Okay, so how do I wire up some 12v in the engine

[Kurt B]

compartment.
I have several choices, the worst of which would be:
1) To run a hotline from the fuses in the rear into the cabin and back out...bad because you don't want hotlines running anywhere.
2) Run the ground in and back out (slightly better).
3) Use a relay.

Anyone want to tell me how I'd use a relay back there? I can pick one of these up, just some stock relay, hook it up to a power source back there and a ground, then I feed some smaller current wiring to its trigger and that's probably the safest bet right?
I can also run a few different accessories off that same relay right?

[ae1969]

Depends what you are planning on running...

I have 0 Gauge wire running through the car, with 150 amp fuse at the battery.

I am sure you don't need 0 gauge but whatever you run just make sure you have a fuse on the end closest to the battery and it should protect you just fine.

You can use a relay in your layout as well but what are you wiring? Lights, Stereo, Satelite dish?

[Targa Dude]

Hi Kurt, your rear window defroster is a good place to pick up 12 volts, I'm not sure if you use it.. and it would give you operating control via existing switch.. just a thought, I seen you mentioned in another thread that your fuse block is always hot, that does not make sense. But your car is newer than mine so it might be ok.

Jorge (Targa Dude)

[Kurt B]

Yeah, the fuse box is wired that way. I don't have a rear wiper or a rear defroster since it's a cab. I've checked everything out, and nothing's hot when the key is on or can be controlled.
I gotta wire it up.

I plan on running the engine compartment fan as well as a spare footwell blower fan I have back there. The engine compartment fan may or may not be used, but I will run the footwell blower fan...which is pretty strong. So I should probably use some pretty thick wire or a relay.

[ae1969]

Option 1.....8 gauge is more than enough for a couple of fans......and a relay....wire straight into your fuse box if you have an empty slot....and a switch outta do it

Option 2...... unless you want to wire it into your ignition so it automatically fires up the fans when your ignition is turned on........in that case you can tap it out from the ignition wiring in the engine bay?

[Jim T]

I'm almost afraid to ask . . . but why do you have the footwell ventilation fan in the, umm, engine compartment???

[Targa Dude]

oops! Sorry Kurt I forgot you had a Cab.. I still think you should be able to find intermitent power back there..Just like ae1969 says, locate your ignition wiring..


Jorge (Targa Dude)

PS.. I know what your going through..I've had very many simular situations on my car too..

[Kurt B]

Be quiet Jim.
I have two extras I picked up at a meet for 10 bucks for the pair. But I was able to fix the one I wanted to replace. Now I have two spares.
To blow on the cool collar. [ducking and hiding beneath large object]