I'm looking to install a 12V aftermarket dome light in my 2003 E-350 work van.The light has it's own manual switch so I want it to have constant power so I don't want to tap into one of my existing factory dome lights which go on and off with the opening and closing of the doors.I'm hoping someone can tell me the easiest way to run a power lead to this fixture.There are unused spots in the fuse box but I don't know if that helps me or not.Running a dedicated lead all the way to the battery seems extreme for this low draw light but I'll do that if necessary.Thanks for any feedback.

 

Look at the pillar behind the driver's door, down near the floor. You might have to pull some panels off. See if you can find a lightgreen/yellow wire. It should be hot all the time.

It may or may not be there. The diagram has several different versions, depending on if you have an entertainment system(I guessed not on this one) or if you have a full headliner or a dealer installed system. Do you have any map lights or vanity mirrors? If you have any of these, they should have the lightgreen/yellow wire. This is the wire you need to look for if you can find it.

 

Thanks Franklin I'll check that out.I did a google search and found this idea which doesn't sound bad.The idea is to install the right sized connector into an unused fuse location(the right amperage of course) and then simply use an in-line fuse connector for the new power lead.This seems like a slightly more professional installation but if you or anyone else has a differing opinion on this please let me know.I'm fairly mechanical but wiring is not something I'm that well versed at.

 

Answered own question as it appears all I need is a fuse tap which fits into an unused fuse location and is readily purchased at Radio Shack or an auto parts store.

 

You can create another circuit, and that would work fine. If you could find the lightgreen/yellow wire, this is already a factory fused courtesy light circuit.

It would be easier if you could find that lightgreen/yellow wire somewhat near where you want the light, but you may have more work in tearing apart the interior to find that wire than the method you mentioned.

 

Just wanted to finish up by saying I tried that Fuse clip idea and was very unhappy with the way the connection felt.They actually make an add a circuit kit that fits in unused fuse locations and has a nice pigtail with a quick connect on it.Unfortunately Pep boys only had it in the larger fuse size and my 2003 uses the mini spades.I stopped playing around ans simply ran my hot lead directly to the battery with a nice little in line fuse that actually uses the mini spade fuses that I already keep around.Worked like a charm and the 2 dome lights are in and the lighting is phenomenal.I bought dual bulb RV domes by thin-lite and they look like OEM fixtures.What started this whole idea is that my van has 4 factory domes and while at work we tend to leave the doors open which obviously kills the battery after a few hours.I replaced the bulbs in those 4 domes with LED dome bulbs which I like quite a bit but they definitely don't throw enough light for a work truck.Now I have the best of both worlds.With the low draw and infinite life of the LED's I never worry about the domes being on all day and when I need the extra light these 2 incandescant dome lights with manual switches fit the bill perfectly.As long as I remember to turn off these work lights I have no battery issues.