Thread: Where to power VDO gauges?

Can anybody post up clear pictures on where you wired the power for aftermarket gauges, especially if you went into a fuse box for it? While I have read many threads on gauge installs, both on and off the forum, I can't find a good picture of it. I am very much a visual-oriented learner, so the descriptions only get me so far. Also, can I run one power line and then splice it to power all three gauges?
Thanks!

I can answer one question - you can certainly power all three gauges from one line.

I spliced into the ignition power wire behind my stereo, because it was easy to get to and identify. Probably not the best way, but it's worked for several years now.

I tapped the cig lighter circuit for mine, power for power, and light for light.

What kind of power are you looking for? As the lights for the gauges or to power the actual gauges?

I have my AEM Wideband wired to the cig lighter, and the lights to the center console lights, this way they only come on when you turn the lights on.

My gauges replaced the stereo. I used one of those Nissan universal head unit harness connectors from Wal*Mart, and weeded out all the pins I didn't need. Hit the easy button, no splicing existing stuff. Ain't I a stinker?

I've heard that the radio and devices plugged into the cig lighter might cause power to the gauges to fluctuate. You two have not had any problems with that?



I am looking for the main gauge power wire. I am going to use the ring around the cig lighter for the gauge lights.



Yes, you are. But as this is my DD, I'd rather the extra little bit of hassle to be able to hear my radio!

No problems at all with power fluctuations. If you go this route (radio or cig lighter power) just make sure your splice is a solid connection - soldered if possible - to cut down the chance of intermittent contact.

No problems here either, I soldered my joints.

OK, I've decided to use the cig lighter for both illumination power and gauge power. For gauge power, the FSM clearly shows that the orange/blue wire is the power cable that powers the cig lighter itself. However, for the "ring" around the lighter, all it says is that both wires go to the illumination system. Can I tap into either of them for illumination power? If not, anybody know which one I should use?

They do have a thing called add-a-circuit that I used. It makes a parallel circuit to one chosen fuse. It works for me and I feel better about my gauges having their own circuit