Boost Gauge Install Question
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 73
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From: St. Augustine Florida
Boost Gauge Install Question
I am trying to install Autometer's electric boost/vac and fuel pressure gauges in my car. Instead of the A pillar method I am putting them in the back of my raised hood (Lingenfelter maggie hood). I have installed the gauges in the hood and I think they look great, but my problem comes with the boost gauge. Beside the cable to the sending unit there are three other wires. 1 grd. wire, 1 12v wire to illuminate the gauge when the lights are turned on, and a third wire to be connected to a switched 12v power source that does not lose it's power when the starter is engaged. It is this 3rd wire I am having trouble with. I am trying to find a 12v lead that has voltage applied when the ignition key is turned on, and does not go open for the time the starter motor is engaged. I can find switched 12v circuits, but they are opened when the starter is engaged --- any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I called autometer tec support, but they weren't much help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by MXA99FRC
I am trying to find a 12v lead that has voltage applied when the ignition key is turned on, and does not go open for the time the starter motor is engaged. I can find switched 12v circuits, but they are opened when the starter is engaged --- any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I called autometer tec support, but they weren't much help.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
I taped into the Windshield Wiper Motor Fuse directly on the Fuse Block. This stays on while cranking...
Now if I can just find a good solution to the dimmer problem. My gauges are bright all the time. When I tried tapping into the dimmer system on the car, it resets the system because it must see too high a load or something... I tried a good ol' fashion rheostat, but it got so damn hot, I didn't think it was a good idea.
Tommy
Now if I can just find a good solution to the dimmer problem. My gauges are bright all the time. When I tried tapping into the dimmer system on the car, it resets the system because it must see too high a load or something... I tried a good ol' fashion rheostat, but it got so damn hot, I didn't think it was a good idea.
Tommy
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 5
From: San Antonio TX
most of the lamps in the C5 are dimed with a pwm system (pulse width modulation) and would be unsuitable for adding additional loads to, I am working on a module that will tap into the signal and dim the guage lamps based on that signal. I have no estimated completion date.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 4
dimmer
I used a misc. mini rheostat(trimmer) from Radio Shack. I'll see if I can locate the part number. It installed in-line with tape below the dash on the power feed to the light in the gauge and it helped dim the brightness by 50%. On the Cobalts, it's a trade off though because the gauge is too bright as it is but dimming it makes it hard to read quickly due to the Blue/Red color combo. Since I don't race b*lls out at night, it works for me. Otherwise the gauges at full power are somewhat distracting at night while driving and certainly gives the stealth factor away when you're glowing Blue. 
For anyone that cares, you can have the bezels changed on Autometer gauges by the factory. I had mine switched to black. Just walking by the car it's hard to see the gauge pod and it attracts less attention while parked at the mall.
For anyone that cares, you can have the bezels changed on Autometer gauges by the factory. I had mine switched to black. Just walking by the car it's hard to see the gauge pod and it attracts less attention while parked at the mall.
