Wiring Question
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New User
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Wiring Question
I'm a newbie with a possibly silly question. I need to find a hot wire, preferably one that's only hot when the ignition is on. I can't read wiring diagrams and there's a lot of wires under the dash. Anyone have an easy way to find one? It's a 1990 Ranger 2.9L V6, 2WD standard and auto transmission. Thanks!
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: riverside
Using a test light, connect one side of it to ground and probe with the other until you find one that will light the light when the key is on but not when the key is off. Be careful to not distort the connectors (back probing is certainly the preferred way w. a small t pin or something along those lines) and make sure not to stick it through the side of the insulation of the wire.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Las Vegas, NV
So probe where, at the fuse box? I was looking for a wire to tap into but you said not to damage the insulation. I could probably make the fuse box work if I have a spade connector to plug in to. Thanks!
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
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From: SW Va
Might be helpful if we knew what your hooking up.
You need to consider the extra load your about to ask any electrical circuit to carry.
If the item your about to splice in, requires too much electrical demand, it might cause voltage drop operating problems with the circuit it's tapped into, or it might even cause that circuits fuse to blow.
So if what your connecting up requires a sizeable amp feed, or causes electrical noise on the line, it would probably be a good idea to tap into an unused but fused panel connection & or provide an inline fused feed from the fuse panel to the item being hooked up.
We need to be mindful of how & where we hook up aftermarket electrical items, to prevent circuit overload & or electical noise (EMI/RFI) feedback mischief into our various onboard computers.
More thoughts for pondering, let us know how it goes..
You need to consider the extra load your about to ask any electrical circuit to carry.
If the item your about to splice in, requires too much electrical demand, it might cause voltage drop operating problems with the circuit it's tapped into, or it might even cause that circuits fuse to blow.
So if what your connecting up requires a sizeable amp feed, or causes electrical noise on the line, it would probably be a good idea to tap into an unused but fused panel connection & or provide an inline fused feed from the fuse panel to the item being hooked up.
We need to be mindful of how & where we hook up aftermarket electrical items, to prevent circuit overload & or electical noise (EMI/RFI) feedback mischief into our various onboard computers.
More thoughts for pondering, let us know how it goes..
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New User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Good point. It's an Escort radar detector that I've been running from the cigarette lighter. I was replacing the headliner and ran the hard wired cord while I was at it. The cord also has an inline fuse. I could probably look up the load requirements but it can't be anywhere near a stereo amp or laptop computer, etc. I even forgot and left it plugged into the lighter overnight (shame on me, I know) and it had no effect on starting the next morning. Didn't seem to be any drain on the battery. Thanks for the input!
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
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From: SW Va
Yah, a Radar detector doesn't pull much current & the Escort is one of the better qualty ones, so they know about & pay attention to EMI/RFI design problems, so if it hasn't been messed with internally, it's likely ok.
If it has a fused lead whos fuse & terminal connection will be close to the fuse panel, maybe consider using one of the switched lugs there. As has been said, a 12 volt test light, or multimeter will show you which circuit connection is switched.
If you don't get any wiring inputs, you might be able to find a 90 model Rangers wiring schematic or pictorial in your local library auto section, of maybe even your local Ford Dealer.
I once swapped wiring info with a Toyota Dealer, on the Daughters 77 Celica. I had info he didn't have & he had some I couldn't find, so we did an info swap!!!!
If it has a fused lead whos fuse & terminal connection will be close to the fuse panel, maybe consider using one of the switched lugs there. As has been said, a 12 volt test light, or multimeter will show you which circuit connection is switched.
If you don't get any wiring inputs, you might be able to find a 90 model Rangers wiring schematic or pictorial in your local library auto section, of maybe even your local Ford Dealer.
I once swapped wiring info with a Toyota Dealer, on the Daughters 77 Celica. I had info he didn't have & he had some I couldn't find, so we did an info swap!!!!
