2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Wiring question

**Santanya** · 05-17-2009, 04:15 AM

So, I have a question for those of you working with a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 (New body style).

Setup Info:
I mounted my computer (Voom PC with an intel Atom motherboard) under the driver's seat. It works great when parked. Computer comes on with the key, everything's great. The problem is that it turns off when I put my seatbelt on.

I was able to determine the cause of this, I, in my infinite wisdom, hooked the pickup for turning the system on and off to the seatbelt sensor wire. Unhooked, I get 12volts. Buckle my seatbelt, and it opens the circuit, loses the 12v, and the computer shuts down (properly I should add which is always a bonus).

Actual question:
Does anyone happen to know if there's an accessory wire that would be a reliable source? I'd rather not have to go down the road with myseatbelt off or just shoved next to the seat to have the computer on. I know I can run another wire from the dash to get the signal, but I'd like to avoid that if at all possible.

Thanks for any input anyone can provide! (And I'll get a thread up in the Show my work thread soon, I'm proud of it!)

**DarquePervert** · 05-17-2009, 07:37 AM

Some places to check:
Cigarette lighters (if they turn off with the ignition)
OEM radio harness
Fuse panel (Consult the owners manual for a spare fuse that is ignition-switched)

You can also check http://www.the12volt.com for wiring diagrams for your vehicle that should give you the information you want.

**cdcamaro9534** · 05-18-2009, 08:06 PM

Santanya, a little off topic, but where did you mount your HVAC controls?

**Santanya** · 05-19-2009, 11:39 AM

*nod* Those were my normal suspects, just was hoping that someone knew of one under the front seats.

I actually mounted the HVAC controls in the overhead console, replacing the sunglass holder with them. I fully admit that I got the idea for this from sgf323's work.

**Ramanator** · 05-19-2009, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Santanya

*nod* Those were my normal suspects, just was hoping that someone knew of one under the front seats.

I actually mounted the HVAC controls in the overhead console, replacing the sunglass holder with them. I fully admit that I got the idea for this from sgf323's work.

Hmmm! Since you were aleady in their (bezel) wouldn't it have been easy to pull from the radio acc. wire. My comp. is in the middle console and i ran mine under the carpet into the mATX. I was afraid to touch anything under the seat because of the airbag wires, after I saw one pop when a guy was putzing around under his.

**Santanya** · 05-19-2009, 05:10 PM

It would have been smart to do that I admit, and will be what I have to do I think. I had just done some putzing around and found what I thought was the wire to the power point in the center console. Little did I know it was the seatbelt sensor.

Hrm... I'll have to be more careful me thinks if that can actually happen... I mounted my computer under the driver's seat myself (my truck doesn't have the underseat storage). I'm running it off the nice unused power seat power line. I did verify that's what it was at least, I should have done more with the ignition wire I admit!

**cdcamaro9534** · 05-21-2009, 09:01 PM

It's easy to run a power and ignition wire from the engine. I ran wires to a Motorola radio under my seat, and it required at least 8 gauge from the battery.

I've seen that HVAC relocation to the above head before. I'm good at rewiring, just not molding.