I'm inexperienced when it comes to wiring, and I could use some help choosing the best place to wire a module to the fusebox located in the trunk of my 2000 XKR coupe.

I'm trying to install a bluetooth module (from the brand "Discount Car Stereo") and it came with a fuse tap. The instructions tell me to use F3, F4, or F5, however these 3 seem like important fuses. Would it not be better to tap F11, F12, F13, or F14 instead? Anyways, assuming I HAVE to use F3, 4, or 5, which of these would be best (I'd rather not mess with the F5 airbag)?

Also, I don't have a voltage meter, would someone be able to tell me which side of the fuses in the box has the voltage "coming in?" Final question, I've read that the factory fuse should be bigger than the new one I'm putting in, is that true? The new fuse the module came with is 15amp but it looks like the factory fuses at F3 and F4 are 5 amp.

I'm including a screenshot of the relevant instructions for adding a fuse tap below from the Discount Car Stereo site, or the full version of the instructions can be found here: https://www.discountcarstereo.com/pdf/a2d-jag98.pdf)



MY FUSEBOX:




INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADD-A FUSE:

 

The fuse box in the diagram is the LHS engine compartment fuse box . Good luck trying to get a wire through to the dash .you would be better off picking an ignition-switched fuse in one of the dash fuse boxes. You will probably need to trim the connector for the jag box

 

Not sure why they would include a diagram of the engine compartment fuse box. The bluetooth reciever hooks up to the CD player in the trunk, and the instructions specify "rear fuse box."

 

Sorry mate .Clearly I dont have the full installation information. Pick one in the rear fuse box that is ignition switched if you want it to go on and off with the ignition . 11 would be good being accessory sockets and therefore not critical.
Dont worry too much about which way round as it will give protection either way you fit it .

 

This is what I read about inserting a fuse tap the wrong way: "If inserted backwards your new tapped source will draw through both fuses instead of its own designated fuse. (Power will flow through one fuse then the other if hooked up backwards).If you are using a low amp draw on the tapped circuit (2-5amp) and are using a higher amp circuit to tap off of (ie. 20amp moonroof circuit) you prob would never notice but if you did the opposite then you would be blowing your main circuit low amp fuse constantly."

Anyways, I'm curious why they suggest using F3,4,5 rather than 11. In the instructions (pictured) it says in bold red letters "Accessory power available at: F3, F4, and F5 (pre-2002) and F11, F13 (post 2002) XK/XKR F3, F5 (XJ)." Is that just incorrect?

 

You say you don't have a voltmeter (go buy one below $10) or just use a bulb and a couple of wires . Turn on ignition then put one side to earth and the other into the receptacle to work out which is live .

 

You can use fuse positions 11 or 13 on a pre-2001 car, but you will need to add a further brown relay in the vacant slot in the fusebox to activate those positions.

I would recommend substituting a 5A for the supplied fuse:- I doubt a bluetooth unit would require a 15.

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...light=Fuse+hot

It tells you which side is hot


Launch this.

John

 

Plus 1
This is the route I took for my Sirius unit. It is worth mentioning that one should use a Jaguar (brown) relay to protect delicate electronics from voltage spikes.
Here is a link Gus has for both trunk and glovebox installation:
http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto...owerSocket.pdf