Electrical Question

Is there any reason it would be ill advised to tap into this fuse location to install some dash LEDs to mimic the capstone lighting? Just want to make sure I am not running into any unexpected problems. Has anyone used this one? Is there a better one?

 

It totally depends on how many amps your lights will pull. One of the USBs charges phones at 2.5 amps and the other is like 3.1 amps (not sure which is #1 or #2) so depending on the draw of your LEDs you might be getting close to the 7.5amps for that circuit if the lights are on while you are also charging a phone. IOW, if your LEDs draw more than a couple of amps you would probably be better off using one of the larger circuits.

 

USB charges at 5 volts so the one that will charge up to 3.1 amps will draw less than 1.5 amps at 12 volts.

 

Yup, I forgot about that. There has to be a 5v power supply between the load side of the fuse and the console jack. I am guessing the OP should have enough capacity here, unless he has some big hog LEDs.

 

OK! I've had some moderate success with everyone's help. The tap works great so far. I still have to clean up the LEDs a little but I'm getting close. Next challenge: Is there an easy way to access the door hinge channel grommet to run LEDs into the doors like the Capstone? I removed the kick panel but there is a bunch of wiring and plastic and metal that is about 6 inches thick. I would also imagine there is a harness in there that I might have to drill through. I removed the door panel and can see that once in the door side, the wires all have specific grommets they pass through to get to the electronics. Guess I'll have to drill my own or find a grommet there too. Progress pic and stock capstone lighting pic below.

If there's any interest, happy to post step by step process...

 

Nice work, that looks great!

 

Looks pretty cool. what fuse did you endup tapping into?

 

The one that I circled above. Works like a charm. I even tested the two USB ports with my phone (honestly I'm not sure which is which) and they both work and hold a charge without any effect on the lights. Maybe someday I'll tap into the headlights or something so they only come on at night (not sure if the Capstone lights are always on and just not visible in the daytime). Now on to getting through the door boot somehow and whether to drill through that harness or try and pin it myself...

 

Capstone and 1794 accent lights are controlled by a switch on the overhead console where the moon roof buttons are. Off/Dim/Bright. Bright is not that bright. I just leave mine on all the time