Wiring into a fuse box

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Alfred_B

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I am planning to install a LED lighted emblem to my car. Here is the fuse box -- I will be running the positive wire to the fuse box, and I am hopeful to discover one of the free spots that are on when the key is turned on.

I would ideally have a clean install as if it's a factory install, i.e. I do not use a fuse tap but the slot for the fuse with the wire attached somewhere underneath.

Unfortunately, all the instructions I find are either with a fuse tap or or a fuse piggy back tap.

So... how would I pull out the yellow fuse holder and attach the wire?



20151227_114540[1].webp
 
Use a relay. Run power from battery and ground to the chassis. Have signal of the relay come from a fuse tap that is hot with key.
 
The battery is in the cabin under the second row seats. Too much trouble wiring that much. I could tap into the power (the red cable in the picture) but that means reaching inside the fuse box again.
 
You'd need to remove the whole fusebox to get good access to the underside to tap off power or signal there. It may be easier to instead find an item that is switched with the key and tap off signal for a relay from there. That could mean a lot more wiring and searching for the right place.

Ask yourself: How important is the aesthetics of the insides of a fuse box with a properly fused, hassle free installation, vs a completely stock looking fusebox and possibly much more work and aggravation of keeping everything looking exactly original?
 
Yes, sounds like the cost-benefit doesn't favor a clean looking fuse box. I was hoping it was plug and play situation with the fuse blocks.

I will do a tap.
 
At least you have plenty of open slots in the box that could maybe provide the switched power you need. My car had no such openings that actually had connectors underneath, so all my aftermarket items needed custom power taps, fuses, and lots more wiring.

Tuck your custom wiring into existing factory harnesses, or get some split loom wire protector and route it alongside the factory harnesses. This will keep a clean look to the casual observer and make sure you don't get any shorts or severed wires down the road.
 
Originally Posted by vavavroom
I sense a ticket in your future.


Why do you say that? Mercedes has a lighted emblem as an option. I see them once in a while.
 
You're probably aware already of this, but fwiw when adding the tap ...make sure you get the tap on the correct side of the fuse so that it is also fused.
 
Originally Posted by Kawiguy454
You're probably aware already of this, but fwiw when adding the tap ...make sure you get the tap on the correct side of the fuse so that it is also fused.


thumbsup2.gif
 
Originally Posted by vavavroom
Originally Posted by Wolf359
Originally Posted by vavavroom
I sense a ticket in your future.


Why do you say that? Mercedes has a lighted emblem as an option. I see them once in a while.


A lighted hood/grille emblem while driving is illegal. If it lights up only when unlocking the car or when opening a door is legal.

http://www.scottsdalembservice.com/blog/does-the-mercedes-benz-emblem-light-up/



Interesting. I've seen cars that had it lit up while driving and assumed it was factory but I suppose that could have just been an aftermarket upgrade.
 
After reading this I wired it to the DRL/fog lights. I can turn these on and off, and it stays on even at night despite being called DRL.

In case I'm driving out of state where the cops are more likely to be nitpicky.
 
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