amateur wiring question: dual voltmeter to ignition

[randalieren]

Hi folks,

1984 1.9 WBX Canada edition.

I'm installing a RedArc G52-VVA dual voltage meter. I THINK that most of the wiring is pretty straightforward, but I realize that I'm not sure where the best place to tap the ignition is.

Any advice welcome/appreciated!

[Steve M.]

Do you already have this gauge?
The reason I ask is because I have this one. I haven't installed it yet, but I have it!

https://www.amazon.com/MICTUNING-Digital-Voltmeter...mp;sr=8-17
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[randalieren]

Yes I have it. I had an empty spot in a dual gauge dashmount, so this analogue-esque gauge was a primarily aesthetic indulgence -- but I've been told it's more accurate as well.

[Steve M.]

[Vanagon Nut]

Please confirm this but Bentley P 97.56 - 57 diagrams show that the back side of fuse S 12 and (via a hard connection in fuse panel) and S 11 are powered from ignition switch 15.

If there's an open male connector at backside of either of those fuse positions, that might be a source of switched ignition (15) positive.

Re: note in diagram re: dash light dimmer. AFAIK, the Vanagon dash light dimmer is on the positive side of the circuit. And, that dash light circuit is not fused. From '85 on, it is.

Some added "hair splitting" ramblings.

When adding a new load to an existing circuit, consider if the added current will exceed the Amp capacity of original wires involved, especially if that existing circuit is not fused. e.g. the 15 wire from ignition switch to fuse panel. However, the new gauges probably don't draw much current and if they use LED lights, those won't add much current draw to the dash light circuit. (58b). Maybe power draw specs are in the instructions. A VOM could measure how much current those added parts draw.

Adding more loads to the 15 circuit might hasten wear and tear on the 15 position contacts in the ignition switch. Maybe.

On my '81 I removed the stock black 15 wire from the ignition switch, cut off the end, harvested a larger gauge wire with properly crimped connector from a relay socket, installed that into the 15 position on my ignition switch connector. I soldered the stock black 15 wire along with a new wire to added fused loads, to that new 15 wire. I think that ignition switch was a good quality part and has low hours on it; it still works fine.

Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[DuncanS]

I've said this before. To really know what's going on you need to have two digits after the decimal point. 12.59 has a 10% higher capacity than 12.50.

This is the one I have both in the car and boat for a true read.
https://www.amazon.com/Eaglerich-Display-Digital-V...amp;sr=8-5