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Lets talk about gauge power sources.

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Old 02-21-2008, 10:01 PM
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Default Lets talk about gauge power sources.

Ive finally got all my gauges i want.

Lc-1 DB gauge in red
Boost
Oil temp

I am wondering where i could wire all three of them up for power with the ignition. I would like them to be on all the time but having the option to be able to dim them would be ideal. Although not completely necessary. I have an after market Alpine head unit, I have read that people have used the stereo power source to power gauges but just want to do it right.

Any idea's?

Where has everyone else sourced power/grounds form?
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Old 02-21-2008, 10:05 PM
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I ran new ground wires 16 gauge to the intake manifold for extra grounding. I bought an "add a circuit" from Autozone. You remove the fuse from the windshield wiper fuse and install the add a circuit. It keeps the wipers fused, but gives you another fused power source, separate from the wipers circuit. It's switched fused 12V power in 2 minutes for 5 bucks and 100% reversible.
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Old 02-21-2008, 10:15 PM
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Gauge power - IG on 12v from the steering column
Gauge light - Dimmer 12V
Ground - Various convenient chassis grounds

My PLX and Autotune get 12V and ground from the ECU harness
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Old 02-21-2008, 11:20 PM
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Run a ground through the grommet where the cruise control enters the cabin, right above the shelf on the driver side of the engine. Tap it at the braid that runs to the engine.

As for power I found the awesomest place in the car. Use the door buzzer power. It is Hot in run and crank. Black with a yellow stripe.


Originally Posted by FHS
Gauge light - Dimmer 12V

LC1 gauge instructions say not to do that, it can burn out the rheostat.

I used, I think, the white with a black strip at the DRL plug.
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Old 02-22-2008, 08:47 AM
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I currently have mine tapped into the cluster power but im going to change that because I just had to replace a burnt relay and that cost $35.00. Im gonna do what patsmx5 did and use an add a circut. I dont have airbags so im gonna use that circut and I dont have power windows so im gonna use that one aswell.
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