Easiest Place to Tap Constant 12v, Key-on, and Illumination

[CCS86]

Hi guys,

I have a boost gauge to install on my '25 ST and am looking for the easiest area to tap for constant power, key on power, and illumination (headlight on) power.

Thanks!

 

[powerboatr]

Obd port dongle
Maybe
Picture of gauge

 

[Jeppo]

Here are constant and ignition on power. You’ll have to probe around for lights power. Harbor Freight has a tester on sale at $2.79 that works fine for this.

https://www.explorerst.org/threads/need-wiring-help.4256/post-55566

 

[CCS86]

Obd port dongle
Maybe
Picture of gauge

I definitely considered going that route to keep t reversible. But, I don't think I can get illumination power there.

 

[CCS86]

Here are constant and ignition on power. You’ll have to probe around for lights power. Harbor Fright has a tester on sale at $2.79 that works fine for this.

https://www.explorerst.org/threads/need-wiring-help.4256/post-55566

Thank you.

 

[powerboatr]

I definitely considered going that route to keep t reversible. But, I don't think I can get illumination power there.

Illumination...not available

Just 12v, and 12 volt ignition
Plus the can bus communication
What or who makes the gauge

My dash cams run off the obd dongle..
If it helps

 

[CCS86]

Illumination...not available

Just 12v, and 12 volt ignition
Plus the can bus communication
What or who makes the gauge

My dash cams run off the obd dongle..
If it helps

This is the gauge. It just uses the illumination wire to provide dimming of the backlight. Nice to have, but not the end of the world.

https://www.revel-usa.com/vlsii/boost/

 

[powerboatr]

Watching ..
Where are you going to install it

 

[CCS86]

Watching ..
Where are you going to install it

Right now I am thinking about having it nestled right up against the A-pillar. Doesn't look bad there, and easy access to dropping the wires down. I may change my mind, but I'll post up the result.

 

[Caster]

There are curtain airbags in the A-pillars. You need to pay really good attention to where you mount a gauge and how you do it. I mounted a Banks iDash to my A-pillar trim panel but I removed the trim piece first to make my decision on what type of gauge mount to use and where to mount it. I provided full pictures to the project to this forum. I will provide the post link when I get home after bow hunting this evening.

 

[CCS86]

There are curtain airbags in the A-pillars. You need to pay really good attention to where you mount a gauge and how you do it. I mounted a Banks iDash to my A-pillar trim panel but I removed the trim piece first to make my decision on what type of gauge mount to use and where to mount it. I provided full pictures to the project to this forum. I will provide the post link when I get home after bow hunting this evening.

Thanks for that bit of info. I definitely don't want this thing getting fired at me by an air bag!

 

[Caster]

On a

Thanks for that bit of info. I definitely don't want this thing getting fired at me by an air bag!

On a positive note, the A-pillar trim panels are tethered to the actual A-pillars underneath at two locations so they won’t just fly out and hit you if the airbags go off. Adding a gauge and a mount will of course add extra inertia and something that sticks out further that could hit you.

 

[CCS86]

It looks like they really deploy from overhead, with nothing really near the dash:

 

[Caster]

It looks like they really deploy from overhead, with nothing really near the dash:

My posts and pictures are in the link below.

Trans Temp Gauge

 

[CCS86]

I think that is essentially just an inflator tube in the A-pillar. The trim piece does dislocate near the top, but seems to stay attached near the dash. I feel pretty good about mounting next to it on the dash.

Thank you for the insight.

 

[Caster]

I think that is essentially just an inflator tube in the A-pillar. The trim piece does dislocate near the top, but seems to stay attached near the dash. I feel pretty good about mounting next to it on the dash.

Thank you for the insight.

Didn't look or feel like inflators to me but maybe I am incorrect.

 

[CCS86]

Didn't look or feel like inflators to me but maybe I am incorrect.

I think you are right. It looks more like a curtain airbag itself.

 

[CCS86]

 

[CCS86]

Wires are run and I'm waiting for some micro fuse taps. It looks like they changed the fuse box for 2025 and there are no mini fuses any more.

Trying to decide where to tap my boost reference. I'm debating whether to plumb it into the PCV lines on the outlet side of my catch can. They are 5/8" rubber hose, so I might 3D print a reducer tee that gives me 5/8" barbs for that hose and an 1/8 NPT port to use a 3/16" ID stainless barb:

 

[CCS86]