Switched aux power

[Bender]

I've been running aux power straight from the battery for a few years (Engel, radios, lights, etc), but now I'd like to put in a separate aux pwr panel which will only be hot with the ign in something other than 'off'. This will be for running a Garmin 276C and a few other accessories.

Has anyone done this? Where did you tap the power? ('99 D1)

Looking at some of the schematics in the back of the Haynes manual, I think I need to tap a line after the ignition module, possibly before the under-dash fuse panel. Possibly the input to the fuse panel itself? I've glanced in that direction but never done a detailed survey of the panel or inputs - didn't look like an easy job, though. How sensitive are the D1 systems to voltage or current variations? Nothing like the LR3, I would imagine.

Currently just running wires to the fuses on the under-dash panel and squishing the wire between blade fuse and socket. I'd like to clean this up, though.

Thanks,
Stephen

 

[91 PBP 5079]

I would pick it up at the fuse panel on the right fender. Pop the second cover and you will find terminals that comes direct from the alt and batt. Use a good size relay between it and your aux fuse pannel. Trigger your relay with some ignition on signal. Make sure the wire between the tap and aux fuse pannel is as large as the alt feed wire so the fuse protecting the alt circuit will go befor the new wire does in case of a short. This is a good spot to pick up aux lighting also. For a relay go to NAPA and ask to look in the Echlin book. Look for a relay you think will carry your load ther is tons of them in ther.

 

[gmookher]

i use this http://www.amazon.com/Hella-66134-General-Purpose-Relay/dp/B000CHTB92

 

[Bender]

Thanks gents.

 

[AMCM Disco]

i use this http://www.amazon.com/Hella-66134-General-Purpose-Relay/dp/B000CHTB92

Granted those are cheap - but I'm not going to be using the ones from my kits if I could figure out the latching relay thing - I'll send em for shipping if you want them (2).

Seeing as your a fellow 53 guy and all...

 

[Lucasd2002]

Granted those are cheap - but I'm not going to be using the ones from my kits if I could figure out the latching relay thing - I'll send em for shipping if you want them (2).

Seeing as your a fellow 53 guy and all...

53D or 53E?

Both of you guys shoot me a PM if you get a chance.

 

[Bender]

Granted those are cheap - but I'm not going to be using the ones from my kits if I could figure out the latching relay thing - I'll send em for shipping if you want them (2).

Seeing as your a fellow 53 guy and all...

Thanks, but I've got several of the Hella fused relays sitting around. If I try to go the relay-route I'll use something more robust. I'm PCSing soon, so this project may wait til the summer when I have more time to risk parking the truck for a few days.