Custom Voltmeter Gauge Install on my FR-S
 

A quick write-up on my procedure of installing an interior voltmeter. For anyone who's interested in a reference of the cars voltage on the fly.

Why?
-Monitor battery and alternator performance before getting stranded
-Recognizing an excessive voltage drain (or spikes) before a problem becomes a serious issue
-Use accessories when the engine is off while knowing when to start the car for a recharge

I bought a few of these on ebay, yes, they were cheap but they work pretty well and are perfect for custom applications
Accuracy +/- .1v Refresh rate about .5 seconds
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...psbd4093f3.jpg

I used the 12v dc cig lighter behind the glovebox for power and connected ground to one of the bolts holding the head unit housing
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps920683f0.jpg

Removed the passenger side dashboard plastic cover, then removed the center dashboard plastic cover (pictured). Started my cutout for the meter by measuring where i wanted it then drilling a couple small holes followed by a good amount of filing down until the meter fit just right
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps8f4c3549.jpg

Not perfect, but the flaws should be covered by the time im finished
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps6e723b00.jpg

Meter fits nice and snuggy :) Also to help keep it in place i used a couple pieces of one-sided adhesive foam behind the cutout
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps2d899aa3.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps715f6b73.jpg

Finished off by adding a piece of tinted film over the front.
Measures accurately and refreshes constantly
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps5cd8dc45.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...psa51d5528.jpg

Thanks for looking!

You about to get more pics of it connected up in the glove box at all?

Very impressive...thanks for the write up!

Personally, I would have stuck this on the driver side of that trim panel, but I guess this is all up to preferences.

Not much to see. this is basically what i did: Unplug cig lighter, connect power wire from the meter into the power(12v) slot of the cig lighter's connector. done. just one small wire.
Let me know if you do happen to need pics tho ill do my best to provide.

The steering wheel blocks that spot from my vision. Also that side of the panel was at too much of an angle. Oh and because there was no room behind that side of the panel. Maybe a good spot for something in the future

Good 'nuff. I could have sworn there was ample room behind that trim there.

Good write up but why would you need to know the voltage on the fly.


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Why?
-Monitor battery and alternator performance before getting stranded
-Recognizing an excessive voltage drain (or spikes) before a problem becomes a serious issue
-Use accessories when the engine is off while knowing when to start the car for a recharge