Wiring up multiple gauges...few questions

[beetlejuice]

I'm wiring up 5 STRi gauges into my s13.

1) Where would be the best place to tap into for a switched 12v?

2) Where would be the best place to tap into for a dimmer switch (when lights come on, STRi gauges dim)?

3) Can I tie all of the wires (say, 12v switched) together from the gauges into a larger gauge wire, then tap into the appropriate spot? Or will this somehow negatively affect the gauges?

Trying not to overload any one electrical component by adding the gauges.

Thanks in advance.

[louisdaboois]

you can tie in all of the wires for the 12v switch. the fuse box under the driver's side, you'll see everything cut on by the switch... i spliced into wiper blades (to me thats the least important if the fuse blows). advanced auto sells this thing, haha sorry cant find a word to describe it, which has a male end, that plugs into a fuse spot, like normal, and is connected to to 2 female fuse outlets with a wire coming out of the other end.... if that makes sense. so essentially you put a fuse in the lower slot for the wipers, and another fuse for the 12v for the gauges and connect the power wires for the gauges... alot safer and cleaner, imo. for the dimmer switch... i have no idea... im not baller enough to have that function on cheap ass gauges.

[nine3240sx]

i connected my 12v sorce to my lights(parking)so when i turn my lights when it gets dark my gauge light come on also

[zaneithan]

i believe i tapped all of the wires for my defi link system off of the stock stereo components, there are a few constant and one when you turn on the running lights, i just probed with a power probe and found what had power when things were on and what didnt

[projectRDM]

Fuse taps are janky as fuck, don't do that. Using them spreads out the prongs in the fusebox, making the fuse fit loosely.

Gauges don't pull very much current at all, behind the radio is fine and you'll have constant, accessory, parking light feed, and dimmer all there. If you're looking for ignition, hit the column, black/red wire off the switch, it's the best place. You can tie them all together and run a single lead, just fuse it appropriately.

[punxva]

yeah basically daisy chain the dimmer and grounds for the lights.

[g6civcx]

Originally Posted by beetlejuice

I'm wiring up 5 STRi gauges into my s13.

1) Where would be the best place to tap into for a switched 12v?

2) Where would be the best place to tap into for a dimmer switch (when lights come on, STRi gauges dim)?

3) Can I tie all of the wires (say, 12v switched) together from the gauges into a larger gauge wire, then tap into the appropriate spot? Or will this somehow negatively affect the gauges?

Find how much current each gauge draws for normal operation and for lighting. If you can find the answer, I can tell you what's the best way.

If you can't find out then contact the manufacturer. If the manufacturer doesn't know then sell them and find a manufacturer that knows.

Originally Posted by beetlejuice

Trying not to overload any one electrical component by adding the gauges.

Good idea.

[boofa]

i say run your own lines and make a switch for everything!!! i like switches.. makes me feel like i'm piloting an airplane. ooooOOO...

seriously tho.. i ran 3 stri gauges and did my own wiring.. and used a single switch to turn them on and off.. they were constantly on dim.

sometimes at night... it just gets annoying with 3 white led's in your face... and with 5.. i would think it's even worse...

then again - i had a lot of long drives at night since i was commuting from delaware to jersey. that's why i liked having the choice of turning them on and off whenever i wanted to.

i put the switch next to the climate controls and it was really clean lookin.. just drilled out a hole in the trim and fitted the switch right in there...

[!Zar!]

As Russ said, Stereo is fine.

Don't over complicate things.