Fuse Box

[JParsonss]

Well, I had to hardwire my Escort radar detector today because the only power point was the one behind the movable screen. I do wish Stellaris would have found a better place for the power source, and not just radar detectors but things like dash cams also. My radar detector has built in dashcam so I don't have to worry about two power sources.

Anyway, I'm posting because I could not find any online information about where the front inside fuse box is located. The owners manual says under the drivers side dash above the gas peddle, but no pictures. I looked around and could not see anything easily, then assumed it might be like my 2021 Ram Limited where there are two small screws that come out and you pop off the plastic to get to the fuse box- so I tried that. Well that did not help as the fuse box was not behind the plastic, it was easy to come off though. After reading the manual again I knew the fuse box had to be down there somewhere. So, I crawled back under the dash and finally found the fuse box.

First, YOU DON"T HAVE TO TAKE THE SCREWS OUT TO GET TO IT, but at least I did not damage anything doing that. If you look under the steering wheel right above the gas pedal there is some stiff carpet with two pins in it. You just pull those two pins out and pull back the carpet and the fuse box is there, not even covered.

By the way if you have to hard wire a radar detector it worked well with the 20amp yellow fuse for the cigarette lighter. There are only two 20amp yellow fuses and it's the one next to a couple others, not the one all by itself with no other fuses around it. I found it the hard way by pulling both fuses and seeing which went to the cigarette lighter. I could not read the fuse locations or even see them they were so small. Hope this helps someone.

 

[DocSkip]

Good information! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Randyv]

Excellent! I've looked for that fuse panel to no avail. BTW- The owner's manual also says the fuse panel in the engine compartment is on the passenger side... nope! It's on the driver's side. Finally, anyone know how to open the fuse panel in the back on the driver's side? I've attempted but feel like the cover is going to snap so I stopped.

 

[DocSkip]

Excellent! I've looked for that fuse panel to no avail. BTW- The owner's manual also says the fuse panel in the engine compartment is on the passenger side... nope! It's on the driver's side. Finally, anyone know how to open the fuse panel in the back on the driver's side? I've attempted but feel like the cover is going to snap so I stopped.

LOL! "Call the guy" is my solution. 😂😂😂😂

 

[MiloX]

Well, I had to hardwire my Escort radar detector today because the only power point was the one behind the movable screen. I do wish Stellaris would have found a better place for the power source, and not just radar detectors but things like dash cams also. My radar detector has built in dashcam so I don't have to worry about two power sources.

Anyway, I'm posting because I could not find any online information about where the front inside fuse box is located. The owners manual says under the drivers side dash above the gas peddle, but no pictures. I looked around and could not see anything easily, then assumed it might be like my 2021 Ram Limited where there are two small screws that come out and you pop off the plastic to get to the fuse box- so I tried that. Well that did not help as the fuse box was not behind the plastic, it was easy to come off though. After reading the manual again I knew the fuse box had to be down there somewhere. So, I crawled back under the dash and finally found the fuse box.

First, YOU DON"T HAVE TO TAKE THE SCREWS OUT TO GET TO IT, but at least I did not damage anything doing that. If you look under the steering wheel right above the gas pedal there is some stiff carpet with two pins in it. You just pull those two pins out and pull back the carpet and the fuse box is there, not even covered.

By the way if you have to hard wire a radar detector it worked well with the 20amp yellow fuse for the cigarette lighter. There are only two 20amp yellow fuses and it's the one next to a couple others, not the one all by itself with no other fuses around it. I found it the hard way by pulling both fuses and seeing which went to the cigarette lighter. I could not read the fuse locations or even see them they were so small. Hope this helps someone.

Hardwiring V1 this week. Thanks for this.

 

[champcaracing]

Excellent! I've looked for that fuse panel to no avail. BTW- The owner's manual also says the fuse panel in the engine compartment is on the passenger side... nope! It's on the driver's side. Finally, anyone know how to open the fuse panel in the back on the driver's side? I've attempted but feel like the cover is going to snap so I stopped.

take a trim stick, and carefully pop the corners out, 9 times outta 10 you'll lose one of the white clips and the tab that holds the clip gets broken.....everytime!

 

[Back2Jeep]

I know this is an old thread and a long shot, but how did you run the wires? I’ll be hardwiring a dash cam soon and from what I’m seeing it looks like the headliner and headliner side trim pieces are similar to the GC. I’m thinking from there I’ll just run it down the door side to the fuse box.

