Best 12v source

[Quanta]

I'm hoping someone has a good suggestion for the best main line 12v source in the engine bay. I'm installing HID's and my kit wants to have a cable connect to the + terminal of the battery. I would prefer to connect to a main 12v source close to the lights and not run a cable to the battery. Thanks in advance!

[stonefish]

if you have a s2 there is a terminal from the battery used to jump start the car on the top back of the inner left wing under a black plastic cover.

[rip]

if you have a s2 there is a terminal from the battery used to jump start the car on the top back of the inner left wing under a black plastic cover.

I doubt Quanta has an S2 because none were sold in the US.

[Quanta]

Mine is a 91 Fed SE.

I'm looking for a major 12v source within the engine bay so as not to have to run a cable to the battery. Thanks...

[DeeAitch]

Not that I'm recommending it but I think the only option in the SE engine bay is the starter solenoid.
Probably better to use the +ve post under the dash but that I have never clapped eyes on it is so well buried
Beware, neither are fused.
How about one of the maxi fuses, bugga, they are also well hidden, at least they are on RHD

[Quanta]

If connected to the starter solenoid, this has continuous power and will not effect something else? I'm not sure what or where those other items mentioned are...

[Quanta]

PS. My cable is fused.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Looks like it will be easier to feed the circuit from the #5 Maxi Fuse - the one for the Start Relay. The fused side is 50A and there is limited times when both circuits will be used.

If you try to go to the starter solenoid, you have to go to extremes to make sure it doesn't foul the exhaust or anything around the engine that could shift, abraid and cause a high current short. The starter is in a tight, hard to reach area so not easy to work with.

Run into the dash area and do a proper joint (solder, heat shrink over heat shrink) to that circuit AFTER the Maxi Fuse. That is the area where the +VE post is supposed to be. You can connect to that if you can find it.

Consider using existing wiring routing areas to get into the dash area.



Larger version

[ccb056]

When we installed DRLs we pulled from fuse 25 in the footwell, it's an unused ignition controlled fuse.

viewtopic.php?f=80&t=20590

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Since it is unrated in the manual, what is the wire gauge feeding it and if it goes thru the ignition, what is the total circuit capable of supporting? The HIDs draw a bit (more than DRLs) and you don't want to overload any feeder much less an ignition circuit.