plz help - power source that doesn't go off when ignition goes On -> Start

[Joseph Dell]

plz help - power source that doesn\'t go off when ignition goes On -> Start

I'm installing an autometer electric boost gauge and the gauge does something a little funny... it re-calibrates itself every time power is turned on. So it specifically wants a power source that is switched but that remains ON when the car is switched from ON to START. If the power goes out momentarily from ON to START, the gauge calibrates itself incorrectly.

The instructions recommend that I "find an accessory that stays on" during the START cycle... but I can't find one. Anyone got any suggestions on where to pull the power from?

Thanks in advance!!!

JD

 

[SNKEBIT]

Re: plz help - power source that doesn\'t go off when ignition goes On -> St

There has to be a fuse or two in the fuseblock that stay hot at all times or go through the clutch boot to the main wire by footwell.

 

[Qualitywires.com]

Re: plz help - power source that doesn\'t go off when ignition goes On -> St

What wire do you have it hooked to. It sounds like when you turn your car on it momentarilys cuts of electricity to that circuit.

I would take a probe light and poke around at some of the wires below and see which one stays hot at all times. I think the cig lead stays on.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Re: plz help - power source that doesn\'t go off when ignition goes On -> St

Check your service manual schematic of the ignition key. In a Gen 1, fuse 8 gets power in both start and run. It powers some gauges and feeds the signal to the alarm and entry system. Again, in Gen 1 the cigarette power stays on even with key off.

 

[Jack B]

Re: plz help - power source that doesn\'t go off when ignition goes On -> St

There is a always-on power source that feeds the radios memory input. My cigarette lighter is also always on and that is easy to get to by removing the console trim.

 

[Joseph Dell]

Re: plz help - power source that doesn\'t go off when ignition goes On -> St

Thanks for the ideas! Always on isn't the problem, though... it is always on SWITCHED. On my car, the cig lighter is always on... but I need something that goes off when the key is off.

I have a line tester... I'll just start pokin' later today and see what comes up...

Thanks!

JD

 

[JimT 99RT]

Re: plz help - power source that doesn\'t go off when ignition goes On -> St

Under the dash locate the solid blue wire (14-16 gauge) that goes to the steering wheel, it is 12V+ and is what I have my gauge connected to. Also for the light I use the tan wire coming off the headlight switch.

 

[Joseph Dell]

Re: plz help - power source that doesn\'t go off when ignition goes On -> St

Sweet! Thanks Jim! I'll be pokin' around there in the next hour!

Can't wait! Then I can button up _all_ of my fresh wiring... and there is lots to button up!

JD