Which wire is switched power under the dash

[DeadAWD]

Hi,

I am looking for a wire under the dash (preferably towards the center console) to supply me with 2 amps continuous. I don't have a wiring diagram. I have a totally stock 1996 AWD 4-dr 5.0V8 LTD (with the standard radio with a tape player, if it matters). I want to find an easily accessible wire that will only supply power when the key is in the "ON" position and that can handle 2 additional amps. And if it is the radio line, would I get interference if I ran a solenoid-style motor on the same line?

Can someone please direct me to an appropriate wire (location and color code) for my 1996.

Also, on my truck, where is the best place to run a single 14-gauge wire (I know it is overkill) through the firewall?

After I get this secret project finished I'll give a write-up of what I did. I haven't heard of anyone previously doing what I'm attempting.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[n2epv]

On my '97, I used the rubber grommet around the steering shaft to get wires through the firewall.

Before someone flames me about the safety aspect of this (wires getting wrapped around the shaft and binding up the steering) - here's what I did - Working from under the dash pull the grommet out of the firewall, take a box-cutter and make a radial cut in the outside 1/4 inch of the grommet. Run the wire through this cut, then put the grommet back in place. Make sure that the wire is routed away from the steering shaft on both sides of the firewall and also not in the area of the throttle cable on the inside of the vehicle.

For a '97, the radio power wire is yellow/black stripe. Another possibility for switched power (that wouldn't give you radio interference) is the light blue/black stripe wire that powers all the windows. This is a 30 amp circuit, so you might want to add a 2 or 3 amp in-line fuse where you tap into it.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Ignition power

When I needed an ignition On only power source for my A/F ratio meter and oil temperature gauges I used the wire identified with the red arrow in the photo below.

According to my 1996 wiring diagram it is light green/purple and is hot at Run and Start. I used a trailer type connector to tap into the wire. I suggest that you add an inline fuse like I did. I could only find one with 12 gauge wire and 15 amp fuse which I replaced with a 5 amp fuse. I ran my wires to the engine compartment thru the grommet that surrounds the speedometer cable.

 

[blueka]

sorry for the hijack, so that wire will be ok to use for a heated seat kit?


Si