2013 v6 fuse wire tap

[grabberbluestang]

Hello everyone, i got a 2013 v6 a few months ago and i want to install a fiber optic strips on the dash and side panels, and i want them to turn on with the factory ambient lights, only issue is that i could not figure out what fuse to tap on the passenger side, and all of them are always giving 12v, has anyone installed something like this and how do i do it without splicing into the wires on the headlight switch or interior ambient light wires?

 

[DieHarder]

Easiest method is to splice into the nearest ambient light wires. Otherwise, you're looking at something like "add a fuse" at the SJB to source power (which is fine for the dash). However, threading that power from the SJB through the door harnesses is somewhat harder to pull off (ask me how I know).

 

[grabberbluestang]

Thanks for the reply, do you know what is the best place to splice into? Also how do I " "add a fuse" at the SJB to source power"? I would rather have it fused than spliced.

 

[DieHarder]

Note: A VOM/Test light is needed to ID/Test/Verify power is available where needed. Also needed are crimpers, butt connectors and heat shrink or soldering iron (depending on how you like to do splices) and it's a good idea to get a few "test" wires with alligator clips on both ends so you can clip onto wires under test hands free with the VOM. Otherwise it can be very difficult at times to hold and manipulate test leads when trying to get readings.

Splice into wires closest to the point where you need it. For the doors remove the door skins and ID wires that provide power to the light up the switches (pos/neg) when the parking lights are turned on. Cut (or strip insulation from) the wires so you can splice into them for the fiber optics. Don't cut too close to the switches (give yourself room to work). Once ID'd test the new lights to be sure they work and splice (pos to pos and neg to neg) in the new wires. Then use heat shrink insulation ensuring positive and negative wires are insulated from each other. Test again before buttoning up.

"Add a Fuse" is a synonym for a fuse that plugs in where a regular fuse goes. It uses two fuses (one to replace the regular fuse and the other to supply the circuit element you're adding). Get the mini version: Link below. For the dash look for power that turns on with the parking lights at one of the fuses at the SJB (passenger footwell). Once identified plug in the "Add a Fuse" and run the 12v line to the light strip you're powering. For the negative side of the light (the one you're adding) put an eye on it and connect/bolt it to one of the grounds behind the dash (there are several behind the passenger glove compartment). Test the light. Then zip tie the wires to existing harnesses where needed and you're good to go. If you need help there are tons of UTube vids to view on the subject.

Google Search

www.google.com

Good Luck

 

[grabberbluestang]

Thanks for your reply, I do have a fuse mini and i have tapped into a fuse but the fuse box always has 12v so no use in trying to tap a fuse (which i prefer since it's the safest), which wires do you recommend to splice? somewhere near the dash. the issue with splicing is that i do not want to cut random wires and test if they turn on with the ambient lights or not, and I'm afraid i'll mess something up and short the wires.

 

[DieHarder]

Note: A VOM/Test light is needed to ID/Test/Verify power is available where needed. Also needed are crimpers, butt connectors and heat shrink or soldering iron (depending on how you like to do splices) and it's a good idea to get a few "test" wires with alligator clips on both ends so you can clip onto wires under test hands free with the VOM. Otherwise it can be very difficult at times to hold and manipulate test leads when trying to get readings.

Splice into wires closest to the point where you need it. For the doors remove the plastic door skins and ID wires that provide power to light up the switches (pos/neg) when the parking lights are turned on. Cut (or strip insulation from) the wires so you can splice into them for the fiber optics. Don't cut too close to the switches (give yourself room to work). Once ID'd test the new lights to be sure they work and splice in (pos to pos and neg to neg) the new wires. Then use heat shrink insulation ensuring positive and negative wires are insulated from each other. Test again before buttoning up.

"Add a Fuse" is a synonym for a fuse that plugs in where a regular fuse goes. It uses two fuses (one to replace the regular fuse and the other to supply the circuit element you're adding). Get the mini version: Link below. For the dash look for power that turns on with the parking lights at one of the fuses at the SJB (passenger footwell). Once identified plug in the "Add a Fuse" and run the 12v line to the light strip you're powering. For the negative side of the light (the one you're adding) put an eye on it and connect/bolt it to one of the grounds behind the dash (there are several behind the passenger glove compartment). Test the light. Then zip tie the wires to existing harnesses where needed and you're good to go. If you need help there are tons of UTube vids to view on the subject.

Google Search

www.google.com

Good Luck

 

[grabberbluestang]

doesn't seem to be any text in your reply, where do you recommend i splice into?

 

[DieHarder]

doesn't seem to be any text in your reply, where do you recommend i splice into?

Note: A VOM/Test light is needed to ID/Test/Verify power is available where needed. Also needed are crimpers, butt connectors and heat shrink or soldering iron (depending on how you like to do splices) and it's a good idea to get a few "test" wires with alligator clips on both ends so you can clip onto wires under test hands free with the VOM. Otherwise it can be very difficult at times to hold and manipulate test leads when trying to get readings.

Splice into wires closest to the point where you need it. For the doors remove the plastic door skins and ID wires that provide power to light up the switches (pos/neg) when the parking lights are turned on. Cut (or strip insulation from) the wires so you can splice into them for the fiber optics. Don't cut too close to the switches (give yourself room to work). Once ID'd test the new lights to be sure they work and splice in (pos to pos and neg to neg) the new wires. Then use heat shrink insulation ensuring positive and negative wires are insulated from each other. Test again before buttoning up.

"Add a Fuse" is a synonym for a fuse that plugs in where a regular fuse goes. It uses two fuses (one to replace the regular fuse and the other to supply the circuit element you're adding). Get the mini version: Link below. For the dash look for power that turns on with the parking lights at one of the fuses at the SJB (passenger footwell). Once identified plug in the "Add a Fuse" and run the 12v line to the light strip you're powering. For the negative side of the light (the one you're adding) put an eye on it and connect/bolt it to one of the grounds behind the dash (there are several behind the passenger glove compartment). Test the light. Then zip tie the wires to existing harnesses where needed and you're good to go. If you need help there are tons of UTube vids to view on the subject.

Google Search

Good Luck

 

[DieHarder]

doesn't seem to be any text in your reply, where do you recommend i splice into?

You can get up to speed on the basics by reading up on the subject and watching a lot of utube for examples. If you don't know what you're doing it's best to get a friend who does. Otherwise, be prepared to pay a professional or leave it be. Not worth causing harm to your electrical wiring or worse.