12v + igniton source for wiring gauges

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mystangruns10s

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Mar 31, 2005

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Jan 26, 2008

#1

• Jan 26, 2008

• #1

I just got a bunch of auto meter gauges that im gong to be installing and I was wondering what is the best place to find a 12v + ignition source. IS there anywhere you can put the wires without having to actually cut any wiring in the wiring harness? Also I plan on using the fuse box to put the wires for the reverse glow and lights for the gauges. Is there a max number of wires that can be put into one spot. I plan on using the number 4 fuse, which is a 15A used for the instrument cluster illumination on my 93 GT. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

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Jan 26, 2008

#2

• Jan 26, 2008

• #2

Use a tap and tap into the interior lights. I tapped into the wire coming off the dimmer so the dimmer owuld control illumination to the gauges. When i lower my interior lights, all the autometer gauges dim along with it.

I have 3 hooked up to it like this. I installed LED lights in the gauges, so power draw is minimal

 

M

mystangruns10s

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Mar 31, 2005

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Jan 26, 2008

#3

• Jan 26, 2008

• #3

what do you mean by a tap? Also do you know a good 12v + ignition source?

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

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Massachusetts

Jan 26, 2008

#4

• Jan 26, 2008

• #4

It's sold at autozone. Basically it just crimps down over an existing wire and your new wire without actually cutting the wire. This way you don't cut up your harness. It can be removed and the slice taped over.

WHere do you need the 12+ source? Under the hood? Use the red wire on the low coolant plug dangling around under the battery. In the car, you can use pretty much any red wire as most is ignition only on. I think i used the red wire to the radio for mine. Can't really remember though

 

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mystangruns10s

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Mar 31, 2005

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Jan 26, 2008

#5

• Jan 26, 2008

• #5

thanks alot. I guess im going to go with red ignition wire inside the car, most likely from radio. Im wiring up a tach, voltmeter, air fuel, and temp gauge. any more suggestions?

 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician

Aug 8, 2003

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Jan 26, 2008

#6

• Jan 26, 2008

• #6

When i put the gauges in my vents, i tapped right into the light wire for the heater controls light, right below it.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Jan 26, 2008

#7

• Jan 26, 2008

• #7

Since you're running wires to the fusebox anyhow, you can tap into fuse 13 for your dimmed lighting. Tapping there is the same as tapping into an existing dimmed circuit. I tap into the outboard side of the circuit and use my own 1 amp fuse on my new wire.

Good luck.

 

Nova

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Aug 10, 2006

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Jan 27, 2008

#8

• Jan 27, 2008

• #8

i usually use the radio wire for a keyed source.

heres a way to tap. the wire goes into the grove, and then closes and a female spade connector can be used for a wire coming off.

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