts to give false readings. I've been searching on this myself and have found many other people complaining about the same thing. I also have my unit hardwired into my car and still have the problem. The only DIY fix is to use the expert mode and turn off the laser. The only true fix is to send the unit into passport, pay $60 to have it fixed.

Posted on Sep 28, 2007

  • josh Aug 26, 2010

    I think it is pretty crappy that i paid around $350.00 for my 8500 back in 04 or 05, and have to pay $60 to get it fix every couple years lol no way im gonna go with the Valentine radar i have heard great things about them and hopefuly i won't have to waste more money

  • fluffypeters Mar 24, 2011

    How do I get to the "expert mode" that is mentioned?

×

Anonymous

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.
    Mayor:

    An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

  • Contributor
  • 1 Answer

The poster above who states "Laser band is quite useless due to the fact that if it ever goes off in a true alert situation, your might as well get ready to pull over" is incorrect. There is an occasional speed trap in the same place on my way home from work. When the cops are there, they are using laser. I'm never the only car there and my 8500 ALWAYS tells me when they've lasered someone else...everytime. Keep the laser.

Posted on Jul 02, 2009

Anonymous

  • Level 2:

    An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points
    All-Star:

    An expert that got 10 achievements.
    MVP:

    An expert that got 5 achievements.
    Vice President:

    An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

  • Expert
  • 150 Answers

Has any aftermarket electronics been installed recenty? Ie amplifier with sub, or do you have lots of things plugged into you cig lighter? Anyway to solve the problem you can hardwire the detector to your fuse panel on an isolated fuse to get rid of any interference, or you can purchase a device called a ground loop isolater, either way it should solve or at least reduce the problem. Good Luck

Posted on Sep 15, 2007

Anonymous

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.
    Mayor:

    An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

  • Contributor
  • 1 Answer

The cheapest and best thing is to turn the laser band off. Laser band is quite useless due to the fact that if it ever goes off in a true alert situation, your might as well get ready to pull over. It is not like with the K or Ka band where the radar signal is not concentrated and doesn't have to be directly pointed on any one car. The laser beam has to be pointed by a cop to your vehicle to get your speed reading, but that's when (and if) the detector picks it up and it is too late. Therefore, it is as good turned off as it is on. But there are not too many lasers that are in use by the highway patrol. But Escort is great for K or Ka bands, no doubt.

Posted on Sep 27, 2008

Anonymous

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.
    New Friend:

    An expert that has 1 follower.

  • Contributor
  • 1 Answer

Deadcandance's - YOUR THE BEST. 3 years of this **** and took your advise with the q-tip....works like new. I cant thank you enough.

Posted on Oct 28, 2010

Anonymous

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.
    New Friend:

    An expert that has 1 follower.

  • Contributor
  • 1 Answer

Good news - I fixed it myself for free by removing three screws! It does NOT require re-calibrating, new capacitors, or sacrificing LASER detection capacity. All you have to do is follow the solution #3 as of now) posted above - it's that simple! It was posted by deadcandance

Posted on Nov 20, 2009

  • Anonymous Oct 28, 2010

    (deadcandance) YOU ARE THE BEST THING EVER. three years of this with my radar. I gave up using it. Everytime I gas it, the fricking laser goes off full blast. Called Passport and they wanted 59.00 to send it in and do some adjustments. I did what you said and it is working like new. I can't thank you enough. I normally would not take the time to type all this, but I am so greatful to those of you who know and share these things.

×

Anonymous

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.
    New Friend:

    An expert that has 1 follower.

  • Contributor
  • 1 Answer

I tried the q-tip solution and was tempted to use rubbing alcohol to really clean the unit but held off and to my surprise it worked. Travel 80 miles a day and have had no false alarms in over two weeks.
THANKS

Posted on Apr 15, 2010

Anonymous

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.
    New Friend:

    An expert that has 1 follower.

  • Contributor
  • 1 Answer

I registered only to say THANK YOU SO MUCH deadcandance!!!

YOU ROCK!

Posted on Jan 20, 2010

Anonymous

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.
    New Friend:

    An expert that has 1 follower.

