Constant fused at 3 amps??

Warbird · October 18, 2007, 01:21:42 AM

I'm installing an autostart on the Mrs' car and it requires a security bypass module, which I have. However, one of the wires is supposed to be connected to "12 Volts constant fused at 3 amps".

I've done a good deal of wiring but what in the world is "constant fused at 3 amps" and how do I find it (if it exists) in my car??

Furby · October 18, 2007, 01:24:13 AM

I belive constant would be always hot, with a 3 amp fuse in the line between the power and the unit.

Warbird · October 18, 2007, 01:26:27 AM

Quote from: Furby on October 18, 2007, 01:24:13 AM
I belive constant would be always hot, with a 3 amp fuse in the line between the power and the unit.

Thanks Furby. That's what I thought but just wanted to be sure. Hrmmm.. Now I have to figure out how to get an inline 3 amp fuse with the stuff I have in the shop. Bleh.

moosehunter · October 18, 2007, 07:24:51 AM

Warbird,
I have one right here in my tool box ifn ya want it. Just stop by and get it :D

mh

Warbird · October 18, 2007, 12:07:22 PM

Heh. I'd love to stop by but the journey might take a tad bit too long. :D

sandman2234 · October 18, 2007, 12:20:36 PM

Right around the corner, on this round ball we call earth. Should be a great trip.
David from jax

rebocardo · October 18, 2007, 03:32:42 PM

Depending on your car and make, you can usually tap from the flasher circuit (ex: Most Fords have a constant 12V to both flasher circuits that feed other circuits that are always on such as the brake lamps) or head lamp switch.

The nice thing about the flashers is they already have a male lead so you can easily make a Y adapter and upgrade the flasher to a HD electronic unit while you are in there.

There is no need to run a wire from under the hood. If this in a tough place to access behind the dash you might want to consider a relay instead that automatically resets itself when the (over) load has been removed.

You can buy an ATC relay at Pepboys (special order), then an ATC fuse socket, and wire it in. Place a wire wrap around the relay and socket assembly so it doesn't bounce loose.

Warbird · October 18, 2007, 07:07:29 PM

Thanks rebocardo. I am going to tap into the 12 V constant that goes to the ignition switch. I have to take apart the steering column cover and pull the ignition switch anyway, for the security bypass module.

Warbird · October 29, 2007, 11:45:58 AM

Had a few things come up that slowed this project down but it's almost done now!! This "do it yourself deluxe autostart" ain't exactly what I'd call 'do it yourself'. Now that I've read the entire 62 page installation manual (twice!) and downloaded a bunch of wiring diagrams, it ain't toooo awful bad.

Anyway, I had enough of the wiring done to plug the main unit in and test it out. The crank time is too short the first time it tries so I get to reprogram the unit. But wait! Programming the unit requires you to have the extra relay that allows the horn to honk! And that only costs $7 but since you live in Alaska, we get top charge you $25 for shipping!! *grumble*

On the plus side, the relay and the extra transponder should be here in two days. And the best news is that it did get the car started. Once the crank time is adjusted, it'll work perfectly.

ps. Unless you greatly enjoy this type of work, pay someone else to do it for you!

rebocardo · October 30, 2007, 02:12:18 AM

> And that only costs $7

I have not seen one that does not use a standard Bosch relay. You can get them at NAPA, if NAPA is close.

I keep a few relay sockets and relays around in case I need them. As you noted, it costs more to have then shipped then what you pay for them mail order. JCW has them too.

Western Electric is fairly close to you and they carry just about everything.

FWIW: The first thing a thief usually does if the car is alarmed is break off the steering wheel column covers. One, to cut the alarm wires (or in some cases all), two to easily move the transmission rod to shift the car into N to move it.

Yea, I love those do it yourself alarms with dozens of pages. I have found the alarms from www.autoloc.com to be pretty easy to install.

Warbird · October 30, 2007, 11:17:14 AM

I wondered if it was a standard relay I could try and figure out how to wire up but to be honest, I didn't have the time to research it. It's too late now anyway, as I already ordered it. It should be here tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks for the info and suggestions rebocardo. This car isn't exactly at risk of being stolen. It's a 2000 Mercury Sable wagon. I'd promised the Mrs a couple of years ago that I'd get her an autostart, then I promised her I'd save ~$500 by doing it myself. Yeah, I know... famous last words. ;D

rebocardo · November 01, 2007, 01:19:00 AM

Around here they will try to steal anything, they even tried to steal our 82 Chevy Impala (wrecked the steering column) and a neighbor's Cherokee. I guess AFTER they broke in, they didn't steal hers because it was a standard so she got away with only a broken window. They did get my neighbor's GM something, drove it around for a joy ride and wrecked it.

