Main Light Switch

bambam 06

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Guys, i need help. I am installing some extra gauges on my 06 Mustang GT. I need to know which wire in the main switch (color if possible) i go to light up the gauges. Thank you.
 

bambam 06

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Thank you, so should i use 1401 bk-lg wire (park), or 1402 rd-wh wire (headlamp). Sorry for so many questions, but i am not that good with electrical schematic.
 

DieHarder

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If you're doing gauges you need both key-on/switched 12v and a dimmer 12v (for night time) which normally is the parking switch. Key-on 12v is needed to turn the gauges/sensors on as soon as the car is started and stay on until the car is switched off.

Easiest way to power gauges is using an "Add a circuit" fuse. Just check for switched (key-on) power at the passenger fuse box/SJB (use a test light or multi-meter (use DC voltage setting to identify one)) and plug it in. Normally uses two fuses (one for the original circuit; the other for the item you're powering). Ensure the one that fuses the gauge is at least 2 amps. The normal circuit fuses in the SJB are typically 5 or 10 amps.

As far as dimmers go you can use any circuit that lights any of your courtesy lights. Simply identify one and check it with the test light or multi-meter as you turn on parking/courtesy lights to ensure it works correctly and then install a tap. There may be a fused 12v "parking/courtesy lights" in the SJB but I haven't tried finding one. Maybe someone else has.

Alternatively, tap into 1401 for the dimmer portion. You still need "key-on/12v" so I recommend pulling that from the SJB using an "add a circuit" fuse. There are at least a couple of switched 12v fuses in the SJB should be easy to ID one and plug into it.

Hope this helps.
 

bambam 06

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Great, i already have the 12v key-on from SJB. What i can't find is the wire that turns the parking/headlights on so i'm going to tap into "1401" and see if that works. Thank you.
 

MrAwesome987

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Idk where you are putting your gauges, but on mine, I tied into a wire on the back of the radio, I believe.
 

Macman45

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Great, i already have the 12v key-on from SJB. What i can't find is the wire that turns the parking/headlights on so i'm going to tap into "1401" and see if that works. Thank you.

Edit 05-09 car:
It should be a black/white stripe wire behind the headlight switch. Follow the Shelby instructions to tap into there
 
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bambam 06

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Thank you every body, i think i have enough info to find the wire. First thing in the morning, i'll let you know.
 

bambam 06

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I found all of the wires, every one works. But the stupid lights do not turn on in the gauges, i am so mad! I'll come back later when i cool off.
 

DieHarder

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Most gauges normally have 4 wires. Pwr (red), Gnd (black), White (Dimmer) and a sensor wire for whatever you're monitoring. Some have more but all of them come with a schematic that show what they're hooked up to.

What gauges (make and type (water temp, boost, oil presssure ect...) are you attempting to connect and who makes them? That'll give us an idea how to help you. If you can post the schematics we can probably help you figure out what wires to connect them to.

Second, if you don't have a multi-meter go out and buy one (Harbor Freight has a couple) or buy one on line. Fluke make good ones if you want a recommendation. You really need it to determine what has power, check continuity, resistance, etc... I couldn't do half of the things I do on my car without one. Don't cost a great deal (usually $80 - $100 or less) but I'd avoid the cheap ones though if nothing else is available they'll work.
 

DieHarder

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Just a note that the lights in the gauges should come on as soon as the gauge is powered (i.e. as soon as you turn the key on. That's your 12v/switched power). The dimmer/parking lights wire dims the gauge lights for night time use when you turn the parking/head lights on. I would use the parking lights. When I have a change I'll go out to my car and take a picture of the exact wire to tap in to and get it back to you.
 

bambam 06

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Just a note that the lights in the gauges should come on as soon as the gauge is powered (i.e. as soon as you turn the key on. That's your 12v/switched power). The dimmer/parking lights wire dims the gauge lights for night time use when you turn the parking/head lights on. I would use the parking lights. When I have a change I'll go out to my car and take a picture of the exact wire to tap in to and get it back to you.

Thank you, the gauges are Auto Meter, oil pres, temp, and vacuum. The lights are separate, just a socket with a light bulb (led) and two wires blk/ground and wht/light. The gauges all work just the lights won't come on, very frustrating.
 

Macman45

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Thank you, the gauges are Auto Meter, oil pres, temp, and vacuum. The lights are separate, just a socket with a light bulb (led) and two wires blk/ground and wht/light. The gauges all work just the lights won't come on, very frustrating.

LED black wire to ground, LED white wire to Black with the White tracer (stripe) wire from behind headlight switch left of the steering wheel.
/thread
 
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bambam 06

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LED black wire to ground, LED white wire to Black with the White tracer (stripe) wire from behind headlight switch left of the steering wheel.
/thread


Finally, i found it, is on the dimmer side of the switch. Purple with a yellow stripe 2006 Mustang GT. I HAVE LIGHTS!!! Thank you very much....
 

DieHarder

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Bambam 06,

Here a couple of pics of how I tapped into the parking light. It's the tan wire/white strip with the tap to the blue wire. That provides 12v to dim the gauge lights when the parking lights are turned on.

As I said earlier your gauge lights should come on as soon as the key is turned on. If they are not then the gauge is likely not powered. If your gauges work differently scan/send us the schematic and we'll be able to tell you how to connect them to make them work. IMG_1470.jpg IMG_1469.jpg
 

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