How do I route signal line for gauge from dash to engine?
 

Hello Pelicans,

I am replacing my VDO clock in the dash with a MAP Gage. How do I route the signal line from the dash back to the engine compartment? The seems to be some kind of barrier with tight holes and grommets for the other wires to pass through. Do I have to drill a hole? Then, when I get through the barrier, where to I route the signal line? Do I go under the carpet through the shift tunnel or out where the throttle linkage is (I am open to any ideas).

Thanks again,

Jeffrey

Jeffrey--
Another thought is to route the wire under the carpet from front to back and then drop it into the engine compartment through the hole in the back left corner under the rear window where the defroster wires enter/exit.
You have to remove the rear deck for access to the hole, but no drilling necessary.

Run it through the tunnel.

How do I get the signal line through the dashboard?

There are several wire harness grommets in the front bulkhead leading to the interior. Pick a conveniently located harness.

If you go through the tunnel (recommended since it's a cleaner path), run the signal wire through a long length of heat shrink tubing (about 1/4"), but don't shrink it. This provides some stability to the wire so you can route it straight through the tunnel without it hanging up. The HS tube also provides added protection to the wire insulator. There are add'l harness grommets at the rear end of the tunnel to route the wire up to the engine compartment.

In any case, the goal is to install it so it looks neat and protected, just like the factory would do it. Often, DIY projects concentrate mostly on immediate gratification-functionality and leave a lot to be desired otherwise. Leave the "good enough" projects to checking air pressure and oil level.

Sherwood

Did you remove your stock A/C? If so, you can re-use the A/C clutch wire. It's a green wire, about 14ga, in the engine bay located on the right side under the oil filter. It terminates in the wire bundle near the fuse box in a "H" connector or other green wires. It'll be one if the larger wires in the "H". The smaller one goes to the DME - remove from the H and tape off.