prospero

i have a 1997 200sx se-r

i was wondering if there was a spare 12v line that is fed through the fuse box already (other than the cig/lighter) or do i need to run a new wire from the battery. if so, how?

freezing_frost

I did a search and came up with nothing usefull. So I'm going to continue this thread.

I'm planning to install a gauge in the center console under the radio. Should I use a new 12V source? If so, where do I get it, I'm looking at the FSM but being new to cars I can't figure out which slot in the fuse box is a spare 12V signal. Or how to tap into it even if I knew one.

I've also read that I can tap the power from the radio power line. Is there any problems doing that?

Sanyo

Yea, you CAN draw power from the radio. I dunno if it could add a buzz in the reception though, not sure. Theres 12v all over the car. Why not just wire it into the back of the cig lighter? It's supposed to be able to handle like 175 watts (supposedly).

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freezing_frost

Thanks, I think I will wire it up to the cig lighter then... Unless someone says otherwise. I only use my cig lighter to recharge my cell phone from time to time, if it matters.

champ69usa

I wouldn't tap the lighter circuit.....try running a 4ga. into the cockpit of the car, to a distribution block....get 12v there...this leaves scalability for future upgrades.

freezing_frost

I agree, but for the time being I don't want to drill anymore holes to run power wires from the battery. (I already have one running to my amp.) But in the future, how would I run it so that the junction/distribution block turns off when the car is off?

If it isn't wise to tap power from the radio or cig lighter, is there any other place to tap it from? One that is on a circuit that turns off when the car is off, maybe a spare fuse slot? (I don't have AC or ABS, if that helps.)

wes

No need to drill holes to run power wires. Follow champ's advice and makea nice large run from the battery. If you remove the drivers side wheel and fender liner that will expose the factory grommet, I ran a o gaguge run and all of my other gauge wires through there with plenty of room to spare. Best part is that the wire comes out right next to the battery in the engine bay.

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89Sentra

If you do run a 4ga from a battery to a distribution block DO NOT forget to put an inline fuse in there. I think its no more than 10 inches from the battery (can someone check that number).

Just make sure you fuse it. I personally tapped into the cig and the radio 12v for plenty of things and never had a problem. Just make sure you properly seal all connections.

-Jesse

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lshadoff

If you are needing power for the gauge illumination, then tap into the dash light dimmer. That way the new gauge will dim with the rest. I have instructions here:

http://www.brazosport.edu/~lshadoff/turbo/gauges.html

I have used the cigarette lighter circuit to power my boost controller and turbo timer.

Lew

freezing_frost

Thanks guys. The help is really appreciated.

For the time being, I think I'll just tap the power from the cig lighter. I'm only installing one gauge right now and it pretty much there for asthetics. Something to keep myself occupied on my spare time, a home made A/F gauge.

89Sentra

Agreed... Probably your best bet. Let us know if you run into any other problems.

Jesse

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