Voltmeter

[kitted_escort]

I am trying to find the best wires to "tap" into for my voltmeter.

I have looked in the haynes manual and it says after the ignition switch there is 2Gy/Bk, 4 Gn/Bu.

Which one of theres wires will be the best to "tap" into to get the best reading for my voltmeter?

Will it be the Gy or Gn for the +? or the Bk or Bu for the +?

Another thing is that it says to use 18 gague wire but all i can find is wire in amps, so which wire in amps do i get?

 

It might sound a bit dump to people but i just want to make sure i get it right with out blowing up my car lol

[kitted_escort]

Sorry just found out that i have posted this in the wrong place

[PeeWee]

We've moved this topic into the correct section.

[shawdreamer]

wire the signal wire into one of the three main feeds for the fusebox (underneath the box itself) for the most exact stable volt readings.

 

for the gauge and the power feeds (I assume its a illuminated gauge or non mech version) can be wired into the loom that powers the stereo, live into the switched live feed (yellow and green iirc) and the earth to the chasis somewhere.

[Stu]

Voltages vary throughout a car. The question should be, what voltage are you trying to measure? If you want to know battery voltage, then connect to the battery (with a fuse). If you want to know alternator output voltage, connect it there (again with a fuse).

[kitted_escort]

I was thinking about "tapping" into the illuminated heater thing so when i turn my side lights on the light will come on my voltmeter.

Stu if i connect to the battery will the meter be on all the time? Also what amp fuse should i use, some thing like a 5 amp?

Thanks

[Stu]

Stu if i connect to the battery will the meter be on all the time? Also what amp fuse should i use, some thing like a 5 amp?

Thanks

 

Probably yes. Then you could use a relay or something to only enable the volt meter with the ignition on. But then you've got a potential voltage drop across the relay terminals putting you back to square one (may as well connect it anywhere!).

[shawdreamer]

Stu if i connect to the battery will the meter be on all the time? Also what amp fuse should i use, some thing like a 5 amp?

Thanks

 

Probably yes. Then you could use a relay or something to only enable the volt meter with the ignition on. But then you've got a potential voltage drop across the relay terminals putting you back to square one (may as well connect it anywhere!).

 

 

connect the signal wire to the switched live on the ignition barrel.... only comes on when ignition is in position 1 (acc) then.

[rs2k2008]

Just connect to neg and pos on your battery. Or run it of you fag lighter then earth it somewere..

[kitted_escort]

if i tap into the yellow wire on the ignition barrel (ignition live) to get the live to the voltmeter

put an earth some where behind the dash.

tap in to the lights on the heater panle to get the light on the voltmeter

is this right?

[DRAVEN]

yes mate that would work..