i know this a very elementary question, but please understand that i HATE anything that has to do with electrical stuff on cars. it seriously scares me, i dont understand it, and I will attempt to avoid it at all costs.
That said, I am hooking up a gauge, I have everything wired up for it already, i just need to grab some power off of an ignition source. I have one of those “add-a-circuit” things that you pop in the fuse black that I am using to run the lights on both of my a-pillar gauges. I was going to use the same thing to get ignition power for the one gauge that needs is, but the catch is the “add-a-circuit” can’t be used with anything over 10 amps, and the only source in the fuse black under 10 amps is the one for the headlights, which is not an ignition switched source
So, the “easy way out” method deemed not usable in this situation, i need to wire it in the old fashioned way. what can i grab power from? i was seriously thinking the radio, or doing it the fucked up way and pulling a fuse that I’d like to run it off of, stripping the wire, jamming the wire in there and put the fuse back but thats prob not the best idea.
In my opinion, the “best” way to do it, would be to use one of the ignition wires at the steering column. Its easy to get to, and will supply more than enough current. It will be a red/light green wire, or black/light green.
I wouldnt recomend using one of the quick splices like shown above. I would either solder the wire, or if you want to use a mechanical type connector, use a real 3m T-Tap. Make sure you use a inline fuse.
OK, I realize if you know nothing of wiring this is confusing. Use any source from your fusebox that’s a switched circuit you want. You can do this because whatever you are powering will only draw as much as it needs (unless there is a short). The 10 amps rated part is just what your “add a circuit” piece can handle due to wire thickness. Your gauge probably won’t even draw an amps worth of current. So if you really want to be anal, put like a 5 amp fuse in the “add a circuit” slot.
well, as long as I’m not going to damage anything, I will probably just use the add a circuit. seems to be the most idiot proof way of doing it. and as said before, its just an Auto Meter gauge, so i dont think its gonna draw that much power. thanks for all of the input!
there should be at least a few open circuits that you can wire into the block.
Also, if this is just for two gauge lights, why aren’t you wiring into the interior light system?
The bulbs are what, 2 watts each? 2 watts @ 12 vdc = 0.33 amps.
And… you generally want the gauges only lit when you have the parking lights on, no?
If you really want to go the long route, add a 1 amp circuit to power a relay. use a lead wire from the parking light switch to trip the relay (~200 mv) to turn the lights on. You’d need a super low rated relay for <1amp though.
:gotme:
I read the OP wrong, though you were just looking to wire in the lights, sorry. See below.
Whoa, I didn’t read that you were looking for IGN source, sorry.
You can tap into an IGN wire just fine. A GOOD T-Tap, but prefferabley strip & solder.
I would def fuse a non OEM line running from the IGN, but here is the key safety question: I’m assuming this is a WBO2 since it needs IGN+… so the question is:
HOW MUCH AMPERAGE DOES THE GAUGE PULL? RATED FOR? REQUIRE?
…cause I’m willing to bet it doesn’t need 10 amps.
It may work fine, but def not good. I would never trust one in my car, but thats just me. I know 9870870870 people have never had a problem with them, but imo its just plain hack.
im not sure how much the gauge pulls. I did notice, however, that the lights on the gauges seem to be different…one gauge is brighter (significantly) than the other. It’s a trans temp gauge…im just going by what the instructions said to wire it into an IGN source. I’ll look at how much amperage it takes and get back to you. I have the Jeep in the garage right now for some work, once thats done the Mustang will be back in there and work on that will resume.