I want to install a ham radio in my 2003 X-type. It looks like the guys who designed this never thought that anyone might want to add accessories that would tap into the battery, so I'm trying to find a good spot to tap in.

I need 13 amps.

Is there a good spot in the under-dash fuse box?

 

Sone, if you are needing that much power, then I would recommend running a new line from the fuse box back to where you want it. Most of the circuits under the dash are going to be limited to 10 amps (based on the fuses) and will have less capability as you turn said functions on and off.

If you do not want to run power through the firewall, then you should be able to find power back in the trunk/boot) of the car on the driver's side. This is where the factory radio stuff was powered from and you should be able to find something with that rating there. There is a few power lines back there that you should be able to access. the fuse for these is rated at 15 amps, so, that just gets you over the hump. The bigger issue is whether the wiring between the fuse box and the spot in the trunk is capable of handling that current. Your best bet would be to gain access to fuse F72 and run a new wire from there. Granted, you have a stereo with the rear CD changer or other stuff back there, this will cut power to that stuff.

 

Ah, but they did think about your needs and provided an accessory connector behind the glove box. It has a battery supply (Brown), an ignition switched supply (Brown/Green) and a ground (Black). Any of these three can be tapped with a standard insulated female lucar/spade connector. The battery supply is fused at 30A (F 30 in Engine compartment fuse box), but note it shares that fuse with the accessory connector in the trunk (Lefthand side astern of the CD player etc) that may or may not already be supplying something fitted by a previous owner.

The ignition switched supply is fused in the same fusebox at F 22, 20A but then runs through a standard relay, R4, that is not usually fitted at build but easy to buy and fit.

With the glove box removed, the connector is usually tie-wrapped to the steel bar/tube running over the car, under the dash. It can be difficult to spot, but it is there!

 

Great info, guys! Thanks!

 

Here's what I did:

The radio has a separate control head from RF section. I mounted the RF box in the trunk, and ran power from the 3-blade connector that the CD changer would use if I had one. Seems to work just fine!

Thanks again for the help, guys!