  • Contributor
  • 1 Answer

Deadcandance, you are the man. This solution worked great. I first tried contacting Escort, the customer service guy was very short with me and told me it's $59.95 to send back the unit (out of warrenty) for repair. I just took apart the unit, removed the circuit board chassis, wiped it down with a Qtip, blew out the horn, reassembled and retested it. It works fine, problem solved ! Thank you again deadcandance.

Posted on Nov 24, 2009

Ray Daytona

Ray Daytona

  • Level 1:

    An expert who has achieved level 1.

  • Contributor
  • 2 Answers

I would never run the unit without the laser function on, I have been in several situations where I have gotten laser hits as it was used on other vehicles in front of me. That being said, if your pretty handy with taking things apart and cleaning them, I would try that. My only concern here is that while you have stopped the false alarms, how do you know it is even now working at all? Sending the unit in for repair would be the best approach for a fix in this case, or upgrade to another manufacturers unit. I have both the 8500 and the V-1 and I an on the same V-1 (not considering ugrades) unit for 20 years. One upgrade resulted in a new unit as it added laser and Pop modes, others have been software related

Posted on Oct 23, 2008

Anonymous

It needs re calibrating... send it back to manufacture

Posted on Jul 24, 2008

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

1helpful
1answer

Why does oil light come on and beep alarm sounds until engine reaches 2000 rpm?

False Oil light alarm - The Chrysler Minivan Fan Club Forums

forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/5788-False-Oil-light-alarm

Jul 24, 2007 - 10 posts - ‎6 authors
I have an oil sending unit problem, getting false reads,oil light on when stopped ...Forum · The Minivan Mopar Garage · 3rd Generation Chrysler Minivans: 1996-2000; False Oil light alarm .... *1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE 3.3L-V6 FFV, 141K miles. ... Car does not have a Tach or oil pressure guage. Oil Light Keeps Coming On
10 posts
Jan 17, 2010
Oil pressure light comes on when brakes applied
10 posts
Dec 11, 2009
oil light flashing
10 posts
Mar 9, 2009
Intermittent Oil Light - Oil Pressure Sensor?
10 posts
Jan 14, 2009
More results from forum.chryslerminivan.net

i have a 98 plymouth grand voyager, when i slow down and


Read full answer
Dec 30, 2015 • 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager
0helpful
1answer

2002 jaguar xj8 when I drive it won't go over 3000rpm

Jaguar wont rev 3000 rpm Questions & Answers - Fixya

www.fixya.com > Forum > Tags > wont rev 3000 rpm
1998 Jaguar XJ8 won't rev over 3000 rpm ... Wont go beyong 3000 Revs s type 2001, wont go beyond 3000 Revs and it' in limp ... Question about 2002 X-Type ... My jaguar xjr8 year 2000 battery went dead started car went for short drive back ...

Jaguar engine cuts 3000 rpm Questions & Answers - Fixya

www.fixya.com > Forum > Tags > engine cuts 3000 rpm
1998 Jaguar XJ8 won't rev over 3000 rpm ... engine cuts out and shudders at 3000 rpm won't accelerateobd code p0332 2002 jaguar x type 3.0 l P0332 - Knock ... Car is boging out in park and will not go over ... driving, don't worry about it.

Rev Won't go up

www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=14662
Read full answer
Dec 15, 2015 • Jaguar Cars & Trucks
0helpful
1answer

Laser alert constantly goes off
Laser is very sensitive to false alarms often set off when driving by an airport, or military base. Set your laser on City Mode and pay attention exactly where it goes off. Mine goes off constantly in the same place which is a air force base in Tucson, AZ. Unless you drive like crazy shut it off in the city although the cops like to use a hand held one in school zones. In 6 years of driving in Arizona I have had one real laser alert, and other than false alerts, real ones are far and few in between. Check when and where the unit alerts and use different sensitivity settings. One more thing, if your laser warning goes off you already have the ticket since the cops use them at close range unlike the radar bands. Hope this helps.
Read full answer
Sep 29, 2014 • 2012 Pro Sti Magnum Dash Mount Radar...
0helpful
1answer

