Power on ignition source?

[FastRedPonyCar]

I am wanting to install a dash cam in the car and as you all know, the 12v plugs are all always on. I don't want to kill my battery here so I'm looking to hardwire the power in and have the cam turn on when I turn the ignition switch on.

I don't want to pull the steering column apart to get to the ignition switch so I'm wondering if it would be easiest to try and run a wire from the fuse box (if so, which fuse?) through the firewall and up to the camera or do like I do on my old volvo and hook up a volt meter to the wiring harness that plugs into the headlight switch and tap off a 12V and ground wire from that?

Just curious if anyone has done this yet (I presume so as boost/AFR/etc gauges would need this)

Thanks

 

[UnleashedBeast]

You can get everything from inside the car, no need to go through the firewall.

SJB (Smart Junction Box) is located behind the passenger side kick panel.

 

[Tuffnuts23]

Yeah man, just pick up a fuse tap at any auto parts store, and there are quite a few options in the passenger side kick panel fuse box.

 

[FastRedPonyCar]

Ah cool I didn't even know that was down there

 

[UnleashedBeast]

Ah cool I didn't even know that was down there

Sure is, and as note above, pickup a fuse tap adapter from any auto parts store or walmart. It makes it easy to use one of the spare fuse slots in the SJB.

 

[FastRedPonyCar]

Would I pop the fuse adapter into ignition 2 or 3? If I'm looking at that chart correctly, I'm guessing they are empty but would get 12v when the car is started.

Or would I need to piggy back off ignition 1 using something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-HHH-ATM-Add-A-Fuse/dp/B000GKEXK2

 

[UnleashedBeast]

You have to test each area of the fuse panel to see which one provides power in the key positions you want it live. Makes it easier with two people.