aux power for gauges?

[93DodgeCummins]

Can anyone tell me if there is an easy way to get aux power that is switched by the ignition switch and maybe an a spot i could get gauge light power that is switched by the headlight switch. I would like to run a light dimmer too. Im thinking about buying some gauges and didn't want to run into this problem.

[ellis93]

You can do all of this through the fuse box. Run the lights off of the fuse for the dash lights and they will dim with the dash. When you do this piggie back off the feed side of the fuse. This is found by pulling the fuse and testing the socket for which ever side is dead. If you do that then there is no need for separate fuses.

[93DodgeCummins]

so just hook to the wire that is after the fuse right?

[ellis93]

There is three diff ways of doing it. 1st There is fuses that have a wire run out of them, Oreilly sells them. 2nd There are little pieces of metal, I can't remember their name, that slide on the blade of the fuse and have a spade on the other end. 3rd you "can" slide bare wire in the unpowered side of the fuse holder and slide the fuse back in.
The 1st and 2nd ways are what I lean toward. The 3rd will work but can lead to a loose fuse and heat up.
I do not splice into existing wire because its a PITA to find a short if something fails , plus its a DODGE....it has enough problems with its factory harness.

[93DodgeCummins]

What about just cutting the wire after the fuse and sodering in the new wire so it would be going 1 to 2 wires? I think that would make it look much more professional. I am really good at sodering so im not worried about that part.

[ellis93]

Ya that would work very well. Its probably the best connection.
Watch out for hot BB's rolling on to your arm

[collegekid]

I wired my gauges to my dimmer light wire and everything works just fine

[93DodgeCummins]

Where do you guys usually run the gauge harnesses? Do you drill a hole in the dash or do you run the harnesses between the drivers side door seal and the side of the dash? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I got a pillar mount for my gauges

[PToombs]

You mean to the pillar? I ran mine up the edge of the dash. IIRC there was enough room when I pulled the seal to run the wires and then under the original plastic. I had to drill a hole in the plastic to access the gauges in the pod.

[93DodgeCummins]

well im putting on a dual gauge pillar pod. Im looking for ideas on how to run wires. Then im having a single universal gauge pod on the dash

[93DodgeCummins]

if anyone has any pictures of how they did their gauges with a autometer dual gauge pillar pod. If you want send me a picture of what it looks like so i can see how yo ran the wires. send to my email: bigbaddodge@cme.coop thanks

[93DodgeCummins]

can anyone tell me a good place to get gauge light power that is with the dimmer switch?

[Richie O]

There is 1 fuse in the panel that is the dash only fuse. I think its #14, but check. Just get a fuse tap and go there. It will dim.

[93DodgeCummins]

Ok i got all of my gauges installed. now i do not hav power going to the dash or my gauges lights i just installed. There is no power at the #14 fuse.. is there any place i can check for abad connection? I didnt change anything on the factory wiring for the dash lights. my fuse is not bad either. has anyone else had any problems with no power to the gauge lights? i also noticed i do not have power going to the ac compresor to kick the clutch on...

[PToombs]

Did you have the light switch on when you checked the fuse? Pretty sure it goes from the switch thru the fuse to the lights. I tapped into the wire going to the heater controls to get my gauge lights, easy access too!