volt meter connection

am getting ready to install a volt meter on my F3. This will be attached with a bracket to the back side of the instrument cluster-have that all worked out.
am not looking to discuss whether I need a volt meter or not, or why I want one. Decision has been made.
Looking for a switched source of power easily accessible. I have no problem fishing wire a foot or more.
Not interested in removing a lot of plastic.
Have found a factory wire (a wrapped pair actually) with a factory label that says " Customer Accessory Circuit".
It's under the left fuse box and visible with the frunk removed.
Want to know if anyone knows what this circuit operates and if it is hot with the key on? I can test it myself but hoping to find an answer.
Am hoping to get some good ideas.

Keep in mind that if not connected directly to the battery, it might read a bit low; maybe a couple of tenths depending on the actual connection point.

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Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Keep in mind that if not connected directly to the battery, it might read a bit low; maybe a couple of tenths depending on the actual connection point.

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good point
but if it's connected to the battery, it's on all the time, although that might not be the worst case
I always thought volt meters were only on when the ignition was on?

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Originally Posted by ofdave

...Looking for a switched source of power easily accessible...

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Use the F3/F3S GPS power connector. Its under the seat on the RIGHT side. I used that for my voltmeter. Its hot whenever the key is on.
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?104180-Hooking-up-Garmin-590-on-F3T&p=1254139#post125413

If you wanted to use the "Customer Accessory Circuit" there is one much closer under the left access panel. Those circuits are only live when the motor is running and above 800 RPM. They're fed from the "load shed" relay.

John

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Originally Posted by nhoj

Use the F3/F3S GPS power connector. Its under the seat on the RIGHT side. I used that for my voltmeter. Its hot whenever the key is on.
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?104180-Hooking-up-Garmin-590-on-F3T&p=1254139#post125413

If you wanted to use the "Customer Accessory Circuit" there is one much closer under the left access panel. Those circuits are only live when the motor is running and above 800 RPM. They're fed from the "load shed" relay.

John

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thanks, appreciate the info
Mine is a 2017. The last question in that thread (still unanswered) asks if the connector you mention is on the left on that year. So I'm curious.
I will look tomorrow for one on the right and left and use what I find.
Now to fish wire from there to the front of the instrument cluster.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ofdave

thanks, appreciate the info
Mine is a 2017. The last question in that thread (still unanswered) asks if the connector you mention is on the left on that year. So I'm curious. I will look tomorrow for one on the right and left and use what I find.

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The F3/F3S are on the right.
The F3T/F3L are on the left.

I purchased a dual USB outlet on Amazon for around $15.00 or less and installed it in the dash. It has a digital voltage readout built in. Mine usually indicates 14.4 volts while running. I have installed a separate 6 outlet fuse box up front powered directly from the battery. It uses the switched power outlet under the left panel through a solenoid to power it. It runs my spot lighs and other accesories. This way it doesn't mess with the Canbus.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ofdave

I always thought volt meters were only on when the ignition was on?

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Yes usually.
While that is best, one with an LCD display and no backlight might draw very close to NO current.

so this is the right side

does not appear to be the same as in the photo in the above link

and this is the left side

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ofdave

so this is the right side

does not appear to be the same as in the photo in the above link

and this is the left side

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It looks like (as you suggested) its on the left side for 2016+ models.
From the GPS harness install...
"2015 Models, Routing on RH Side

2016 and Up Models, Routing on LH Side"

My apologies. Somewhere on the left side there's a taped up connection for powering a GPS

"Models Without Radio
Install the power connector on the vehicle harness as follows:
- On the LH side, locate the RED wire and the BLACK wire with a shrink tubing on their ends.
- Remove shrink tubing."

it's not there, mine is the base F3
anyway, I tapped in to the license plate light wires and the volt meter is up and running
pics tomorrow

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Yes usually.
While that is best, one with an LCD display and no backlight might draw very close to NO current.

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So, should I connect the volt meter directly to the battery or should I use the accessory circuit?

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Originally Posted by Steamer

So, should I connect the volt meter directly to the battery or should I use the accessory circuit?

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The switched acc. circuit should be fine for most people.

Some folks are anal though and can't BEAR to see a reading that is off a couple of tenths. :rolleyes:
And it might not BE. Won't know until you try it.

Hopefully that circuit has it's own fuse and doesn't also serve other things......like the radio.