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Best way to power lights on new gauge?

  • Thread starter Thread starter bonestock87
  • Start date Start date Aug 20, 2011

bonestock87

Founding Member
Dec 19, 2001
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Cape Coral, FL
Aug 20, 2011
#1
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #1
Installing a boost gauge and the instructions say to tap into the dimmer switch. I really think there has to be an easier way than taking the dash trim that far down to access the dimmer switch. I was looking for advice on how others have wired up aftermarket gauges to light them up.

Thanks!
 

TenorPlayinGuy

Founding Member
Aug 3, 2001
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Canyon Country, Ca
Aug 20, 2011
#2
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #2
Where did you install it? There are many places to tap into that particular circuit. The switch is located close enough. Otherwise if you plan on getting it from the instrument cluster, its really not that much to get down to it. What year mustang, and where your mounting it will help us out more.
 

wythors

Get off my lawn!!!
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May 17, 2000
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C Addle
Aug 20, 2011
#3
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #3
Look at a wiring diagram or just peruse the fuse box and see which wire going into it powers the dash lights and tap it there. That's what the instructions for the Ford Racing gauges told me to do on the one's I put in my wife's old Cobra.
 

LarsD

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Jul 2, 2002
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Aug 20, 2011
#4
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #4
I tapped into one of the wires on the back of the headlight switch that energizes when I turn my parking lights on.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
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#5
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #5
As noted, at the switch itself (be sure to get the dimmed portion of the parking light circuit, as both will illuminate the test light when the parking lights are on) and the leg of the circuit at the back of the radio suffice.
 

bonestock87

Founding Member
Dec 19, 2001
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Cape Coral, FL
Aug 20, 2011
#6
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #6
It's a 93 and I'm mounting the gauge on the A pillar. Thanks for the replies!
 

jrichker

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#7
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #7
Look for Light Blue/Red wire on the radio. It should be the dimmer for the radio. You can use it to power the lights on your gauges. Be sure to use solder and heat shrink tubing on any wire splices you do. See Ford Fuel Injection » How To Solder Like a Pro for soldering & heat shrink tubing tips.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
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Nov 29, 1999
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#8
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #8
Since it's on the pillar, I'd just grab power at the back of the headlight switch.
 
R

rustyruststang5

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May 9, 2011
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#9
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #9
i did all 7 of my gauges at the light switch very easy. taking apart a fox dash isnt hard at all.
 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
9,692
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PA
Aug 20, 2011
#10
  • Aug 20, 2011
  • #10
I use that wire as well, then it will dim like the stock setup, like Hissin stated you can grab it at the headlight switch as well...blue with red tracer
 
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