2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Gauge wiring - help?

[JRihani]

All,



I'm putting in my Westach FP gauge this weekend. I am a wiring novice but it seems like, if I mount it in the dash cubby, I could tap the dimmer wire for the radio for the light and tap the 12V "ON" for the radio for the gauge power. Then I would just be sending the ground wire and the "data" wire through the firewall to the sending unit.



Has anyone else done it like this? Results?



Also, I didn't read anywhere that the sending unit has to be mounted vertically. Has anyone experienced problems mounting it horizontally?



Thanks for the input!



Regards,

John

 

[Casey Ray]

I moved my sending unit up to the firewall a couple of years ago, mounted vertically, no problems. One note, I had to ground the sending unit directly to the battery do to a problem caused by a ground fault induced loop. Take the ground for the sender and run it directly to the same exact screw / terminal that you have the gauge grounded to, it will stop the ground fault induced loop. Make sure that there is only one ground in the system. Do not simply run another wire from the sender ground point to the gauge ground point. Remove completely and reattach to the gauge ground screw.



Hope this helps.



Casey

 

[JRihani]

Thanks Casey, that helps!



Can anyone else confirm my wiring plan regarding the radio taps?



Thanks,

John

 

[Casey Ray]

John,



I don't see where that should be a problem, its been a while since I put mine in, I believe I tapped the drink holder ('02) light for the night light. For the life of me, right now I cannot remember where I tapped for the 12v power on, but your way should work just fine.



Take care,



Casey

 

[FourBarR]

cutting into the factory wiring isnt necessary. go to an auto supply and get 2 add -a - circuit. remove number 5 and 8 fuses from the panel by th left door. plug in the add circuits ,plug in the original fuses back into the add a fuse. connect the red wire from the add circuit to the gauges. check the fuses to see which is power and which one is dimmer. hope this helps.

 

[JRihani]

Thanks! I should be all set for the install this weekend. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out!