[Einstein]

I have a need to attach a thin (20-24 ga?) hot wire up to 12V switched accessory source. The (+) wire that will be attached has an inline fuse. There is also a ground wire.

The cable is running down the left side of the dash. It would probably reach over to the driver's side too.

What's the easiest way to accomlish this?

I've seen the fusebox with it's itty bitty fuses (and no puller?) Is there a way to plug in or do I have to strip a wire behind?

Or should I go over behind the passenger dash and attach to the accessory socket?

It's for a Wayfinder V7000 Compass/Thermometer/Barometer/etc.

Thanks!

 

[Einstein]

Actually, the Wayfinder doesn't tell you whether to hook it up to ACC or BATT.

From what I'm inferring from the owner's manual, my new understanding is that you are supposed to hook it up to BATT, then it automatically turns on when the voltage jumps up because the alternator is turning (engine is running).

I'll be wiring it up tonight directly to the battery to verify this is the case. If it works out, I'll be looking for a constant battery source instead of accessory switched.

P.S. I have terrible success with wiretap connectors, especially when the wires are not the same gage!

 

[Einstein]

At the end both of the (+) and (-) wires, I soldered a color-coded mini alligator clip.

I sent the wires past the door frame, behind the top of the fender, and to the battery (about the same path as the temp sensor, but that made it the whole way to the front bumper.

I attached the clips directly to the battery screw threads, there was plenty of room for the red cap to close over the insulated alligator clip. The inline fuse is only about an inch from the battery, so I don't expect to have any safety issues.

The slack wire was wrapped around the wire bundles located between the hood hinge area to the battery.

So far the unit is working like the manual says... Hooking up to a constant power source seems to be the right answer. I'll let you know if I find out otherwise.

The wayfinder is attached at the top of the windshield, between the rear view mirror and the sun visor. The wires from the unit down to the dash area were all pushed behind the trim (no disassembly required)

I plan to add a strip of 20% tint across the top of the windshield to help keep the direct sunlight off of the unit, and make it more readable (darker surrounding the unit). I wanted to do this anyway, ever since getting the window vent visors. Plus cops won't think there is a radar detector there when they see suction cups!

As for the wiring, I might just leave it the way it is forever But seriously, some COOL day when my back doesn't hurt, I'll get under the dash and do the job "right".

:!: Special thanks to eMass for his detailed description of how to find the right hot wire and connect it without much fuss! This may come in handy later. To overcome the AWG mismatch, I might have to solder a piece of thicker wire to the skinny one provided, then it might work in the tap device...

 

[Einstein]

For those interested, I also had success installing the 5" windshield banner tint.

Look for the post showing the tint HERE

 

[Einstein]

Thanks to isketerol, you can view the installed wayfinder HERE