Usually I would install an accessory and go right to the fusebox or battery, but it appears things are a little different with all the new technology and designs built into our cars/trucks today. Can you tell I haven't done this in a while? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif


So I now have a rearview camera, LCD panel and A/V connection box I need to provide power to. There are 3 wires coming from the AV box located in the cab.


Where can I tap into an ignition based Positive connection? Ground needs to be done as well, and finally a positive connection to the Reverse lights, or whatever I can use so that the camera gets power only when the I put the truck in reverse. What do you guys recommend? I'm looking at the fuse block to the left of the dash, and it doesn't appear I can hook anything up there. Open to suggestions, including any details/schematics on wires under the dash I can tap into.


Thanks in advance.


P.S. When I complete this project, I'll be posting a "how to" because this kit truly looks OEM. Several have asked me to let them know how it goes.

I also know this is very elementary, but I really am not clear on "best practices", where most of you are getting power for your add-on accessories. So any help is sincerely appreciated.

Check out GMupfitter.com It is a pretty good source of information. I used the C-8 port in the MBEC for a good easy to get at power source. There is a connector available that plugs into the port from rockauto.com, but it is 36 bucks and change delivered, but makes things very easy.


The C-8 port has two hot at all times leads, one 30 amp and one 15 amp, one run/start lead at 15 amps, one accy/run lead at 15 amps, and a ground lead.


Let me know if you need more information about either part (the MBEC part, or the connector from rockauto) I'm in no way a tech, but just spent a bunch of time exploring and playing around under the dash so it's all fresh in the brain.


Dennis

Thanks for the link to that site. It appears they already assume the reader knows where the MBEC and other power connections are normally made. Don't know where those are, I'll try to search the site.


Would it make sense to install an accessory dist.panel under the dash? This would be a power distribution panel with fuses, where I can install blade connectors. One part of the panel is ignition based, the other is constant. Similar installations like this are frequently done in the boating industry, I have it on my boat and it makes adding accessories very easy.

You could do that. The MBEC is where you might normally find the fuse box. If you go to gmupfitter.com, download their 03 and beyond electrical guide. It is full of information (although not as good as what I would like), and it will show you exactly where everything is, where it gets its power and the fuse rating. If you can't find it let me know and I'll find it and put the link in here.


Thanks,
Dennis

I had the Painless wiring 7-CIRCUIT AUXILIARY FUSE BLOCK (http://www.painlesswiring.com/fuseblock.htm) ($40 from AutoZone) in my last truck and it worked great. I did see this http://www.dieselperformance.com/gmc/product.php?pn=BD%20Power%20Pod&tt=gmc (http://www.dieselperformance.com/gmc/product.php?pn=BD%20Power%20Pod&tt=gmc) that I thought looked pretty cool too. What is this MBEC port? I have read here where others have used the SEO port next to the brake controller.

On my 03 there is also a fused 30 amp terminal, Accessory Power Stud #2 (http://community.webshots.com/photo/77018086/78006348ldgpAd), in the under hood fuse box. To access it you have to remove the curved fender bracket and lift off the lower fuse box cover. I used this port to get power for my lift pump. It's hot all the time.


You can also use a "Little-Fuse Add-a-Circuit" to tap an existing circuit (provided there is enough capacity).


http://thumb3.webshots.com/s/thumb1/5/42/3/143154203ZUDYIZ_th.jpg


Larger Pic (http://community.webshots.com/photo/77018086/143154203ZUDYIZ)


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gifEdited by: jbplock

The MBEC is the mid bussed electrical connector. It is a good source of power for inside the cab stuff. jbplock has a good one for outside the cab stuff, and it is the same on '04. You can find out some more details on the GMupfitter.com website and look under the 03 and beyond electrical guide. It is a good reference, but doesn't show everything. Good enough for adding stuff, though.


I used an add-a-fuse on the left fuse block for power for my gauges, tapping off the rear wipers circuit, those things are great.

Thanks a million for the replies. Does anyone have a schematic or picture of where the MBEC is located? Does this require special connectors, or can I use standard stuff?


The upfitter site doesn't show an '03 and beyond guide. Did find one electrical related PDF to view, but it wasn't very helpful, nor detailed about what I'm trying to do. 12volt does not have a schematic on the 04's yet in their database.


I'm probably just going to wire it to the fuse block and get and add-a-fuse since that seems to be the most popular and pop it into Ignition #3 where there is already an existing 10A fuse. The accessory I'm adding has it's own 10A inline, so I'm hoping it works.

Try this link


http://www.gmupfitter.com/publicat/2004_BB/2003_Beyond_LD_Electric_CK.pdf


If that doesn't work, let me know and I can step you through their website to get to it. . . .


I did use standard spade lug connectors temporarily (squished a little to fit the small connectors) but only until I found the part that will just plug into the port. It was a little more than 36 bucks, but an easy fit. You could use a trailer plug, too, and I found those for $10 if you don't have a brake controller plugged into the C-7 port.


DennisEdited by: baimpala

Dennis, I couldn't find that document, many thanks for the link. I believe that's what the doctor ordered. I'll probably do the same thing just so I can use the system for now, then get the right harness/port connector next week.

Keith,


I'm confused. . . did my link work for getting you the pdf file? If not, I can try to e-mail it to you. It is 3.8 MB. Haven't tried e-mailing something that large on this account, so I don't know if I'm limited to 1 MB or not. . . Let me know when you want to get the connector, it is a little tricky to find as well, but I finally got it and it works like a champ.


Dennis

Oh sorry about that, yes, the link worked. I meant that I couldn't find the document itself until you had provided the link. It's perfect. I'm on page 20 already, not missing a paragraph, great reading and a great resource. Again, many thanks.

Correction, I'm on page 31 already, just what I needed.

There are a couple other .pdf files on the website as well. Here's a link that might work better just to find the files.


http://www.gmupfitter.com/publicat/ld_2004.htm


And one for best practices files


http://www.gmupfitter.com/publicat/bestpractices.htm


Best of luck,
Dennis

Great links. From some searching here are part numbers for the connector:


http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6817&KW=Diesel+Dad


And this:


http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11903&KW=SEO+Connector