Power for gauges? Don't want anything melting!

im running 3 autometers plus a 5" monster tach...all powered from the dimmer switch (per instructions) and no problems.....i would not install gauges to a direct 12v source...just me though..

im not sure i follow - you want to run the positive juice for the powering of the needles and the lighting through the same circuit (so the lighting is always on)?
i think i have the wrong impression.

you can run all the key-on power wires together (piggyback them). then the dimmer circuit (fuse 13) can be used for the lighting (dont use fuse 13 for powering the gauges - you will be feeding sub-12 volts to the gauges at times and the gauges will only work with the lights on).

so run one ground (for gauge ground and lighting ground), one key on power wire (from a key-on hot fuse like the turn signal fuse, the yellow wires under the column, etc), and a wire for positive lighting (i.e. dimmer circuit, the parking lights, etc).
i dont know how many gauge bulbs you can run off the ISO circuit. IMPORTSMOKER addressed that and knows. do remember the circuit is only 5 amps (dont go crazy - dimmers are pricey).

i would fuse the two power wires (key on and lighting).

make sure the ground is very clean (ohms out really low). good luck and enjoy.

Andres2882 said:

Hey all,

Was wondering if its cool to tie in the 12v wire for 4 gauges to the same place or if that will cause too much of a draw (dimmer gauges) or something to melt? Can I just get a thicker gauge cable and run them all to it? Anyone have any good walkthroughs?

Thanks

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im running two ultra lites off of a switchable 12v source. if you run it to a constant 12v source youll probably drain your battery after not too long..i mean if you dont drive it for a little while. the wire i tapped into for my switchable 12v was on a unused plug under my dash and kinda in the d/s kick panel. this plug has a grey with yellow stripe wire that is only hot when the key is on (thats what you want).

now are you talking about powering the gauges or the lighting for the gauges, since you mentioned the dimmer?

HISSIN50 is correct about the 5 AMP fuse. It is the only 5 AMP fuse you will find in the fuse box. Pull the fuse and find out which side has NO POWER with the lights on. Hook the power for the lights to this side of the fuse and then it will be fused like the stock gauges and will dim as well.