[328iking]

I have a small converter to step up the voltage from 2.5v to 12v by running a separate wire from an ambient lighting source.

Question is will this cause any harm to the canbus system at all?

[Billfitz]

What do you want to step up the voltage to and why?

[328iking]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

What do you want to step up the voltage to and why?

I need an illumination/dimmer wire for my boost gauge. There is no fuse to piggyback but I found the ambient led above ashtray comes on with headlights. BUT as it only gives out 2.5v the boost gauge doesn't recognise the input as it requires 12v. So I have found little electronic something that can step it up to 12v, by running a wire from the ambient lighting, then step up and then run it too boost gauge, voila.

Before i do that I am curious if will cause any issues to the can bus at all?

[Billfitz]

I doubt it will affect the canbus but it might be too much current draw for the wiring. I'd tap a fuse in the fuse box.

[328iking]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

I doubt it will affect the canbus but it might be too much current draw for the wiring. I'd tap a fuse in the fuse box.

There is no fuse to piggyback. Due to most of them controlled by canbus

[Billfitz]

There is a fuse box under the hood full of fuses that can be piggybacked. People do so all the time, usually to power dash cams. I did so for a set of auxiliary LED daytime running lights. I tapped fuse #69, which on my car powers the console outlet. It comes on when the car is unlocked, powers off a few minutes after the car is locked.

[328iking]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

There is a fuse box under the hood full of fuses that can be piggybacked. People do so all the time, usually to power dash cams. I did so for a set of auxiliary LED daytime running lights. I tapped fuse #69, which on my car powers the console outlet. It comes on when the car is unlocked, powers off a few minutes after the car is locked.

I have piggybacked a ignition live and permanent live there is no fuse for illumination live ie a positive live when the lights turn on.

[Billfitz]

I'd just leave the boost lamp on all the time. It's not going to hurt anything.

[328iking]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

I'd just leave the boost lamp on all the time. It's not going to hurt anything.

I will give the step up thing ago as only cost me £3 and wanted to check before trying that it won't damage anything before I install. If doesn't work, Like you say I will leave it either normal brightness or dimmed.

Thank you for your help.