This is topic Gauge install help in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by 92SilverGT (Member # 2729) on :
 
i just got a gauge pillar with the cobalt gauges, and i cant find a power source that has powe while cranking. can u guys please gimmie a hand. thanks
 
Posted by Blue Oval (Member # 2548) on :
 
im guessing u are trying to get them to light up,u will need find a power source while the head lights are on.u can find it behind the head light swicth.there a wire back there.use a light tester to see which one it is then splice into it.
 
Posted by DRIVINFST (Member # 2430) on :
 
I think Blue Oval is right, but if you want power while cranking, the "S" terminal on your starter relay will work.
 
Posted by Quick 88LX (Member # 1950) on :
 
Dude this will make it way easy: Extend the lenght of your gauges power wire. Run it to the acc. power wire that is connected to a harness that is plugged into the BACK of your radio. You can do the same for the wire that LIGHTS UP your gauge too, because in that same harness is a wire for your dimmer/illumination. And since you have a FORD [patriot] you can ground the gauge the same way, right behind the radio.
 
Posted by 92SilverGT (Member # 2729) on :
 
thanx guys i'll give it a try
 
Posted by Camara90 (Member # 134) on :
 
you wont get 12v while cranking at the radio harnesse, an accessory wire does not read 12v while cranking only ignition does. You can find these wires in the ignition harnesse directly below the steering columb. As mfar as using a dimmer you can grab that behind the radio or at the switch i wouldnt really reccomend either because if your car is like mine the dimmer switch always finds its way to about 1/2 illumination. I would recomend grabbing all wires at the ignition harnesse, radio acc and 12 v wires are not really very thick guage and not meamt to run to many acc.
 




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