K2Cummins

What are the best wires to splice into to power the gauges; and are some better than others?

Thanks

banshee

I usually use one of the larger 12 gauge wires running under the dash to power stuff. Your '02 should have a blue 12 gauge wire running up to the steering column that is key hot... I used that on dad's '02 and my '01.5 to power the gauges. Not sure what it's for, but no problems with it.

John

dodgediesel4x4

I powered mine into the fuse panel (illumination light fuse). You can adjust how bright you want them at night this way. I ran my 3 gauges in a series and powered them w/ some 18 gauge wire, also grounding them on a metal cross-member above the pedals. So far so good.

banshee

Good point about the lighting... I was just thinking power. The illumination fuse works, or you can pull off the trim ring on the dash (it just pops out), and take the headlight switch out with 3 screws. When you pull it out there will be 20+ wires running to the switch. I *think* it's the brown wire off the top of my head, but if you use a test light you can find out for sure which wire it is by turning the switch on and off and moving the dimmer.

John

phox_mulder

A great source of key on power is the lighter.
Big fuse connected to it as well.

While your down there, the ashtray light makes a great tap point for dimmage lighting for the guages as well.

Keeps the fuse block clutter free.


phox

MK4288

i completely removed the ashtray light and spliced in that way. it was easy and works well plus i don;t think the ashtray really needs to see what it is doing.

Joe Diesel

yup thats what I did, worked perfectly

Paul Winey

When I had the A-pillar off to put the new gauge mount up, I traced the ignition hot and illumination wires to the overhead computer/console and tapped into them there. Now if I ever have to take the gauges out I can easily disconnect there and not get under the dash. Easier than trying to plug into the fuse holders and neater too.

Paul

BPonci

Lower part of the steering coulmn there is a black wire with a orange stripe.Works great!