I would like to know where other members tap in for power to third party gauges or systems "Other than the Center Console" lighter.

 

Add-a-fuse at the passenger side fuse panel and run it under the dash.

If you want to hook into the lighting control circuit the easiest place is the switches by the lighter. There's a thread in the How-To forum on gauge install.

 

I did it a little more difficultly, but it give you better protection and better control. You also get better future expandability.

I added a small fuse block in the area under the steering wheel, that panel just pulls down easy.



Top fuses are Constant Power, lower ones are switched power and are run through the relay.

I will post a photo of the fuse diagram tomorrow. The circuit is easy to design, all you need is one or two fuse blocks, relay w/socket, wire and some ring connectors.

 

Thanks for the info. My current connections from the console lighter patch does not have enough power for consistent operation.

 

Run a fused #10 from the fuse panel under the hood to a new fuse block, like I did.

 

The lighter is a 15A fuse IIRC, so it isn't an issue of enough power (really, enough amps) as a gauge only needs a tiny amount of current.

What is probably happening is the lighter circuit turns on when you push the start button, but when the starter cranks the engine the voltage dips and the circuit in the gauge gets confused. That's what happens with my Marshall temp gauge. Try turning on the car without starting the engine, (on the manual you do that by pushing the start button without pressing the clutch, IDK about the automatic) then after the gauges have powered up start the car. Works for me. The fix if you can't train yourself to go through the 2 step process of turning on the electricals first then starting the car is to put a diode in series on the switched DC power line to the gauge so the voltage sag from the starter won't get through to the gauges. You might need a capacitor after the diode to help keep the voltage from sagging. If you have no idea what a diode or capacitor is, just ask and I'll explain further.

 

Here the thing: I have "Two" soon to be three PLX modules now getting power from the lighter. These modules are for Air/Fuel & Oil Pressure (Adding Boost soon). These units are under the hood and the power is run through firewall to center console lighter.
It look like ether way I am going to have to tap into a fuse box and go from there.

 

I installed a ATM-Tap at several 10A fuse locations on the passenger side fuse panel: CD Player, Dome light and Ice Warning positions. The relays to these locations must come after the fuse, because my gauges remain lit after all power is shutdown (Engine off, Door shut and interior lighting off)
Do I need to install a relay or other part on the line running to the "Tap"?