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Fuse with Velcro |
Power Wire Run
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Power Wire Hookup and Fuse Area |
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Running Board Wire Tuck |
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Running Board Wire Tuck |
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Driver's Firewall Entry Point |
I used 8 gauge wire. Some would advise against this small of wire but I've used it before and never had a problem. Even with two amps. Post installation revealed no warm wires.
I wanted to conceal the power wire as much as I could. (not that would prevent the dealership from finding it)
To make for a short run to the firewall I chose the fuse box located to side of the battery and in front of the driver/left side (in a USA Mini).
There is a rubber gasket in the firewall on that driver's side (again in a USA Mini). It goes through to the Mini's interior behind the dash.
From the fuse box I routed the wire under the box enclosure for the brakes.
Using a coat hanger I poked a small hole in the gasket. Then electrical taped the power wire to the coat hanger and carefully pushed the wire through. DO NOT TRY TO PULL THROUGH AN END WITH A CONNECTOR ALREADY ON IT. Leave that end at the fuse box area.
The wire forms an almost water tight seal.
Carefully pulling the wire all the way back to your location - leaving enough spare wire to play with.
Remove the remaining rubber seal bordering the bottom left driver door panel (remember you removed some of it already to get the rear panels off).
The wire can be feed down the dash side panel and tucked into (without removing the door plastic panels) the bottom door running panel area.
Make sure of power line separation from music signal lines. This could cause noise. I've heard the radio HU feeds go along the other side (passenger/right side).
Study the rear panel to find a good exit point at the bottom of where the panel will sit. I chose the seat belt anchor area. This spot works for the HK amp speaker wires and signal feeds which have to reside on the other side of the Mini.
Extra wire can survive under the seat once replaced.
The carpet between the boot and rear seat area can be sliced (I really hated this part) at the bottom of the boot floor area for wire pass through.
Ground was attached to the center rear seat hold down bolts. I dremeled the contact areas (chassis, washer, and bolt) to insure contact.
Attach the in-line fuse in the engine area. I allowed some slack in the power wire for this purpose. Using velcro I contact cemented the velcro to the fuse holder and engine compartment area. Let dry before trying to attach.
There is NO NEED TO CONNECT the battery to the wire yet.
Put the proper connector end on the part you just pulled through and lay it aside. You could even put electrical tape over the metal ends. (safety issues you know)

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Engine Firewall Entry Point |