Good places to tap into for 12V source

[gsr355]

I need some suggestions on were to tap into for my power source for a couple autometer gauges. I already tapped into the cigarette lighter, dimmer switch, cruise control switch. I need two more power sources for the gauges, and to more for the lights of those gauges. So i need two power sources that will go hot when i turn the key to the on position, and two power sources that will go hot when i turn my parking lights on. Any suggestions, thanks.

[Holden]

I think you might be going overboard. I ran one + wire from the battery to the gauges and one - wire from a bolt onto the body under the center console.

My gauges are not lacking for juice.

------------------
Greg Holden
96 GSR, JSRC, I/H/E, yada yada yada...
My JRSC Install Site

[JRCivic]

How about an easier way:

For all '94+ Integra's and '92-95 Civics:

There are five (5) male spade connectors recessed across the top edge of the fuse box under the dash. If you count from LEFT to RIGHT, use the forth (4) for your illumination and the fifth (5) for your 12v+ switched sources. Fuse accordingly as noted by everyone else here.



------------------



'93 Civic Si H/B with B18C1, JRSC @ 8psi
Best 1320: 12.68 at 110 mph

[gsr355]

Thanks a lot everyone, i think i know where to get the power from, i think i'm going to use fuse box as JRCivic suggested. One thing though, can someone tell me how i can tell which fuse to use? Thanks

[turbotypeR]

if you go to the column harnes and solder it in it will always be more reliable.

[turbotypeR]

the steering column harness has about 40 amps of current.this will be enough to run as many autometer gauges as you want.i can't remember the color,but if you can use a mutimeter,you should be able to find it.the ignition wire will be in a group of large wires coming from the switch.the illumination wire will come from the light switch.i have hooked up up to 10 gauges to these wires before with no problems.make sure you fuse them as close to the source as possible to prevent a fire.

[blowncivic]

Yes, definately tap into the main ign. harness at the steering column for ign power. There will be many large guage wires there which include: 12V constant wire, crank wire, ign on wire (12V with ign on and while cranking), acc on wire (12V with ign on but no 12V while cranking), and some other 2ndary ign wires. Be sure to fuse your added circuit with the correct fuse at the column. The parking light wire is found many places in the car, the best place to tap into it is in one of the wire harnesses that plug into the fuse box (I think the green plug). The wire is typically red/blk or red/grn. Be sure to test any wire with a multimeter (NOT A TESTLIGHT!) before you connect any other circuits to it. Good luck. Tom

------------------
'92 Civic Si H/B (D16Z6) with JRSC, I/H/E...

[blowncivic]

True, those quick plugs on the top of the fuse box is the quickest and easiest, but they usually pop out every one in a while. As far as the fusing goes, use a 10-15A fuse with a minimum of 14-16AWG wire. Be sure to fuse your circuit as close as possible to the power source. Tom

------------------
'92 Civic Si H/B (D16Z6) with JRSC, I/H/E...

[Gvtec]

Be careful when playing with the wires in the steering column; stay away from the air bag! Any voltage disruption could lead to a blown bag.

[blowncivic]

True, those quick plugs on the top of the fuse box is the quickest and easiest, but they usually pop out every one in a while. As far as the fusing goes, use a 10-15A fuse with a minimum of 14-16AWG wire. Be sure to fuse your circuit as close as possible to the power source. Tom

------------------
'92 Civic Si H/B (D16Z6) with JRSC, I/H/E...