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Possible dash 12v sources. Unused switch plugs?

993 views 11 replies 5 participants last post by  sycboi 
#1 ·
I am restoring/rebuilding my ‘97 TJ. All wiring, 100% front to back top to bottom, has been converted to ‘99 wiring harnesses...

I am looking to wire in seat heaters. I would like to source the 12v power from unused switch plugs in the dash. I have a soft top so I don’t need the rear wiper or the hbl (rear defroster) switches in the dash. My dash harness is wired for them from what I can see. I will attach two pictures showing my fuse box and the plugs I believe are associated with the circled fuse locations. There is also a 3rd plug and I am not sure what it’s factory intended use would be for...

If I am on the right track I should be able to tie in to the power wires and insert fuses in the fusebox and be able to power up my seat heaters. Am I missing anything with my plan?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!
 

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#2 ·
You could test your theory by using a volt meter at the plugs and insert fuses into the slots to see if you get power.

Also, what currents load is the seat heaters ? If more than 10a, be aware that wiring associated with F17 slot may be a smaller gauge. Even if you put a 15-20a fuse in the slot, the wire may be undersized.

Now you could use to control a relay that pulled in a heavier power source straight from the battery.
 
#3 ·
On high they pull about 5 amps each, from everything I have read. So hopefully they can be wired right in to the dash wiring and be good to go...

Unfortunately my main wiring harness is being built by HotwireAuto so I don't have any under hood wiring. Nothing is coming into the tub at all, wiring/power wise...
 
#5 ·
At the connector labled 17 the dark blue/red wire is the one from the fuse. At connector '6' the brown/pink wire is from the fuse.


On both of the connectors, black is ground, orange is illumination.


The third black plug is the front fog lamp switch connector.
 
#6 ·
At the connector labled 17 the dark blue/red wire is the one from the fuse. At connector '6' the brown/pink wire is from the fuse.

On both of the connectors, black is ground, orange is illumination.

The third black plug is the front fog lamp switch connector.
You just answered about everything else I needed to know. Thank you good sir!

I have been googling for two days trying to get those very answers. Amazing how sparse detailed information like that is in forum discussions. I even downloaded electronic versions of the '97-'99 TJ factory parts manual and the '99 TJ shop manual and have been going page by page searching for the wiring schematics...

Several members, Yourself, 2jhanna, mukluk, etc are absolutey invaluable with your help on this TJ page!
 
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#7 ·
With the wiring sections of the FSM, have a look at section 8W-01 General Information. That will explain how to read/use the wiring diagrams.
The 8W-90 Connector/Ground Location section has diagrams that show most connector but not all connector locations. Using that can help find unknown plugs by location.
8W-80 Connector Pin-outs will then tell you what all the wires are going into the plug.
 
#9 ·
Seat Heater wire

On my 2004, I used #19, it was an extra circuit per the wiring diagram. It is switched with the ignition, but test this with your multi meter. You will want to be sure it is switched so you don't leave it on accidentally. Mine pull 5 amps each, which is fine as it is a 20 amp circuit. I put a 10 amp fuse in for each seat.
 
#10 ·
On my 2004, I used #19, it was an extra circuit per the wiring diagram. It is switched with the ignition, but test this with your multi meter. You will want to be sure it is switched so you don't leave it on accidentally. Mine pull 5 amps each, which is fine as it is a 20 amp circuit. I put a 10 amp fuse in for each seat.
I used fuse locations #6 and #17 as I wasn't using those connections for their intended purposes anyways. Both are switched on with the key so all is well there. I installed 10 amp fuses at both locations (#6 was originally a 20 amp circuit and #17 was originally a 10 amp circuit so I am ok there as well). My "free" auxiliary circuit location, I already used, was fuse #18. It is hot all the time. I used it for the auxiliary port on my switch panel (I updated my dash to an '04 setup)...
 
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