Trouble in cold weather
You may be correct with what you think the problem may be, but another good thing to check is your coolant level. A low coolant level could cause false readings from you coolant temp sensor, which in turn will cause an engine hunting condition that you described.
Read full answer
Nov 07, 2013 • 1997 Chevrolet C2500
2helpful
1answer

Rpm does not drop below 1000
No,only on carburated engines it,idles down to the set point,on yours,it's fuel injected,pushing gas pedal won't kick idle down,should go down after a certain amount of time,does it automatically,If you start and drive a 5 mile ride and stop at a stop sign,it should idle at it's set point if there's no engine problems,which may be.5 to .7 on your tac.When you normally first start,it will idle between 1000 to 1200 rpm's,don't push on gas,let idle say 15 seconds,put in drive and go.
Read full answer
Jan 13, 2013 • 2005 Chrysler Sebring Conv
0helpful
1answer

I have a 2008 mercury Milan with nearly 60k miles on it. When I come to a stop the rpm drops by 1000 then recovers quickly. What should I do to fix the problem? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Check out related help links to troubleshoot these problem:----Click the link below:---Idles Fine but RPM jumps in drive mode? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/idles-fine-but-rpm-jumps-in-drive-mode.html
---------Mitsubishi Lancer rpm needle bounces? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/mitsubishi-lancer-rpm-needle-bounces.html
--------How to adjust rpm on 2009 dodge charger SRT8?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-adjust-rpm-on-2009-dodge-charger.html
---------
Engine cuts out at 3000 RPM? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/engine-cuts-out-at-3000-rpm.html

---------

Cold start problem and vehicle shudder around 2500 to 3500 rpms
http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/cold-start-problem-and-vehicle-shudder.html

---------
High rpm in neutral? Inconsistant high RPM in neutral? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/high-rpm-in-neutral-inconsistant-high.html

-----------
Jetski Sputters and Low RPM? http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/jetski-sputters-and-low-rpm.html

--------
Fuel Injection Problem And RPM suddenly increases http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/fuel-injection-problem-and-rpm-suddenly.html

----------
2005 Toyota Highlander: Engine runs hard RPM below 3000? http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2005-toyota-highlander-engine-runs-hard.html

---------
1987 Toyota Camry: RPM Drops going Up hills? http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/1987-toyota-camry-rpm-drops-going-up.html

-----------
Cruise Control stops working, Excessive cranks to start the engine and RPM goes max 2500 http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/cruise-control-stops-workingexcessive.html

----------
1990 Toyota 4Runner: Engine cuts off when reaches 2000 RPM?


http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/1990-toyota-4runner-engine-cuts-off.html

------------
1999 Toyota Camry: Erratic stalling and high engine RPM at idle?


http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/1999-toyota-camry-erratic-stalling-and.html

---------
1995 Toyota LS: Misfire at idle or low RPM http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/04/1995-toyota-ls-misfire-at-idle-or-low.html

-----------
Lexus RX: Tapping noise under Valve Cover At Low RPM? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/lexus-rx-tapping-noise-under-valve.html

----------
These will help.
Thanks.

Read full answer
Nov 22, 2012 • Cars & Trucks
0helpful
1answer

Driving on the road the RPM goes higher wituout speedind
Check out related help links to troubleshoot these problem:----Click the link below:---Idles Fine but RPM jumps in drive mode?http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/idles-fine-but-rpm-jumps-in-drive-mode.html
---------Mitsubishi Lancer rpm needle bounces?http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/mitsubishi-lancer-rpm-needle-bounces.html
--------How to adjust rpm on 2009 dodge charger SRT8?


http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-adjust-rpm-on-2009-dodge-charger.html
---------
Engine cuts out at 3000 RPM?http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/engine-cuts-out-at-3000-rpm.html

---------

Cold start problem and vehicle shudder around 2500 to 3500 rpms
http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/cold-start-problem-and-vehicle-shudder.html

---------
High rpm in neutral? Inconsistant high RPM in neutral?http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/high-rpm-in-neutral-inconsistant-high.html

-----------
Jetski Sputters and Low RPM? http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/jetski-sputters-and-low-rpm.html

--------
Fuel Injection Problem And RPM suddenly increaseshttp://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/fuel-injection-problem-and-rpm-suddenly.html

