Need Help Finding Power

Anthonyb · April 24, 2010

I am installing leather and heated seats. I have a Sierra GMT900 2500hd WT 6.0 gas. I have wired everything but cannot find an acceptable power source. It appears the empty fuse slots do not have power going to them. Is it better to try to find power from the inside fuse box or under hood fuse box or is ther a wire I can tie into? I am powering 2 heated seat so it needs to be able to carry 20 amps. I am also installing carpet next week. I mounted the switches on the dash next to the vents, check it out...

nickvrebel · April 26, 2010

under the dash, driver's side - there's a panel with a cover over it (about where the driver's left foot would go). pop that cover off, somewhere on the left side there is a pin with "retained accessory power" (like the radio works). I don't think you will be able to take 20 amps off of that, but you can use it to trip a relay and use another source (perhaps the trailer brake controller power wire? or run your own from a post in the under hood fuse box). This would ensure that you don't leave them on after exiting the vehicle.

Anthonyb · April 26, 2010

under the dash, driver's side - there's a panel with a cover over it (about where the driver's left foot would go). pop that cover off, somewhere on the left side there is a pin with "retained accessory power" (like the radio works). I don't think you will be able to take 20 amps off of that, but you can use it to trip a relay and use another source (perhaps the trailer brake controller power wire? or run your own from a post in the under hood fuse box). This would ensure that you don't leave them on after exiting the vehicle.

Thanks, I have been reading a lot on here, and that definately seems to be the way to go. I have found that wire and I will need to use a relay because of the draw, but do you know what that panel controls? I am worried that I may effect some operation of the truck.

pjp · April 26, 2010

Your best bet is to tap directly from the ignition harness for your 12v ignition wire. It is a pink wire and will meter 12v when the key is in the ignition position and during crank. As for the 12v constant line the newer Silverados have a low current red/white wire in the ignition harness, this wire is unsuitable for your needs. However there is a high current feed at the fuse box it is a red/black wire. Make sure you meter your wires before you tap them.

Dale_K · April 26, 2010

Post some pics of your carpet install when you do it. I've been thinking that some carpet would be nice in my 2010 work truck. The GM plain mat is surprisingly bad. I've had Ford and Dodge trucks with rubber floors but those actually had rubber with a backing, something like carpet underlayment. The GM floor isn't really rubber, it feels like plastic tar paper.

Anthonyb · April 27, 2010

Your best bet is to tap directly from the ignition harness for your 12v ignition wire. It is a pink wire and will meter 12v when the key is in the ignition position and during crank. As for the 12v constant line the newer Silverados have a low current red/white wire in the ignition harness, this wire is unsuitable for your needs. However there is a high current feed at the fuse box it is a red/black wire. Make sure you meter your wires before you tap them.

I like your install of your switches! I thought about doing that, but I was afraid I couldn't make it look that clean. I have actually found the part number from GM for a plug that connects into under my dash which I will connect a relay to. Relay is about $3, the plug was $12. I could have done it without the plug, but what the heck. It plugs into the same block where the pink wire you told me about connects to.

Anthonyb · April 27, 2010

Post some pics of your carpet install when you do it. I've been thinking that some carpet would be nice in my 2010 work truck. The GM plain mat is surprisingly bad. I've had Ford and Dodge trucks with rubber floors but those actually had rubber with a backing, something like carpet underlayment. The GM floor isn't really rubber, it feels like plastic tar paper.

I'll post pics once I am done. I am waiting for my E-dead sound deadening mat to come in before I lay the carpet.

nickvrebel · April 27, 2010

Your best bet is to tap directly from the ignition harness for your 12v ignition wire. It is a pink wire and will meter 12v when the key is in the ignition position and during crank. As for the 12v constant line the newer Silverados have a low current red/white wire in the ignition harness, this wire is unsuitable for your needs. However there is a high current feed at the fuse box it is a red/black wire. Make sure you meter your wires before you tap them.

I like your install of your switches! I thought about doing that, but I was afraid I couldn't make it look that clean. I have actually found the part number from GM for a plug that connects into under my dash which I will connect a relay to. Relay is about $3, the plug was $12. I could have done it without the plug, but what the heck. It plugs into the same block where the pink wire you told me about connects to.

wow, they actually make a harness? do you have a part number?

the place I told you about is left open for "upfitters"/ customizing and such, I got my info from a guy that up-fits cab and chassis 3500s for Ambulance duty.

Anthonyb · April 28, 2010

Your best bet is to tap directly from the ignition harness for your 12v ignition wire. It is a pink wire and will meter 12v when the key is in the ignition position and during crank. As for the 12v constant line the newer Silverados have a low current red/white wire in the ignition harness, this wire is unsuitable for your needs. However there is a high current feed at the fuse box it is a red/black wire. Make sure you meter your wires before you tap them.

I like your install of your switches! I thought about doing that, but I was afraid I couldn't make it look that clean. I have actually found the part number from GM for a plug that connects into under my dash which I will connect a relay to. Relay is about $3, the plug was $12. I could have done it without the plug, but what the heck. It plugs into the same block where the pink wire you told me about connects to.

wow, they actually make a harness? do you have a part number?

the place I told you about is left open for "upfitters"/ customizing and such, I got my info from a guy that up-fits cab and chassis 3500s for Ambulance duty.

This is the part number 20791502, I ordered it from the dealer. It is only the connector, I have to add the wires to it. I ordered the relay switches and pigtails from Amazon. Check this thread http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...amp;hl=20791502

and this http://www.gmupfitter.com/publicat/2007_BB...00_Elec_D3b.pdf (this is a large file, but check out the last 2 pages)

Doug_Scott · April 28, 2010

Post some pics of your carpet install when you do it. I've been thinking that some carpet would be nice in my 2010 work truck. The GM plain mat is surprisingly bad. I've had Ford and Dodge trucks with rubber floors but those actually had rubber with a backing, something like carpet underlayment. The GM floor isn't really rubber, it feels like plastic tar paper.

I'll post pics once I am done. I am waiting for my E-dead sound deadening mat to come in before I lay the carpet.

Where did you get the leather seat covers?

papastoy · April 28, 2010

What brand of aftermarket seat heaters did you use? I'm looking at seat heaters as my next project after installing my remote start.

Anthonyb · April 28, 2010

Post some pics of your carpet install when you do it. I've been thinking that some carpet would be nice in my 2010 work truck. The GM plain mat is surprisingly bad. I've had Ford and Dodge trucks with rubber floors but those actually had rubber with a backing, something like carpet underlayment. The GM floor isn't really rubber, it feels like plastic tar paper.

I'll post pics once I am done. I am waiting for my E-dead sound deadening mat to come in before I lay the carpet.

Where did you get the leather seat covers?

Here is the thread. Be sure to read it before deciding if you want to do this. They are cheaply priced, but the quality is very good. His communication however leaves a lot to be desired. I am still waiting on the correct rear seat cover to be mailed. I am not worried, he has come through for everyone else and you can't beat the price.

http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=183064