WTK: Wiring gauges

[dredman1]

Where can I easily tap for the following:

(a) Ignition power (12v power only when the ignition is on).
(b) Power from the headlight switch (12v power only when the headlights are switched on).
(c) Constant 12v power??

I've never taken apart the dashboard on my car, so I'm hoping there's no great degree of difficulty here. Can anyone give me some advice?

[Racegod]

whats the application?

[blazing]

a) cig lighter, clock, radio.

[fafrumlosin]

dependent on your placement of the gauges many sources can be found all u need is a 25$ light tester and you can locate them yourself

[krack korn]

I think for (b) u want a source that is on when ur parklights are on, not headlights.

As the tuners said there are many places, if u not comfortable get an electrician b/c u can put yourself in real problems if u make a mistake.

[X2]

I think for (b) u want a source that is on when ur parklights are on, not headlights.

As the tuners said there are many places, if u not comfortable get an electrician b/c u can put yourself in real problems if u make a mistake.

Yep... even something simple like this can pop fuses and cause general problems.

You can tap 12v power from any wire and simply ground the unit to any bare metal on the chassis/body (remember to scuff/sand the ground point for best results) The easiest way to do it is to tap off the cigarette lighter. You can access constant 12v power from there as well as a ground (although not the cleanest signal, it will work fine for most basic gauges.) The only issue is that not all cars are the same, some cigarette lighter power wires are constant 12v, some are switched with the car's ignition (goes off when you turn off the key).

Most japanese cars have switched power wires on the lighter, so you will need a tester to see which wire is switched and which is constant power.

[dredman1]

Racegod, application is a prosport electrical gauge.
Blazing, thanks - will see how easily accessible these wires are using fafrumlosin's suggestion
Thanks everyone else for the ideas. If it gets too difficult, I'll take the advice and run off to the closest electrician

[THE SYNDICATE]

You can get the ignition and ground at the ignition switch,the park there as well..

All you need is a test light and you'll be on the right track!

I installed my gauges myself...no probs..

[dredman1]

THE SYNDICATE, what's "the park". Also, were the gauges you installed Prosport, or another brand?? How did you connect the wires - just splice the insulation to the ignition wires and join (wrap/solder) the gauge wires to it??

[THE SYNDICATE]

THE SYNDICATE, what's "the park". Also, were the gauges you installed Prosport, or another brand?? How did you connect the wires - just splice the insulation to the ignition wires and join (wrap/solder) the gauge wires to it??

Nah,the gauges i installed were Autogauge...i just spliced the wires.You could solder it if you want,but as long as you make a good wrap you good to go!

The park light wire is the one you will use to connect the lights in the gauge to...so only when you turn on the park lights the gauges will light up!

Normally on any gauge (example volts),volts you will see three terminals.Ignition,ground and park.If its' a tach or water temp you will see four terminals,the extra one will be the sender....

[dredman1]

K - I'll give it a go. I'm not looking forward to taking apart the dash, but once I can get to the wires, I'm pretty sure I can take it from there. Thanks man.

[sufferrar]

Give me the year and make of the vehicle and i'll get the wiring colours and location.

[dredman1]

Hmm - thanks sufferrar. It's a 1990 1G DSM (Eclipse/Talon/Laser). Hopefully you can find some info.
I think I should be able to find the wires with a test light, it's just the dismantling of the dashboard that intimidates me.

[Anil_Sooknanan]

lol
you don't need to do that just the finisher but the steering wheel needs to be remove and you'll get everything there but all the light wires are not a +ve in some cars idk for yours might be a -ve or +ve you need a test lamp just $10 in buyersmart by medford works great 4 me and make sure you disconnect the airbag first orrrrr

[sufferrar]

This is what i have :
1990-93 Mitsubishi Eclipse Information
Constant 12V+ White Ignition Switch Harness
Starter Black/Yellow Ignition Switch Harness
Ignition Black/White Ignition Switch Harness
Accessory Blue/Black Ignition Switch Harness
Tach White/Black Multi Coil Pack
Brake Switch Green Brake Switch
Trunk Pin n/a Works with Dome Light
Parking Lights Green/White White Conn Rear of Fuse Panel
Head Lamp Red (-) Light Switch
Hood Pin n/a
Factory Disarm n/a
Door Trigger Tan (-) Inside Driver's Door,Dark Blue all other Doors
Door Lock Brown/Blue (-) Driver's Kick at Door Lock Relays
Door Unlock Brown/White (-)
Horn Wire Green/Black (-) Steering Column, use Relay
Constant 12V+ White Ignition Switch Harness or Use Hot Side of Brake
Switched 12V+ Black/White Ignition Switch Harness
Ground Use Chassis Near Cruise Control Module
Hot Side of Brake n/a Brake Switch
Cold Side of Brake Green Brake Switch
Tach White/Black Multi Coil Pack
VSS Wire Yellow/White Passenger's Console Largest Connector on ECM
Pulses Per Mile 4000 PPM
Constant 12V+ Red/Black
Switched 12V+ Blue
Ground Chassis
Illumination Green/White
Dimmer Black/Yellow
Antenna Trigger White/Black
Antenna Left Rear
Front Speakers 4" Dash
Left Front (+) White/Blue
Left Front (-) Black/Blue
Right Front (+) White/Red
Right Front (-) Black/Red
Rear Speakers 6 1/2" Side Panels
Left Rear (+) Yellow/Blue
Left Rear (-) Gray/Blue
Right Rear (+) Yellow/Red
Right Rear (-) Gray/Red

Let me know what goes on.

[dredman1]

jeez - that was fast.
Will let you know how it goes. Thanks sufferrar

[THE SYNDICATE]

Any progress partner?

[dredman1]

sorry Didn't get a chance yet cause I've had to work last 2 weekends , and it seems to be the same story again this weekend
No fear though, the 1st weekend I have free I'll be on it, and I'll update this thread when I get thru.

[5fwd]

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