where to run power for light for Aftermarket Oil and Temp gauges??

atvkid4eva · 08-25-2010, 06:04 PM

hey guys where should i run the power wire for the background light in my oil pressure and temp gauges that i just installed? i want them to light up when i turn the headlights on. is there any easier way the pulling the headlight switch out and splicing into it? if not what color wire do i need to splice into on the back of the switch? the truck is an 88'. thanks

atvkid4eva · 08-26-2010, 09:50 AM

anyone??

whocares · 08-26-2010, 10:10 AM

Just tap into one of the wires for the gauge cluster lights. This will power the gauge light and let you dim it along with dash lights if you want.

exbass94 · 08-26-2010, 10:54 AM

You can tap into one of the wires that go to the stereo. This is especially easy if you have an aftermarket unit installed. It should be an orange wire.

**shane96ranger** · 08-26-2010, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exbass94

You can tap into one of the wires that go to the stereo. This is especially easy if you have an aftermarket unit installed. It should be an orange wire.

X2, Excellent suggestion. That's how I did mine on my Explorer.

Somebody get this man some rep power!

exbass94 · 08-26-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shane96ranger

X2, Excellent suggestion. That's how I did mine on my Explorer.

Somebody get this man some rep power!

Why thanks.

When I installed my aftermarket stereo, I tapped into the illumination wire and the switched power wire and left the wires hanging behind the dash, just in case I ever wanted to install some gauges. Now I won't have to remove the stereo if I want gauges, the wires are already there, ready to go!

richard89 · 08-26-2010, 06:38 PM

I have an 89 Ranger and there is a dashlamp wire to the ashtray connector. I used it to connect a light in my aftermarket floor shifter, This should work fine and is easy to get to.

atvkid4eva · 08-26-2010, 08:47 PM

ran it to the illumination wire behind the headunit..works fine and dims..thanks alot guys!

08-25-2010, 06:04 PM	#1
atvkid4eva Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Twinsburg, OH Year: 1988 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 2.9l V6 Class: 4x4 Used For: Offroad Posts: 496 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (5)	where to run power for light for Aftermarket Oil and Temp gauges?? hey guys where should i run the power wire for the background light in my oil pressure and temp gauges that i just installed? i want them to light up when i turn the headlights on. is there any easier way the pulling the headlight switch out and splicing into it? if not what color wire do i need to splice into on the back of the switch? the truck is an 88'. thanks __________________ 88' Ranger:5-speed, 6" lift, Detroit locked D35, Locked 31 Spline 8.8, 35's, 5.13 Gears... ..
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08-26-2010, 09:50 AM	#2
atvkid4eva Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Twinsburg, OH Year: 1988 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 2.9l V6 Class: 4x4 Used For: Offroad Posts: 496 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (5)	anyone?? __________________ 88' Ranger:5-speed, 6" lift, Detroit locked D35, Locked 31 Spline 8.8, 35's, 5.13 Gears... ..
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08-26-2010, 10:10 AM	#3
whocares Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 316 Rep Power: 7 iTrader: (1)	Just tap into one of the wires for the gauge cluster lights. This will power the gauge light and let you dim it along with dash lights if you want. __________________ 89 BII, a work in progress.
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08-26-2010, 10:54 AM	#4
exbass94 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Guilford, CT Year: 2006, 1994 Make: Ford Model: Ranger, Explorer Engine: 4.0 SOHC, 4.0 OHV Class: 4x4 Used For: Pavement Poundin' Posts: 3,076 Rep Power: 21 iTrader: (0)	You can tap into one of the wires that go to the stereo. This is especially easy if you have an aftermarket unit installed. It should be an orange wire. __________________ 2006 Ford Ranger Sport 4x4 2-dr Extended Cab, 45k miles 1994 Ford Explorer Sport 2-dr 4x4, 178k miles
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08-26-2010, 06:38 PM	#7
richard89 New Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Connecticut Year: 1989 Ranger Engine: 2.9 Class: 2wd Used For: Everyday transportation Posts: 19 Rep Power: 0 iTrader: (0)	I have an 89 Ranger and there is a dashlamp wire to the ashtray connector. I used it to connect a light in my aftermarket floor shifter, This should work fine and is easy to get to.
	Tweet

08-26-2010, 08:47 PM	#8
atvkid4eva Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Twinsburg, OH Year: 1988 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 2.9l V6 Class: 4x4 Used For: Offroad Posts: 496 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (5)	ran it to the illumination wire behind the headunit..works fine and dims..thanks alot guys! __________________ 88' Ranger:5-speed, 6" lift, Detroit locked D35, Locked 31 Spline 8.8, 35's, 5.13 Gears... ..
	Tweet

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