how to hook up power for gauge?

[alex86]

i just got a new gauge face for my 88 camry but one problem im having is to power the switch for the face bak light. it says to hook it up to the parking lights power cord in the dash area im guessin nd then place the black wire to the ground. where do i find the parking lights cord? nd if there is anything else im missin let me noe i need to get this finished by tonite

[88 LE]

Look for a green wire on one of the plugs that plug into the back of the gauge cluster.

Use a DMM (digital multi meter) to verify that its the correct wire. When the parking lights are on the meter will go from 0 to 12V.

[Erbe]

i belive its the green wire with the white line...but check like 88 said

[alex86]

so u just cut into that nd hook it directly to the red wire? nd then soder it all together?

[88 LE]

^ Yup.

Instead of cutting the wire (parking light wire). Strip off some of the insulation, solder the red wire from the gauges to it, and wrap it up with electrical tape.

Make sure you have the correct wire. It would suck to solder it together, then find out its the wrong wire.

[alex86]

you mean that little cover that is over the wires(as u noe im not that great with electrical) nd then just wrap the red wire over it then solder correcto?

also in order to test the wire wat setting do i need to be on the DVM or DMM?

[88 LE]

Originally posted by alex86
you mean that little cover that is over the wires(as u noe im not that great with electrical) nd then just wrap the red wire over it then solder correcto?

Correct.

Insulation is the covering over the wire.

When you strip off the insulation you'll see the bare wire inside.

also in order to test the wire wat setting do i need to be on the DVM or DMM?

DC voltage.

Some DMMs have a range setting on them. You need to set it to the correct range to measure 12V.

And some have a auto range mode. My Fluke 87 has this. It'll automatically goto the correct range for whatever your measuring.


To use it:

Hookup the black lead to ground.

Use the red lead to probe the wires. As your probing the wires turn the parking lights on/off. When you find the correct wire the meter will go from 0 (off) to 12V+ (on).

[alex86]

ill keep u up to date if i get any trouble ill ask