How to Install a Hot Wire on an Auto Fuse Box
Wiring into your vehicle's fuse box by replacing a stock fuse with a fuse tap saves you the trouble of having to locate and splice into the stock wiring harness. Fuse taps plug directly in place of stock fuses, and include a wiring connection. This allows wires such as for powering electronic accessories to be easily and safely connected to a reliable power source. Since the fuse cover also includes a layout diagram, it also makes locating the proper power source for your electronic accessory much simpler than having to decipher vehicle wiring diagrams.
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Instructions
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Disconnect the vehicle battery prior to doing any electrical work on your car. This is to eliminate the risk of electrical shock when working with the vehicle's wiring system.
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Find the interior fuse box. Most often, these are mounted in the driver's side footwell area. Less commonly, fuse boxes can be found in the interior glove compartment. Unclip the plastic fasteners securing the fuse box cover; lift it free.
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Use the fuse diagram printed on the fuse box cover to choose a stock fuse to tap. You should use a fuse that best suits the functions of the electronic accessory you are powering.
For example, if you are wiring an interior lighting accessory, such as an illuminating gauge or LED shift knob, use the fuse for the stock dash lighting system. This will allow your accessory to turn on and off with the stock dash lighting system.
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Grip the sides of the stock fuse with a fuse puller, gently pry upward to remove the fuse. Plug a fuse tap in place of the stock fuse. Gently push down to ensure the fuse tap is fully connected. Route the wire you wish to connect to the fuse tap location.
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Use wire strippers to strip approximately 10 mm of isolation from the end of the wire you are connecting. Firmly insert the exposed wire end into the cylindrical fuse tap connection. Insulate the connection by tightly wrapping it in electrical tape.
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Replace the fuse box cover. If necessary, tuck excess wiring aside and secure it with electrical tape. Reconnect the vehicle battery.
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References
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