> I'd get her an autostart

I imagine in that climate, it is a real plus.

moosehunter · November 01, 2007, 07:41:47 AM

I am a profesional auto tech. Thats what I do. The first time one of my customers brought in one of those remote starters to install for her, I read the directions, thought long and hard ( about 5 seconds) and told her we don't install them. We send them to the local car electronics place.
My wife asked for one a few years back. I told her she could have one as long as I did not have to put it in!
mh

Warbird · November 01, 2007, 11:13:07 AM

rebocardo: Sounds to me like you need some motion lights and a shotgun. >:(

moosehunter: I'm obviously not as smart as you are! But now that I know how to do one, it ain't too bad. If a friend had the exact same model autostart and the exact same model car, I *might* consider helping them install it! Otherwise, this'll probably be the last one. ;)

moosehunter · November 01, 2007, 12:34:03 PM

If you managed to install that thing and make it work AND would consider doing it again, you have much more patiance than I.

By the way, you need a job? I'm always looking for good techs. A lot of the guys that stop in here looking for a job wouldn't be able to find the ingnition key, let alone install one of those starters!

Furby · November 01, 2007, 09:52:12 PM

I've got one sitting on the shelf at home.
Been there over 5 years now. :-\
I bought it and went to install it and the wires didn't match up with their layout.
Triple checked and then emailed them.
Nope, I must be wrong seeing how they have sold thousands of them without any problems. :

>:( >:( >:(

Warbird · November 01, 2007, 10:37:28 PM

moosehunter, that's a tempting offer. What's the cost of living like in that area? Can a man raise a family on a single income around there? And are there tons of people around? I tend to not like densely populated areas. As in, San Francisco is too many people in too small of an area for my tastes.

Furby, it isn't you. These units appear to be made in China by the cheapest bidder and the directions are poor translations. The unit I got wasn't all that bad (only a few typos and the wires all matched the diagrams) but there are horror stories of exactly what you describe.

Furby · November 01, 2007, 10:52:08 PM

This diagram came off their website.

moosehunter · November 02, 2007, 07:19:08 AM

Warbird the cost of living here in New York is only second to California, I believe. Second highest taxes in the country. You have your choice of how many people are around. Check my pin on the members map with the Sat view you will see that we are away from the crowds, but the crowds are not far away!
Stay in Alaska. I would if I were there :D

mh

ely · November 02, 2007, 10:48:21 AM

warbird, i have a cousin that lives in north pole alaska. i was talking to him the other night and mentioned that i knew a guy from the forum that lived in fairbanks. he asked what is his name, and i told him i don't know i just know him on the web. :D anyway he is a tranplant from oklahoma and they love it up there. he works for a small engine shop, or one that sells atv and snow machines. plus he escorts large loads to prudhoe bay area. small world even in big alaska.

Warbird · November 02, 2007, 03:39:13 PM

Quote from: Furby on November 01, 2007, 10:52:08 PM
This diagram came off their website.

Dare I ask what brand of autostart this was? That's horrible.

moosehunter, I hear you. Sometimes the darkness during the winters up here gets pretty old. Otherwise, by the grace of God, I can handle it no problems. I'll take -50 F and dark over 1 million people all pressed in next to each other, any day! ;D

ely, nice to meet you. It is generally colder in the town of North Pole than it is in Fairbanks. Often by 10 degrees or more. They seem to get a good deal more ice fog in that area, too. Don't think I'd live in that town unless I worked at the refinery. Escorting heavy loads up the haul road to Prudhoe can be some pretty hard core work. Your cousin must be a tough hombre. Or he just likes the cold. :D

Furby · November 03, 2007, 12:35:20 AM

Bull dog S. ;)

Warbird · November 03, 2007, 02:13:36 AM

I was afraid you'd say that. Mine is a Bull dog and tomorrow, once I finish installing it, I'll be an expert with them. Bring yours on over and we'll get 'er hooked up. ;D

Furby · November 03, 2007, 02:09:20 PM

Don't tempt me!!! ;D

Warbird · November 03, 2007, 05:14:02 PM

I'm having all sorts of fun trying to make sure I've got the actual horn wire in the vehicle. Don't wanna tie into the wrong one! It's a negative circuit, I just don't know if it should switch from showing negative to showing positive when the horn gets activated.

So now I'm consulting the wiring diagrams in the Chilton manual. Fun, fun. ;D