with all do respect we have 2 pages/29 replys for a post about instaling a volt gauge. WTF ?

From what I've read, the gauge come with instructions on how to wire it up. I'm sorry to sound like a jerk but if you can't wire in a volt gauge you shouldn't be buying one.

why in the name of Dustin would you need a volt gauge ? battery problems ? alternator problems ? got a couple of big amps and a kickin system to monitor ?

once again, I'm sorry to sound like a jerk but this post saddens me.

Sorry man, i really thought your post was unnecessary. I know how to wire it up i read the dierections. Its only three simple wires. If you had read what we were talking about than maybe you would understand it better.

D-Man was just giving me a better idea on how to wire it up because i thought that the yellow wire HAD to go to my battery, however i was incorrect. All he was doing was telling me that i could use the wire on my aftermarket radio for the reading.

And half the posts are us talking about different types of connectors and wire splicers to use.

And yeah, i have been having battery problems because of my new system. So don't think i'm just putting the gauge in for it to look cool.



..everyone on here is always really chill. I don't understand the need for your post at all. Sorry that i am not as electrically inclined like some people on here. I just wanted to make sure i was doing it right before i did it at all.

This post has been edited by cnelson: Aug 13, 2008 - 5:22 AM

Just FYI [sorry to throw a wrench in your plan] I have two volt meters hooked up to two different spots ATM and you will get a 1volt lower reading from anything in the interior than what is actually in your Battery/Alt line. Also the volt meter will not, by itself, run down your battery unless you just leave the car parked for weeks or something or if the light is on in it [which would indicate you wired it wrong - this is why you have two 12v lines just like the radio or any other gauge].
BTW my volt meters are hooked up to:
1 - Cig lighter power [Reads 12v nearly all the time - not a true reading at all] Gonna move this one to my system after the capacitor when I finish that install.
1 - Battery [reads 12v with engine off, 13-14.5 with engine running - also the Turbo timer has a volt meter display option and it agrees with the this gauge - not the one off the cig lighter] This one will remain my true volts meter so I can keep an eye on that damn alt and get some warning before it goes out hopefully.

yeah, you are right of course; but at least it'll get him hooked up. The battery or the altinator (IMO) would be the ideal location, but if it at least shows 12V, then he'll be fine. It's all for show anyway(as he stated earlier). He'll know that his interior components are receiving 12V of power, where as i doubt he's ready, nor this is gauge intended, to tackle engine tuning and performance building, where he'd have an actual NEED for the gauge. I use the term need lightly in this case.

My justification: It's a show thing more than anything, and this hook-up will allow it to be simple and easy, and not have to run a dramatic amount of lines. For his purposes, it's all he needs.

But you are right of course; DEATH.

BATMAN - I understand dude. But ya gotta crawl before you can walk right? Nevertheless, i do understand

I'm sorry, I over reacted.

Alright well thank you everyone for the input. I really appreciate all the help i get on here, seriously. I wouldn't be able to go anything without this forum.

And the MAIN reason for the gauge is; If i have the car off and i am listening to music than i will be able to tell if my battery starts to drop to low. Because i have had problems where i would be sitting around in a parking lot with some people just listening to music and after a while i go to turn the car back on and my battery would be dead. So i figure if it starts to drop below 10 volts or so, i can start the car and let it charge a little and i won't get stuck having to be jumped.

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That's fcuking awesome of you man!
I was thinking how I felt the first time I spliced into one of my Celica's wiring [For a radio no doubt] and I knew you had to remember that feeling ["Oh crap I hope I don't set this MF on fire "].

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Surprisingly it doesn't work to well for that - you can still be showing 12V but the amps are too low to crank. I thought much the same as you did years ago. it will help towards that end but don't take it as the be all end all or anything Would need Volts and Amps meters for that I think.
Damn - I really seem to be the rain on this parade - sorry bro - just trying to make sure you know the facts and don't get stranded.

This post has been edited by DEATH: Aug 13, 2008 - 1:40 PM

=\ ahh man that sucks.. but i guess i'll just have to make due.

unless of course i run the wire to my battery right?


is it REALLY that hard to do?

This post has been edited by cnelson: Aug 13, 2008 - 1:45 PM

no. extending two wires is all that's required. (constant(+) and Negative(-)) wire them directly to the battery's terminals.

EDIT: my spelling sucks!

This post has been edited by D-Man: Aug 13, 2008 - 2:18 PM

If you have a dual post battery [Top and side] - the sides make convienent accessory wiring points - just need replacement bolts from Walmart etc for like $2 ea

This post has been edited by DEATH: Aug 13, 2008 - 2:18 PM

thats what i want to do, extend the positive and negative wires, but where is the easiest place in the firewall to run them through?

There are several holes available but the one for the steering is the most instantly gratifiying - just be sure to tie them very securely on both side of the firewall - the last thing you want is for them to get caught and effect your steering . I'd say there are much better choices but that's the one I see people using the most.
i like to use the one for the wiring harness - pop a small hole in the boot and feed them through to the PS floorboard - Easy but a long trip around.

This post has been edited by DEATH: Aug 14, 2008 - 3:47 PM

no. If you've got a GT there is a hole in the firewall about 6-8 inches from the steering colum, that IDK what the hell it's for, but it's about a 8-6 gauge hole. Big enough for my AMP wiring It's where i slid my AFR gauge wireing thru too.

Also, if you drop your driver side tire splashgaurd, there is a wiring harness there. Go with that one and it'll poke out right at the battary. That way your wires will NEVER be in the way. Nor ever be seen untill the hit the battary. Very profesional.

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You gotta show me this.
as for the rest - that's where I also ran my gauge wires - above the DS front tire well.