Hello. Got some questions. I was working at installing an autometer transmission temp gauge and I need to figure a few more things out. First, I am supposed to splice into the "ignition" wire. What color is this wire, and does it power the gauge when the key is on or what? Also, the gauge is supposed to be grounded to to the engine ground. I looked for a cable on the firewall, but didn't see one. Would it be okay just to ground to the engine? Finally, I am putting the sender on the fliud line where the factory sensor is located using a t-fitting. I do not really like the idea of that fitting hanging on the line. Is the factory sensor really needed, since I can simply put the guage sensor in the line otherwise?

Sorry for the dumb questions, but I have no wiring diagrams or anything, and I don't wanna fry a new gauge. Thanks for any advise!

 

I just unscrewed the factory sensor and screwed my gauge sensor in it's place. I left the factory sensor plugged into the wiring harness and zip tied it to the cooler line to hold it in from hanging by the wires.

The purpose of the factory sensor is to disable overdrive if the trans temp exceeds 280 degrees. My trans will never see 280 degress, as I will watch the gauge and make sure of it.

If you disconnect the wiring from the factory sensor, your truck won't have overdrive. That's why I simply tied it out of the way.

 

THANKS:TX BEEN WAITING TO INSTALL MINE. BEEN LOOKING HARD AT THE STOCK SENDER. NOW I CAN GO HEAD AND INSTALL MINE.
AGAIN:THANKS

 

Thanks, glad to hear that. I feel alot more safe not having a large t-fitting hanging off of the line. Can anyone answer my wiring questions? I really need a wiring diagram!

 

You can ground it just about anywhere. There should be at least one ground strap between your battery/chassis/engine somewhere making literally any bare metal anywhere on the truck a good ground. The rule of thumb I use here is to ground things as close as possible to where they are switched/used to keep added wiring and resistance to a minimum.

You can get the switched 12v power from anything that is hot when the key is on. The gauge doesn't use much current so it is unlikely you would overload any circuit you might tap into. As with the ground, closer is better for the same reasons. I found an unused three prong plug underneath the dash near the steering column in mine which I originally thought was a factory tach wiring harness. One of the holes in that is switched hot and now has a total of seven gauges and a trailer brake connected to it, working just fine so far.

Still wondering what that plug was for. Probably cruise control, dunno.

 

Was that the plug that is attached to the hood release cable bracket? I was wondering what that is for.

 

It's hard say, probably depends on who the assembly line worker was that day how anything got arranged under there. I remember it was taped to something, but honestly cannot recall exactly what. Put a 12v meter on it and see what you get with the key on and off.

 

I did put a tee in mine and have the stock sender and the autometer sender working. The added weight has not damaged the line, just in case you want both. Good luck with it.

 

I dont want to hi-jack the thread, but I have a question regarding wires up in the dash.

So I have my dash taken apart for numerous reasons (gauge install, fixing aftermarket CD player, etc) and I go and pull the glove box out and drop it down by pushing the little plastic parts that hold it upright/open, and I look behind.
Low and behold there is a 5 prong wire connector back there that is not plugged to anything. Im thinking what could this be?!? and I look up and there is the 5 prongs that it is to be plugged to, and I plug it back in. Anyone know what this is?

 

Got it working, thanks for the help! I noticed a 6-prong plugin under the dash when I was working on it yesterday. I thought that it must be for the door alarm, if these old Dodges even had one.

 

Sounds like the plug for the blower motor resistor pack.

 

DOOR -SEATBELT. IS WHAT I SEE.