1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

Where Did You Pull Power For Gauges?

Old Feb 11, 2011 | 10:13 PM
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Where Did You Pull Power For Gauges?

I'm installing a boost/pyro this weekend. I know I can get under there and dig around for a keyed on power source, but I'm wondering what worked well for you guys. I have also heard that there are fuses to avoid tapping for power on these trucks. I want to use a fuse tap, but what fuse did you guys tap? And is there an existing place to ground already?

BTW, I realize there are tons of ways to do this and it's not difficult, but some ways work better/are easier than others
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Old Feb 11, 2011 | 10:20 PM
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Well, the power for the radio is a good spot I guess. Make sure you run a ground wire for the pryo directly to the battery. If you ground to the body it may cause your pryo to do funny things.
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Old Feb 11, 2011 | 10:33 PM
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I used the ash tray lite I dont smoke but its allway open it make a handy place to keep the cell phone and a pen or 2 Ken
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 10:01 AM
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Your local auto parts outlet should have add a circuit fuse for the fuse box. This is a fuse with a second hole for the fuse of the additional circuit and a wire to hook up to. Then you just choose the accessory fuse for a switched circuit or constant power fuse for other. Neat and tidy.
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 11:49 AM
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Cigarette lighter. Has power and a light. My gages are were the ash tray was.
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 12:59 PM
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I pulled power from the radio tap off the fuse panel. The most important wire is the ground. Most electrical problems I believe are caused by a faulty ground wire. The best place to go for the EGT gauge is any spot on the engine that you can easily get to and clean. I went to one of the threaded holes on the front of the head where there is an accessory mount not used. The factory stuff under the dash can cause gauge inaccuracy and needle bounce.

On another note, when I went to change my trailer brake controller the instructions said to ground it at the battery negative post. I did that and it fixed the problem with the old controller. I wound up installing the new one anyway because I already had removed it from the sealed box and couldn't return it. The old controller is going into another truck.
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 02:28 PM
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i used the radio for mine as well.
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 03:25 PM
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Fuse 8 for power, 14 for lights if you want to use fuse taps.
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Old Feb 12, 2011 | 08:07 PM
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Scotch lock the tan 18ga out of the headlight switch for gauge lights on dimmer.
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