B.D. X-Monitor Install Questions?

[Buffalo]

I am installing an X-Monitor (pyro & boost, only) in my '03, H. O. 6-speed, 4X4. I've got everything done except the pyro drilling and tap. The wiring instructions say to "t-tap into the dimmer switch orange wire with the white stripe". The problem with this is that you only have power to the X-Monitor when the lights are on. Anyone know which wire to tap into so that this thing comes on when you start the truck? Also, I would appreciate your recommendations regarding the placement of the pyro probe. I have heard that pre-turbo is the most accurate. My understanding is that just above the turbo mount and into the rear chamber of the manifold is the best location. Some are putting it in the top of the manifold in the #3 cylinder and the #6. That would be a lot easier but, I am willing to try to get it into the lower rear chamber if it's better. By the way, does this probe seem to be unusually large? It's 1-5/8" long to the bottom of the bushing threads and 2" to the top of the threads. I'm wondering if the exhaust ports in the manifold are large enough to hold this probe. It must be because they probably would not have sent it but then, the wiring instructions seem to be wrong. Any help would be appreciated. Thank You. Joe.

 

[MojaveJoe]

Do a search for "X-monitor"

Joe,

Do a search for X-monitor on this website. You will get a ton of hits and loads of info.



I installed mine on an 04 last year and started a thread that has pics of my pre turbo location (page 3) per BD on this thread



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=82801&highlight=xmonitor



Also, I used the cigarette lighter lead for power. Works only when key is on.



Further, do not try to remove the turbo before drilling. You can separate the exhaust flanges enough to slip in a piece of plastic/cardboard that fits tight on the lower turbo inlet so the steel filings can be vacuumed off the cardboard after drilling, taping etc.



The probe does seem quit long, but when I measured the depth across the manifold inside I had about 1/4 inch to spare. Works fine. Another thread of mine might help here.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=95040&highlight=xmonitor



Best of luck... I know you will like the instant readout of the X-monitor and the alarms, once you figure out where to set them.



Regards,

Joe

 

[KSchrader]

I tapped into an ignition switch wire under the steering column. If I remember correctly it was a red wire with a white stripe.



I had to remove the tape around the wires under the steering column. Then turn on the key without starting the truck, and with a test light, stick the grounded probe into the wires until you find the right wire. When the test light lights up, turn the key off to see if the test light goes off. Then turn the key on and off while holding the probe in the wire to make sure it goes on and off. Then you just splice into that wire with a wire tap. You will need to get a wire tap for the heavier gauge wire if you go this route. The blue wire tap that comes with the X-monitor is not the correct size. I think the one I bought was for 10-12 ga. wire.



The X-monitor goes on and off with the turn of the key. I got it on the second try. Make sure to tape the wires you probe into when done so they dont short out. Worked out great!

 

[Buffalo]

Thanks, Guy's, for all your help. I moved the wire from the orange with white stripe, wire to the red wire on the cigar lighter. Works great! Went out to the local hardware store and bought a 1/4 NPT tap, today, and drilled a 7/16 hole in the manifold in the rear chamber, 1/2 to 3/4" above the turbo mount flange at the bottom of the manifold. Tapped it and it worked great! Someone here suggested that you only tap in far enough so that you can hand tighten the probe 3 to 3-1/2 turns. Thats what I did and it worked great! This was the first time that I had ever tapped anything and I was a bit nervous. But, with your help and suggestions, I had a lot more confidence. I am , definately, not a mechanic but, the job got done and it was fun. I used my 1/2" elec. drill so I had to take the front wheel off along with the fender well to access the manifold. I loosened up the turbo nuts (the back ones were a little hard to get to) and cut out a piece a cardboard to put between the turbo and manifold to catch debris. This worked well, also. The hardest part of the whole job was loosening up the back turbo bolts. Thanks, again, Guys for all your help. Joe. Hey, MojaveJoe, are You in AZ?

 

[MojaveJoe]

Hey Buffalo,

Good to hear you got the install done with no problems. This site is the greatest for getting help from other Ram owners. I know first hand



To answer your question. Currently residing in Ohio. Hoping to be a full time RVer soon.



Enjoy your X-monitor.

Regards,

Joe