Where to tap into +12V

[TurboTJ]

I am installing an AEM wideband AFR gauge and boost controller. (they are being installed in the instrument cluster bezel if it helps) Both need ignition +12. I am planning to tap into the black/white wire on the ignition harness. Will this handel the load? Is there a better place to tap into? Fuse box? Also where is best to route the harnesses through the firewall?

96 TSI AWD
5 speed

 

[Lordpaxin]

You will find that poking a SLIT in the steering wheel boot on the firewall will provide you a nice spot to push through your wires. just make sure when you are routing then inside the car you keep them clear of pedal movement, and choose your engine bay routing likewise safely.

I always just pinched the power source wire under one prong on the cigar lighter fuse in the fuse box.

or you can pickup a 5cent prong thingy at radio shack or a auto store that is made to clamp onto the prong and provide a location for a female quick connect.

i personally wouldnt go hacking into the ignition harness.

what about a boost guage?

 

[Lordpaxin]

I always tried to do my wiring using a source that if it got shorted out going down the road, it wouldnt leave me sitting,

worse case on the cigar fuse - cant light cigars anymore.

 

[TurboTJ]

Its the AEM boost controller/gauge built into one.

Sounds good. I just went trying to find those pieces that are made for going to the fuse box but the auto store i just went to hasnt heard of them.

I think that your right about not going into the ignition harness. I dont want my airbags to pop out all the sudden or something.

Thanks for the help

 

[TurboTJ]

Does anyone happen to know which fuse number that the cigarett lighter fuse is?

 

[bluetlr2001]

The heavy gauge black/white wire in your ignition harness will support what your wantiing to wire. I install alarms and aftermarket electronics and that is were we get the power for most anything unless were going extreme. Because the only way you will blow the fuse for that is if something shotrs out bad because if im not mistaken it has like a 40amp fuse on it. And you should be installing a inline fuse for your wideband and your boost gauge which will probally 10-15 amp max. And if you use the wire you can just splice it in or solder them to it. If you use the adapter for the fuse box you may blow the fuse that your tapped into if you get it on the wrong side.

 

[TurboTJ]

The heavy gauge black/white wire in your ignition harness will support what your wantiing to wire. I install alarms and aftermarket electronics and that is were we get the power for most anything unless were going extreme. Because the only way you will blow the fuse for that is if something shotrs out bad because if im not mistaken it has like a 40amp fuse on it. And you should be installing a inline fuse for your wideband and your boost gauge which will probally 10-15 amp max. And if you use the wire you can just splice it in or solder them to it. If you use the adapter for the fuse box you may blow the fuse that your tapped into if you get it on the wrong side.

What is the easiest way to get to that wire? It looks pretty tucked in there. Should i remove the lower dash(below the steering wheel around the hood release)? Can I just connect with a wire tap?

 

[bluetlr2001]

What is the easiest way to get to that wire? It looks pretty tucked in there. Should i remove the lower dash(below the steering wheel around the hood release)? Can I just connect with a wire tap?

Yep , just remove the panel and cut the black palstic that cover the wires so its easier to get to and just use the wire tap and youll be good to go

 

[TurboTJ]

I assume that its the thick(like 12 gauge) white wire going into the right side of the blue and white connector?

 

[TurboTJ]

Nevermind. I think that the white one I saw was the constant 12. The one that we were talking about is the black one with a white stripe down it?

 

[bluetlr2001]

Yep thats the one.