Where else to tap into for gauge lights?

[FDavid]

Besides the wire coming out of the dimmer switch, where else can you tap into so that when I turn my lights on, the gauges light up as well?



Also, do other gauges besides autometer fit well into the autometer cubby gauge holder(the one below the ac/heat knobs)?



Thanks

Dave

 

[Bob4x4]

try the back of the radio



Bob

 

[FDavid]

Are you guys saying that all your gauges are tapped into that little thin dimmer wire??

 

[MLimpert]

Yes - It will be fine. I added 2 gauges and I have no wire heat or fuse blowing issues. I believe some members have added up to 6 gauge lights to that circuit with no problems.

 

[JasonH]

Are you guys saying that all your gauges are tapped into that little thin dimmer wire??

Seems like the wrong place. The schematic shows the wire to be part of the rheostat. Should pull current from the output driver not the pot.

 

[gsbrockman]

Besides the wire coming out of the dimmer switch, where else can you tap into so that when I turn my lights on, the gauges light up as well?



Also, do other gauges besides autometer fit well into the autometer cubby gauge holder(the one below the ac/heat knobs)?



Thanks

Dave

Dave...

Just tap into your HVAC controls... . I have gauges in the cubby hole as well. It will be easier than tapping into the wiring harness for the radio's lights. I also tapped into the cigarette lighter for the 12+ switched for my pyro. If you have a cheapie test light, it's really easy to do.

Greg

 

[nickleinonen]

Should pull current from the output driver not the pot.

i don't think there is a separate driver for the dash lights [just spend several minutes flipping through the electrical section in the service manual]... there might be something that is intergrated into the dash cluster, but if there is, that would be very hard to tie into i think

Also, do other gauges besides autometer fit well into the autometer cubby gauge holder

they should... others have stuck the pricol gauges in the cubby hole with the autometer gauge holder

 

[Cattletrkr]

Warning, confusing answer ahead

I have my 4 trailer taillights split so they are run off of 2 separate switches, the factory switch and an auxiliary switch I splicied into the "hot" wire which also runs the rest of the clearance lights. That way I have taillights if I somehow manage to overload one or the other of my two circuits. It requires that my trailer be wired "custom", but it works great.



Anyways, for my guages, I just spliced into my aux. trailer switch. The guage lights aren't dim-able, but they aren't bright enough that it's ever been a problem. It's not a "nice neat and clean" set-up like a lot of guys want, but I'm not splicing into any MORE factory wiring than I already had done so for the trailer.



As an added bonus,now if I ever decide to wire my cab clearance lights up to that same switch, I can put an interrupter in there for S@$#'s and giggles, just like the "real" trucks. Just what I need, another couple wires running underneath that "bolster" to confuse the dealer whenever I go in for warranty service. :-laf They were already "impressed" with the mess I've got now.



I probably haven't helped ya out any, but at least my fingers got a workout. Time for ANOTHER drink.