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  1. #1
    Very Active Member ofdave's Avatar
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    Default 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.



    2017 F3, SM6-basic black, plain and simple

  2. #2
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    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.

  3. #3
    Very Active Member ofdave's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Easy Rider View Post
    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.
    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?



    2017 F3, SM6-basic black, plain and simple

  4. #4
    Active Member nhoj's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ofdave View Post
    ...Looking for a switched source of power easily accessible...
    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
    Marilyn 2015 RTS SE6 Red
    John 2015 F3S SE6 Silver

    previous:
    2011 RT SM5 Silver
    2013 STS SM5 Silver

    "common sense will prevail....but we see no sign of that"

  5. #5
    Very Active Member ofdave's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nhoj View Post
    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
    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.



    2017 F3, SM6-basic black, plain and simple

  6. #6
    Active Member nhoj's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ofdave View Post
    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.
    The F3/F3S are on the right.
    The F3T/F3L are on the left.
    Marilyn 2015 RTS SE6 Red
    John 2015 F3S SE6 Silver

    previous:
    2011 RT SM5 Silver
    2013 STS SM5 Silver

    "common sense will prevail....but we see no sign of that"

  7. #7
    Active Member always young's Avatar
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    Default Alternate indicator.

    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.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by ofdave View Post
    I always thought volt meters were only on when the ignition was on?
    Yes usually.
    While that is best, one with an LCD display and no backlight might draw very close to NO current.

  9. #9
    Very Active Member ofdave's Avatar
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    so this is the right side
    thumbnail_0317181601.jpg
    does not appear to be the same as in the photo in the above link

    and this is the left side
    thumbnail_0317181601a.jpg



    2017 F3, SM6-basic black, plain and simple

  10. #10
    Active Member nhoj's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ofdave View Post
    so this is the right side
    thumbnail_0317181601.jpg
    does not appear to be the same as in the photo in the above link

    and this is the left side
    thumbnail_0317181601a.jpg
    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.
    "
    Marilyn 2015 RTS SE6 Red
    John 2015 F3S SE6 Silver

    previous:
    2011 RT SM5 Silver
    2013 STS SM5 Silver

    "common sense will prevail....but we see no sign of that"

  11. #11
    Very Active Member ofdave's Avatar
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    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



    2017 F3, SM6-basic black, plain and simple

  12. #12
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    Default LCD display no back light

    Quote Originally Posted by Easy Rider View Post
    Yes usually.
    While that is best, one with an LCD display and no backlight might draw very close to NO current.
    So, should I connect the volt meter directly to the battery or should I use the accessory circuit?

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Steamer View Post
    So, should I connect the volt meter directly to the battery or should I use the accessory circuit?
    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.
    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.

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