I would like to connect an engine hour meter in my CTD 97' 2500. I'm looking for the correct connection point to run the meter with the diesel engine?

Since the fuel tank sender quit working (posted elsewhere) I use the mileage method to figure refueling stops- only problem is idlling time does not come into play with the mileage method- thus the engine hours.

 

Any wire that's hot only in the "run" position would work fine, you could tap into the power window fuse in the fusebox pretty easily.

If you want one that works when the engine is actually running, you could tap into the ASD relay, it supplies 12v+ to the alternator only when the PCM gets signal from the crank sensor.

 

My does not have power windows, (yea I know I'm like the only person on the road without them), anyway my truck was spec'd as a basic plow truck setup. Would I still have a fuse there- or just an empty slot? What was the other thing you mentioned- an ASD relay- where would I find that?

 

Should have a slot for the fuse.

I don't have power seats, but use the fuse slot to supply batt + for the CB radio.

 

No fuse makes it even easier, you don't have to use a fuse tap.

ASD relay is on the driver's side fender with all the other relays. Somebody else will have to tell you exactly which one it is, I don't have a 2nd gen or the FSM for one.

The power window fuse is "good enough", but if you're a stickler for accuracy and have to know exactly how long the engine has been running, hooking to the ASD relay will tell you that.

 

My hourmeter is fed off the light green w/ back stripe wire feeding the fuel shutdown solenoid but my meter is under the hood.