Possible to run new swtiched / unswitched lines?

phpnuke23 · Jun 29, 2012

Installing a new radio. My electric system needs some TLC in the future, and was hoping to use inline fuses (like 15 amps) with like 14 gauge wire running to the battery or solinoid or something like that.

Question is, is it possible to run new wiring to power a radio? Where in the compartment would the wires run to?

BUCKNBRONK · Jun 29, 2012

no- its impossible to run any new wires in a bronco- u will burn out the flux capacitor if u do and Marty McFly will never be born sending us all into a time vortex.

yes it is possable, run it off the battery term, solenoid, or just about any other circuit that has power with the key off or with key in run position, in line fuses are a good idea along with updating the grounds from cab to frame and frame to battery. Broncos do have a fuse panel in the glove box as well.

Phil76 · Jun 29, 2012

Broncos do have a fuse panel in the glove box as well.

Not if the PO cut the fuse box out and either spliced together, or went with inline fuses

BUCKNBRONK · Jun 29, 2012

Phil76 said:
Not if the PO cut the fuse box out and either spliced together, or went with inline fuses

then u are SOL my friend. call Centec and get a harness

ObscureMachine · Jun 29, 2012

You can find a good 12 connection in the fuse box maybe. Unless it is a hi power radio, it's not going to draw a ton of power. Or, just run a wire from the starter solenoid or battery. Just make sure it's properly fused.

John Marinan · Jun 29, 2012

Painless has a nice add on box that gives you 5 switched and 5 unswitched. You can jump off 1) 20 amp and add a small fuse box to give an additional 5. it has a relay and a waterproof cover. Watch the ground, as it grounds through a mounting screw, if the screw comes loose you'll be stumped trying to figure out what happened.

phpnuke23 · Jun 29, 2012

giving it a shot now!

patterdale · Jun 29, 2012

Sounds like you are at a point where you need to evaluate the pros/cons of a new harness or trusting your knowlege/ability to do quality wiring. If your harness is questionable by all means protect the new expensive equipment with an inline fuse. Put it anywhere in the hot wire that is convenient for you to find if the radio goes off the air. Same goes for any system in your bronco. At some point it might be prudent to get a new harnes if the majority of your equipment is on its own inline fuse.

Airmapper · Jun 29, 2012

Relays are your friend. Although a relay might be overkill for a radio, they do make things a tad easier.

For example, you can run a good hot wire into the cab for "accessories" and run your radio with reliable power direct from the battery. You just find a key on hot wire out in the engine compartment to kick on the relay.

I went to a lot more work for it but I set up a similar system with a junkyard power distribution box from a 2000 or so Ford truck / SUV. I have rows for mini fuses, maxi fuses, and relays. Some are constant hot, some are key on hot.

BUT, there should be a yellow with black stripe female bullet connector under your dash which is already dedicated to this function. (Stock radio wire.)

Possible to run new swtiched / unswitched lines?

phpnuke23

Jr. Member

BUCKNBRONK

Sr. Member

Phil76

Sr. Member

BUCKNBRONK

Sr. Member

ObscureMachine

Seatbelt Orifice Officer

John Marinan

Sr. Member

phpnuke23

Jr. Member

patterdale

Bronco Guru

Airmapper

Foolproofness Tester

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