Hey guys, which Fuse can I tap into safely for power for the LED light kit I have installed on my 97? Using a Fuse Tap as seen here:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ADD-ON-ATM-MI...f#ht_972wt_905

Cig Lighter fuse? Has to be least 10A or more.
I did originally want to have it hooked into the lighting (headlight) sys but I don't want to splice into any existing wires so meh. Unless one of those fuses on the interior panel controls the lighting sys/dash lights.

Thanks, I'll post pics of the install when I'm done and maybe full tut for anyone interested. It's fairly easy, my first install. I'm running this kit:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/300584784499?...ht_3306wt_1139

 

i used the cig. connections for my led bar kit

 

Use fuse 18, interior lights, 7.5A. It will work, it does not need to be 10A. Your LED tubes will pull no more than an amp.

 

instructions say no less than 10A tho does that really matter

 

like MOHFpro90 said, you would probably be OK. I really don't think the led tube need 10 amps, probably one, maybe 2 amps at the most. Worst case is you blow a fuse. With the power tap you bought, you can ealily move it if needed.

 

note that its a 4 tube kit with control box, hmm

 

What is the total current used by these lights?

 

dont know
heres manual

http://instructions.ledunderbody.com...structions.pdf

 

ive been an electrician for over 14 years. your fuses are rated a certain amperage for a reason dont use fuse taps. run a new live from the battery using the right connectors and get a new fluse block. then run accessories. look to see what current your accessory is drawing and use the right wire gauge and fuse size. oversizing wires are ok undersizing wires causes FIRES ! always fues properly. LEDs draw very very minimal amperage a 3 amp fuse with 16 or 18 gauge should be fine.

 

This is the proper way to do this, but given the fact that members here have to ask what fuse to "use", its not exactly always done this way.

 

:S

the kit has its own fuse on it as well. i mean im really not toooo worried about a fire or something caused by this kit

i could just leave it as how it is now, and leave the 12v cig adapter beside my seat and plug it in at night when i want the lights to have power. its just an ugly setup. but not really a big deal i dont think. if its that big a deal to wire in one accessory

 

What I see as a problem for helping the op is that he has bought a product that is less than adequately documented. I read the "manual" but it is really an installation guide and is about as useful as female mammaries on a male bovine. With 4 strings of leds and a "control box", I wouldn't be surprised to find that it draws more than 5 amps.

I think he needs to install this led thing via a relay. When he wants the leds on would determine what he uses to trigger the relay.

 

LOL

 

curious if the wires under the seats for the seat heater are not being used. wouldn't that better than cig. lighter?

 

That would be a good idea.

I was looking at my 97. It is the cheapo GXE model and does not have heated seats. I have power seats but I do not have any extra wires under the seat. According to the FSM, it is a white wire, but I can't find it, but I only spent a minute looking.

The heated seat fuse is # 29, 10 amp, (right hand column, 3rd from the bottom) and I have that fuse plugged in the panel.

 

didn't know it is not standard for all models. i guess tapping the power seat would be an option?

 

hmm i wonder if its safe to fuse tap into the panel for those
or splice into the wires but i just dont like the idea of that

 

Go ahead and try the heated seat fuse with the tap if you don't have heated seats.

 

nvm i have an SE so

 

To make a nice clean install, make your own fuse box. But in the past I have always used the cig fuse on all of my cars to install lights, etc with no problems

 

some folks are powering 2 devices with the cig plug nowadays. even with low power draw with led but with many leds doesn't it risk popping the cig fuse?

 

on 2 of my older cars I had LED floor board lights under the dash powered off of the cig lighter. And way back in the day i ran 3 neon tubes inside of the car off of the cig adapter.

Never once blew a fuse from them, just money and time.

 

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