 

[Costa]

I know this is an old thread and a long shot, but how did you run the wires? I’ll be hardwiring a dash cam soon and from what I’m seeing it looks like the headliner and headliner side trim pieces are similar to the GC. I’m thinking from there I’ll just run it down the door side to the fuse box.

@champcaracing @Dahammer Either of you two have an assist on this one? Both of you have dealt with the wiring recently for other reasons....

 

[Dahammer]

IMHO, you could go to the fuse box either in the engine compartment or under the dash for power.

If it were me, I would remove the handles on the driver-side pillar and then carefully remove the cover with a plastic spatula. See if there is enough room at the bottom of the (pillar) where the dash meets to snake the wires below and above the (top) headliner.

Try running the cables to the spare at the fuse box if you can. Try and snake wires at the top of the pillar to the sun visor where you think you would like it (Radar Detector) placed.

Safety note - that hot + lead wire you will run must have its own fuse. Don't rely on the fuse box only.

Note- you cant then look at the fuse box in the engine compartment and see if there is an opening on the firewall, then snake wires to be under the dash and buy a cigarette lighter adapter and use that as your power source. Fuse that also.

Tie Strap the wires where you can for permanent mounting or use electrical tape where you think it's needed.

Best of luck, and take your time.

I think there is another way, but that's all I can think of now.

 

[champcaracing]

IMHO, you could go to the fuse box either in the engine compartment or under the dash for power.

If it were me, I would remove the handles on the driver-side pillar and then carefully remove the cover with a plastic spatula. See if there is enough room at the bottom of the (pillar) where the dash meets to snake the wires below and above the (top) headliner.

Try running the cables to the spare at the fuse box if you can. Try and snake wires at the top of the pillar to the sun visor where you think you would like it (Radar Detector) placed.

Safety note - that hot + lead wire you will run must have its own fuse. Don't rely on the fuse box only.

Note- you cant then look at the fuse box in the engine compartment and see if there is an opening on the firewall, then snake wires to be under the dash and buy a cigarette lighter adapter and use that as your power source. Fuse that also.

Tie Strap the wires where you can for permanent mounting or use electrical tape where you think it's needed.

Best of luck, and take your time.

I think there is another way, but that's all I can think of now.

Dahammer, think your correct, the fuse box under the dash looks pretty filled up , yes there are some missing areas, but could check if one side of an open fuse area has power there and use a fuse tap with a fuse in the holder (can't find a photo of the ones I use at work) I'll have to search some more. going through the firewall would be difficult might be able to get it out the trans cable its do able but tight.

 

[Back2Jeep]

We got it hooked in by going from the interior fuse box under the dash and running the wires behind the side panel, then pillar and tucking under the headliner. It actually went quite smoothly. I took a video and will edit it and upload hopefully in the next few days.

 

[Dahammer]

Dahammer, think your correct, the fuse box under the dash looks pretty filled up , yes there are some missing areas, but could check if one side of an open fuse area has power there and use a fuse tap with a fuse in the holder (can't find a photo of the ones I use at work) I'll have to search some more. going through the firewall would be difficult might be able to get it out the trans cable its do able but tight.

That's an idea I didn't think of. Cool idea Champ! Thank You!

 

[champcaracing]

Here’s a pic of what I’d use.

That's an idea I didn't think of. Cool idea Champ! Thank You!

 

[Dahammer]

Oh WOW! That's COOL!
I didn't know they made the fuse tap. That's a neat idea!
I understand now about going thru the firewall. There is not much room to get a drill and bit into the engine compartment with the engine still in it.
You course, they make drill bit extenders that electricians use. It comes in various lengths; however, I dislike drilling blind. Never know what's on the other side.

 

[Back2Jeep]

Here’s a pic of what I’d use.

View attachment 803

Yep, that’s simliar to the fuse tap we used. Worked like a charm no issues and I didn’t have to go through the fire wall. That will come when we get the air compressor installed. Got almost all the pieces. Have been test fitting the tank, and deciding where to put the actual compressor. Pretty sure we’ve mapped it out now, along with where to put the air horn button and compressor rocker switch. Will film when we get around to installing. I think it’s going to be amazing when it’s done.