I noticed that my fuseblock is a mess of wires and there are some strange things happening electrically on my car (i.e. the gauge lights come on whenever the ignition is on, etc)

I will start working to fix this mess soon but want to make sure I clearly understand what is what on my fuse block.

Is this correct?

BATT--this is constantly hot
IGN-- this hot only when: 1. The key is turned 2. The car is running
LAMPS--this is powered only when the headlights are turned on
ACC--this is hot when the either the key is turned to "accessory" or the car is running.


Is this correct?

What is the best method to tap into one of these contacts if I have multiple wires to connect? (i.e. I need to have IGN juice to 3 wires...)

I noticed that my fuseblock is a mess of wires and there are some strange things happening electrically on my car (i.e. the gauge lights come on whenever the ignition is on, etc)

I will start working to fix this mess soon but want to make sure I clearly understand what is what on my fuse block.

Is this correct?

BATT--this is constantly hot
IGN-- this hot only when: 1. The key is turned 2. The car is running
LAMPS--this is powered only when the headlights are turned on
ACC--this is hot when the either the key is turned to "accessory" or the car is running.


Is this correct? Yes, it correct. those terminals are for adding stuff. Gauge lights (I assume aftermarket gauges) should be wired to LPS (lamps)terminal.

What is the best method to tap into one of these contacts if I have multiple wires to connect? (i.e. I need to have IGN juice to 3 wires...)
Standard female connectors that you can get at any autoparts store. What are you trying to power? Any high current items should be wired with a relay.

I am powering:

Gauges
Pertronix Coil
Stereo (no amp)
Tachometer...

Coil needs to be separate for full Volts/Amps.
Stereo needs required fuse, which you may use the old if its big enuff.
Gauges and Tach can be powered from the same system.
Make sure you get good grounds.

I think I may have exceeded my daily allotment of questions with the 4-5 posts I just put up!

Thanks guys--I'll switch the coil to its own power and move the gauges to the LMP post...

Brent, note the the gauges need their POWER from the IGN post.

If you attach the wire from thier intenral illumination bulbs to the LMPS terminal, thier lights will come on and dim with the headlight switch.

Just a minor modification to the IGN and ACC definitions you've provided. IGN is hot in the crank position also - this is important for gauges. ACC power is turned off during crank.

Just a minor modification to the IGN and ACC definitions you've provided. IGN is hot in the crank position also - this is important for gauges. ACC power is turned off during crank.

Great that helps too--so it should look like this:


BATT--this is constantly hot
IGN-- this hot when: 1. cranking 2. The car is running
LAMPS--this is powered only when the headlights are turned on
ACC--this is hot when the either the key is turned to "accessory" or the car is running (but not during cranking)

Great that helps too--so it should look like this:

BATT--this is constantly hot
IGN-- this hot when: 1. cranking 2. The car is running
LAMPS--this is powered only when the headlights are turned on
ACC--this is hot when the either the key is turned to "accessory" or the car is running (but not during cranking)

Yep.

LAMPS probably comes on with the first click (parking lamps).