Need some advise on splicing into ignition switch
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 171
Need some advise on splicing into ignition switch
Im attempting to solder 10 gauge wire to 12v wire on ignition switch under the dash. The problem Im having is this is real thick wire once the 2 are combined. Im having trouble getting the solder to penetrate the strands once the 2 are twisted together. Any advise on how to go about soldering 2 thick wires together or am I going about this all wrong? I really dont want to cut the 12v wire on the ignition switch Im scared Ill just make my problem worse.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 73
Likes: 4
In my experience (by no means a pro), if solder doesn't melt it's usually because you don't have enough heat to the soldering iron tip. You could try to tin the iron tip first, or dabbing on a little soldering flux always let's the solder flow a little better too.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 65
If you are soldering into a splice, use a 700F tip pre tin the tip and feed the solder in the tip where it meets the wire. You have to get a good flow of heat between the tip and the wire or you will not make a solder joint. There are some good Youtube videos on the subject so you get a visual.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
WHY,,,,,,,,, do you need to SPLICE into the IGNITION SWITCH??? There are several easily accessible switched 12 VDC dedicated places that you can use... There is also an UNUSED switch in the ignition switch that you can tap.
No need to cut into wires.
I you have a 97-2003 C5 there is an aux TAP in the passengers foot well with a 12 VDC HOT, 12 VDC SWITCHED and a GROUND ready and willing to be used for ANY 0-20 Amp load.
No need to cut into wires.
I you have a 97-2003 C5 there is an aux TAP in the passengers foot well with a 12 VDC HOT, 12 VDC SWITCHED and a GROUND ready and willing to be used for ANY 0-20 Amp load.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 171
THANKS , YOU DONT HAVE TO YELL LOL for the advice. I am well aware of the unused fuse terminals. I'm putting in a switched 12v terminal to install meth kit, innovate dual wideband, and electric boost gauge with shift light. All will be under 20 amps. The unused fusebox terminals will be used for switched on to an amp.
I got it soldered onto the power wire from the switch. I managed to get the harness unplugged which made it easier. Spread the power wire strands apart and shoved the strands into that. Instead of twisting the 2 together like before which prevented solder from seeping into the strands, I wrapped them together with a piece of soldering wire and then proceeded to solder. Worked great.
I got it soldered onto the power wire from the switch. I managed to get the harness unplugged which made it easier. Spread the power wire strands apart and shoved the strands into that. Instead of twisting the 2 together like before which prevented solder from seeping into the strands, I wrapped them together with a piece of soldering wire and then proceeded to solder. Worked great.
Last edited by ascastil; Oct 22, 2018 at 11:23 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Theres an unused three wire AUX pig tail in the passengers foot well. Have you seen and used this for your AUX equipment? Is not in the fuse box or not a fuse.
Its a connector that has a 6" wire stub (covered in duct tape at the ends if unused from factory) You can unplug the connector and work on the pigtail. Its to the left of the BCM and up near the bottom of the HVAC air box.
Its a connector that has a 6" wire stub (covered in duct tape at the ends if unused from factory) You can unplug the connector and work on the pigtail. Its to the left of the BCM and up near the bottom of the HVAC air box.
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 740
Likes: 83
From: MN
Glad you got the job done. If it would help you or others in the future, I recommend a big butane soldering iron/gun for stuff like that. Heats up much faster and transfers heat much better than the little electric irons. I use this one; it's discontinued now but there are others out there like it: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlc-lsp-180. It will solder 10ga wires with ease.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 171
Theres an unused three wire AUX pig tail in the passengers foot well. Have you seen and used this for your AUX equipment? Is not in the fuse box or not a fuse.
Its a connector that has a 6" wire stub (covered in duct tape at the ends if unused from factory) You can unplug the connector and work on the pigtail. Its to the left of the BCM and up near the bottom of the HVAC air box.
Its a connector that has a 6" wire stub (covered in duct tape at the ends if unused from factory) You can unplug the connector and work on the pigtail. Its to the left of the BCM and up near the bottom of the HVAC air box.
I've got a few things to hook up and asked here on the forum about adding a fuse box. I've added up all the amps as to not overload the ignition circuit. Had to rethink it a minute ago because my first idea was to much power.
Off the ignition switch to new box is the alkycontrol, boost/shift gauge, and gauge on wideband.
In the unused fuse terminal in passenger footwell will be the innovate sensor controller for the wideband.
That's 4 things I needed on a 12v switched source. Maybe there was an easier way to do it, but I really wanted to try and learn something about wiring because I've always been too afraid to attempt it and it was about time I learned. Adding up power draw on a circuit, soldering some big wire, etc. If I wouldn't have asked about the new fuse box on here I would have never known. Someone posted an easy to understand diagram and I said to myself, "hell ya, I think I can do that." I was really excited and I'm glad I did it.
Last edited by ascastil; Oct 22, 2018 at 12:27 PM.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
You have an 04 so, your car doesn't have the convenient AUX pigtail. Sorry for the confusion. Glad that you were successful with the wire add in.
Bill
Bill