Need Help w/Boost Gauge install

[MSP FOR LIFE]

Ok I have a Autometer Cobalt C2 Boost/Vac gauge and I have wired the Ground and power to the 12V constant by the ingnition(Red Wire). Now my only question is where can I find the dash dimmer wire so when I turn on my headlights my boost gauge lights will come on. I have searched all over the forum and couldnt find a solid answer. Is there anybody who has any suggestions and please try to be as detailed as possible. thanks for the help

[raku]

you and me both buddy, you and me both.

[jred321]

http://users.wpi.edu/~jck15243/msppinout1.htm
i think it says where to look in the how to for a boost gauge install too if you don't want the ecu

[Dr.Sound]

pull out your dimmer switch module,
unplug the green plug,
and look for a green/black wire (green wire with a black line)
that's the wire u should tap into.

http://www.mazdamp3.com/vbb230/_handler.php/Dr.Sound/dimmer%20switch%20wire%20for%20gauge.jpg

[raku]

now i understand that is as straightforward as possible but i have a crappy sunpro boost gauge with terrible directions. the only wires i have to do the lighting are black and red..therefore, which do i tap into the dimmer with, it said to tap into the dimmer on the directions but not what wire to do it with. sorry to bother u.

[Dr.Sound]

black is ground, which u can connect to any metal (frame) part.
i connected it to one of the little holes on steering wheel column.

red wire is the one u connect to the green/black on your dimmer switch.

[BinaryRotary]

If you had an 03 you could do it the easy way. Most people always have their fogs on when they turn their lights on so just tap into the foglight wire on the fuse block in the engine bay.

[raku]

alright thank you for explaining what should have been obvious. i can ground it too a screw righjt? any screw...

[Dr.Sound]

yeah, just make sure that that screw connects to the body or the frame

[MSP FOR LIFE]

ok wow Now im completly lost I just got finished and ended up wiring my white wire which is for the backlight to an accessory for now so it will stay on all the time and I have my ground wire grounded and also have my red wire tapped into the Constant 12V but my gauge reads a constant 5 PSI and whenever I rev it in idle it shoots way up. I know that when your in idle the gauge shoudl be on the vacc side and when you gas it under pressure then you get the boost readings. ANYBODY have a clue whats up maybe I have a defective gauge??? Or am I doing something wrong. Please help this is driving me nutss!!!!!!

[BinaryRotary]

Originally posted by raku
alright thank you for explaining what should have been obvious. i can ground it too a screw righjt? any screw...

Ground it to the body.

[MSP FOR LIFE]

I also used rubber tubing instead of the nylon supplied. Does anybody think maybe i have a vacc leak cause i am not getting any vac readings whatsoever

[BinaryRotary]

Originally posted by MSP FOR LIFE
ok wow Now im completly lost I just got finished and ended up wiring my white wire which is for the backlight to an accessory for now so it will stay on all the time and I have my ground wire grounded and also have my red wire tapped into the Constant 12V but my gauge reads a constant 5 PSI and whenever I rev it in idle it shoots way up. I know that when your in idle the gauge shoudl be on the vacc side and when you gas it under pressure then you get the boost readings. ANYBODY have a clue whats up maybe I have a defective gauge??? Or am I doing something wrong. Please help this is driving me nutss!!!!!!

Gauge is either faulty or you have a leak.

[Dr.Sound]

C2's are electronic gauges.......
dont u need a source for vac with it?

how are u reading your boost/vac? where did u tap into for that?

[Dr.Sound]

Originally posted by MSP FOR LIFE
I also used rubber tubing instead of the nylon supplied. Does anybody think maybe i have a vacc leak cause i am not getting any vac readings whatsoever
if u had a leak it would read 0,
i also used rubber tubing cause the nylon is crap.

i'm pretty sure that something's wrong with the gauge

[Dr.Sound]

someone explain to me why he has 3 wires if it's a mechanical gauge?

[MSP FOR LIFE]

Because I have an electronical gauge. I just went for a drive and now im pretty sure its a faulty gauge cause the gauge is working its just wayyyyyyyyy off. When I turn my car off it goes to about 15 PSI but when I start my car it goes down to 5PSI or so. And when I drive underloads it cranks up to about 20-23 PSI. And it never once got close to goin to the vacc side of the gauge. Damnit I am pissed first My Autometer C2 Air/Fuel Ratio gauge came defective and now the boost gauge is too. WHAT THE HELL IS WITH AUTOMETER!!!!! Never buy this stuff off of ebay. They both came brand spankin new too. How could i of possibly got two defective gauges!!!!!!!!

[Dr.Sound]

yeah dude, totally defective gauge
the needle came of its preset position

[Daniel Young]

Should've went with the greddy, mine works fine. and i was lazy so i just pulled out the radio and used the wiring diagram from it. it was easier to do that than to fool with any other way.

[Dr.Sound]

i'm sure he chose these gauges cause he was going for a particular look......
they arent bad, just sux that u got a defective one.

[MSP FOR LIFE]

not just 1 defective one but 2. Both my Air/fuel ratio gauge and Boost/vac gauge are defective. My air/fuel ratio gauge came without the cover that goes over the LED's and all the LED lights are showing. Which I know is not how they are sappose to come but both gauges were sealed in a brand new package and were never used before. I guess this is what I get for trying to get these gauges a few dollars cheaper on Ebay.

[Dr.Sound]

true