Another Guage question from a newbie

[AdamNelson]

One I have zero electrical experience, but I hate when stuff looks jerry rigged. Nice and neat. I bought the Autometer C2 pyro and boost guage. Also bought the overhead mount. I have the paint to match the interior.

Questions

1. If you tap the dimmer switch is that your 12v soucre to power the guage



2. Can you tap both guages into the dimmer switch



3. How do you connect two wires into one.



They might be some ridiculous questions, but I want to do this the right way the first time.

 

[JDiehl]

Yes when you tap the dimmer it will run both gauges. Just run the one wire all the way up to your gauges then use a scotch lock then pigtail off your power wire and also for your ground you can do the same thing. The scotch locks have two holes you just slip the wire in and it claps down in metal blade into both wires on the inside. You can get them in about any parts store.

 

[DaveHess]

I could be way off here but if you run your 12V switched from the dimmer wire, doesn't the voltage go down from 12V as you dim your lights??? The dimmer wire CAN run the lights on your new gauges but the 12V switched or power has to be a constant 12V when the truck is running. If you wire your 12V switched (power) from your gauges to the dimmer wire, your gauges won't work until you turn your lights on. Not to impune your intelligence here but without troubleshooting experience you would have a fun time troubleshooting why your gauges work at night but not during daytime driving. Unless you drive with your lights on all the time



Let me back up. The 12V power (switched or ignition) has to be connected to a power source that has 12V on it ONLY when the truck is running or the ignition is in the "ON" position. Wire your gauge lights to the dimmer wire. Sorry about the confusing post.

 

[AdamNelson]

Thank you everyone. I finally figured it out. The pyro has a constant 12v power cause it has to power the guage for they pyro all the time. It also has a 12v power for the light that can be dimmed. ie hooking up that power source to the dimmer switch. In conclusion, the boost gauge only needs the power from the dimmer cause all it has to power is the light in the guage. Ie thats why it is a mechanical guage.

 

[DaveHess]

Sorry Adam. I didn't see anywhere in your original post where you stated the gauges were mechanical. The Pyro can be bought both ways. I am not familiar with the Autometer C2. Given your line, "One I have zero electrical experience", didn't want to see you damage your new gauges or them not work as advertised.

 

[AdamNelson]

Thanks again for the help. I wasn't trying to be smug. I just had that light go on

 

[Ram4Kirk]

I have a question along this line too. I am moving my Westach EGT/Boost guage and

transmission temp guage from my '97 to my new '09. I know I need 12V to both guages

and dimmer control for the lights. I can't find a good ignition controlled 12V source cause I can't figure how to get to the suggested cig. lighter. The dimmer is no problem.

Installing the sensors is going to be ok. I need a good, switched, 12V source. Help??

P. S. I pulled my 12K 5th wheel last weekend for the first time and I AM IMPRESSED!!!

I Love my Truck!!!! ('09 3500 HD, Quad, Longbed. )



Thanks, Rich

 

[AdamNelson]

Rich diesel manor has all your answers and pictures to go with it. Gauge Installations at DieselManor- 2008-2009 6. 7L Cummins