Tap cigarette lighter for AUX gauge power.

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  • totheredline
    Mod Crazy
    • Jun 2013
    • 762

    #1

    Tap cigarette lighter for AUX gauge power.

    Quick question.. Currently I have all 5 (oil pressure, oil temp, voltage, fuel pressure and AFR) gauges tapped into the cigarette lighter for power.

    Will this draw too many amps? Will the lighter still work?
    = Heidi 1988 325 -> 335i. 7200rpm built M30
  • Fourbanger
    Grease Monkey
    • Jul 2011
    • 335

    #2
    There's a 30 amp fuse on the cigarette lighter according to this post. No idea how much your gauges draw but it's probably not 30 amps. I'm sure you could find that info you're concerned.

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    • reelizmpro
      R3V OG
      • Dec 2003
      • 9446

      #3
      The cigarette lighter is constant power. You should hook up the gauges to a switched 12v source.
      "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

      85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
      88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
      89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
      91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

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      • totheredline
        Mod Crazy
        • Jun 2013
        • 762

        #4
        Any suggestions on where I might find a switched power source?
        = Heidi 1988 325 -> 335i. 7200rpm built M30

        Comment

        • jlevie
          R3V OG
          • Nov 2006
          • 13530

          #5
          The easiest place to get switched power will be the accessory fuse block on the front side of the main fuse box. One of the wires is switched power and the other is un-switched power. For the gauges a 7.5a fuse will be more than you need.
          The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
          Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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