tapping into electrical system
04-01-2006, 07:44 AM
#1
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tapping into electrical system
I'm putting some extra stuff on my truck. I need it all to be switched with the ignition. A 12VDC 30A relay, the lights on a boost/vac and temp gauge, and power to the switch that activates a relay and also provides power to two solenoids, 1.2A each.
It seems that there are "places" for four extra fuses in the fuse box that is in the cab. It should be as simple as plugging the wire into the back, sticking the appropriate amperage blade fuse in, and driving away. However, there is no metal in their providing power, just the plastic. I've been told that the electrical system on these trucks rivals that of a space shuttle. Anyway, I have a basic understanding of electronics, but not so much with car electronics and I don't want to blow/burn anything up. I'm really good at breaking stuff (at least I'm smart enough to start here).
How can I get the "plug ins" to come unplugged from the fuse box. I figure for my gauge lighting I can just plug into the one which controls my dash lights. I would destory the connector by adding another wire in, where could I find another?
On a related note, my radio does funny things. When I bought the truck in January it didn't work at all. After a week of driving it started working, followed by a week where half the time it would work, half the time it wouldn't. Then it worked for about a month straight. I went on a trip and didn't drive it for 3 days, and it didn't work for a day or so after I started driving it. Seems like it might be a bad connection somewhere, any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
It seems that there are "places" for four extra fuses in the fuse box that is in the cab. It should be as simple as plugging the wire into the back, sticking the appropriate amperage blade fuse in, and driving away. However, there is no metal in their providing power, just the plastic. I've been told that the electrical system on these trucks rivals that of a space shuttle. Anyway, I have a basic understanding of electronics, but not so much with car electronics and I don't want to blow/burn anything up. I'm really good at breaking stuff (at least I'm smart enough to start here).
How can I get the "plug ins" to come unplugged from the fuse box. I figure for my gauge lighting I can just plug into the one which controls my dash lights. I would destory the connector by adding another wire in, where could I find another?
On a related note, my radio does funny things. When I bought the truck in January it didn't work at all. After a week of driving it started working, followed by a week where half the time it would work, half the time it wouldn't. Then it worked for about a month straight. I went on a trip and didn't drive it for 3 days, and it didn't work for a day or so after I started driving it. Seems like it might be a bad connection somewhere, any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
04-01-2006, 08:26 AM
#2
Administrator / Scooter Bum
I added one of these from Painless Wiring.
It gives 4 'Hot" with the key circuits and 3 constant 'Hot' circuits that are fuse protected without tapping into the existing stock wiring harness or fuse panel.
It gives 4 'Hot" with the key circuits and 3 constant 'Hot' circuits that are fuse protected without tapping into the existing stock wiring harness or fuse panel.
04-01-2006, 10:47 AM
#3
Originally Posted by Shovelhead
I added one of these from Painless Wiring.
It gives 4 'Hot" with the key circuits and 3 constant 'Hot' circuits that are fuse protected without tapping into the existing stock wiring harness or fuse panel.
It gives 4 'Hot" with the key circuits and 3 constant 'Hot' circuits that are fuse protected without tapping into the existing stock wiring harness or fuse panel.
...if you had any idea how much trouble/money that would have saved people on some of the cluster add on wiring jobs I've encountered over the years. I basically made a set up like that on a smaller scale for mine. That is a nice piece!
04-01-2006, 01:49 PM
#4
Administrator / Scooter Bum
Originally Posted by J BODY
...if you had any idea how much trouble/money that would have saved people on some of the cluster add on wiring jobs I've encountered over the years. I basically made a set up like that on a smaller scale for mine. That is a nice piece!
I've seen/traced/repaired some REAL electrical nightmares in my day.
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