Aftermarket Gauges

[StealthAlero99]

Ok well i installed some Speedhut gauges (look great). When i wired them, i powered them off the light in the cubbie (?) hole. Now to my question... i am not sure if this is possible or not, but i want my gauges to have a constant power source (well not constant, but when my lights come on) so that i can dim my other lights, and keep my gauges bright blue.... Thank you in advance.
-Chris

[Naich]

most of the wires in your dash are going to dim when the dimmer is used. You could just run a wire to your fuse box or into the engine bay and directly to the battery, and then install a toggle switch to turn them on and off. However, you might then accidentally elave them on.

[StealthAlero99]

yeah i was worried about that. I love the gauges but the only problem i have is that control wiring is too short.....

[Naich]

well, you could just use any kind of wire (preferably wire that has a heat-resistant coating) to run through the engine bay and crimp or solder it to the gauges wiring. Also, you might wanna consider putting an eye thing on the end of the wire that connects to the batteryso it looks neat.

[b-spot]

If you want them on all the time when the car is on at full intensity, just wire it off of the fuse for the windshield wipers.

[jamcllw]

Why not just run them to your parking lights. They only come on at night.

[StealthAlero99]

Originally posted by jamcllw@May 14 2004, 04:38 PM
Why not just run them to your parking lights. They only come on at night.
Where are the wires for the parking lights? could i just jump off the fuse for the parking lights? thanks

[jamcllw]

I ran some 12 gauge speaker wire through the firewall up to the parking light on the drivers side. I'm not sure which color was pos. and which was neg. but a meter could tell you. Just splice into them with a connector. Then I put wire loom around the wires to keep them from melting and have worked great ever since.

[Silentalero]

umm dood, whats that 12awg leading into?

one big rule of wiring is NEVER change your gauge of wire in the middle of a connection, especially from a 12awg to their most likely 18awg, youll fry the line and might start a fire.


If you take 12 awg and go into a terminal block and then terminal block out to the accessories then ok.

[jamcllw]

I went from the wires on the switch to the light. I did it almost 2 years ago and have had no problem what so ever.

[Silentalero]

so the 12awg is going to the switch and then switch to the light?

[jamcllw]

yeah

[Silentalero]

thats why its not melting (the switch acts as a neutralizer) but its still not recommended, especially speaker wire.