----------
2005 Toyota Highlander: Engine runs hard RPM below 3000?http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2005-toyota-highlander-engine-runs-hard.html

---------
1987 Toyota Camry: RPM Drops going Up hills?http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/1987-toyota-camry-rpm-drops-going-up.html

-----------
Cruise Control stops working, Excessive cranks to start the engine and RPM goes max 2500 http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/cruise-control-stops-workingexcessive.html

----------
1990 Toyota 4Runner: Engine cuts off when reaches 2000 RPM?


http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/1990-toyota-4runner-engine-cuts-off.html

------------
1999 Toyota Camry: Erratic stalling and high engine RPM at idle?


http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/1999-toyota-camry-erratic-stalling-and.html

---------
1995 Toyota LS: Misfire at idle or low RPMhttp://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/04/1995-toyota-ls-misfire-at-idle-or-low.html

-----------
Lexus RX: Tapping noise under Valve Cover At Low RPM?http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/lexus-rx-tapping-noise-under-valve.html

----------
These will help.
Thanks.

Read full answer
Nov 22, 2012 • 2008 Toyota Avalon
0helpful
1answer

1995 nissan bogs down at 3000 rpm no check engine light
if its a turbo,see if the tubes on turbo still connected
Read full answer
Jul 27, 2012 • 1995 Nissan Pickup
2helpful
2answers

Car is boging out in park and will not go over 3000 rpm in park and throttle all the way to floor. also i get the scent of burned oil coming from underhood. on a 2000 jaguar s type
If it only stops at 3000 rpm in park, it probably has a governor to prevent you from revving it over 3000 rpm with no load on it. That isn't very good for engines. As long as it goes over 3000 while driving, don't worry about it.
Read full answer
Dec 13, 2009 • 2000 Jaguar S-Type
0helpful
1answer

Laser goes off when i am driving in area were there is no buildings or police cars also goes to k ban what is this problem
A lot of the time this is caused by a somewhat flaky power connection to the radar detector, or may be caused by excessive electrical system noise created by your car's alternator. The cigarette lighter socket itself my be the problem due to oxidation within the socket. Do you get false laser alerts when you rev your car's engine to certain RPM's? Do you get either laser or radar falses if you jiggle the radar detector's power cord or slightly move it plug in the cigarette lighter socket? If yes, to either, then installing a hardwire power kit may solve the problem. Jump over to radardetector.net and describe the problems you are having with your radar detector. Most likely they will help you to track down the source of the problem.
Read full answer
Jun 25, 2009 • Passport 8500 Radar Detector
Not finding what you are looking for?

View Most Popular

Passport 8500 Radar Detector

  • Vehicle Parts & Accessories

Related Question

Why does oil light come on and beep alarm sounds until engine reaches 2000 rpm?

  • 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager

Open Questions:

0answers

self calibrate
Read full answer
Be the first to answer Jan 19, 2014 • Passport 8500 Radar Detector
0answers

Passport Escort no sound
Read full answer
Be the first to answer Nov 12, 2013 • Passport 8500 Radar Detector
0answers

mi radar x50 cuando encuentra laser se bloquea y aparece en la pantalla requiere servicio

Read full answer
Be the first to answer Oct 03, 2013 • Passport 8500 Radar Detector
0answers

Escort passport 8500 won't turn on

Read full answer
Be the first to answer Oct 28, 2012 • Passport 8500 Radar Detector

See all Passport 8500 Radar Detector Questions

Related Topics

4,310 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Popular Questions

Escort 8500 radar detector

Passport 8500 Radar Detector

Escort, passport 8500

Passport 8500 Radar Detector

Laser warning going off all the time

Passport 8500 Radar Detector

Put Escort passport 8500 X50 into calibration mode.

Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector

Service Required on 8500

Passport 8500 Radar Detector

Top Escort Vehicle Parts & Accessories Experts

Marvin
Marvin

Level 3 Expert

85242 Answers

Brad Brown

Level 3 Expert

19166 Answers

W.L.

Level 3 Expert

2511 Answers

Are you an Escort Vehicle Part and Accessory Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

PDF Manual
. Passport 8500 Radar Detector Manual

Passport 8500 Radar...

Loading...