JK-Forum.com - The top destination for Jeep JK and JL Wrangler news, rumors, and discussion

Jeep Wrangler JK: How to Tap Into Fuse Box

Shoving a wire under a fuse used to be barely acceptable, but it is not at all now. Fuse taps are an easy and correct way to get power.

By Mark Garrett - November 16, 2015
Contributors: allexpress, expertvillage,

This article applies to the Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-Present).

There are a lot of reasons you would need additional fused power for your Jeep, from powering a relay to a navigation system. People used to do some crazy things to get one. Shoving a bare wire into the fuse box just does not get it today, and fortunately there are really easy ways to do it correctly now. A fuse tap easily plugs into the fuse panel and cleanly provides fused power. Ten amps may be the limit, but for anything larger than that you should probably tap into a power source somewhere else anyway. You can tap into the fuse box, run a wire out of it, and then seal it from the elements. Let's get to it.

Materials Needed

  • Needle nose pliers
  • Wire cutter/stripper
  • Fuse tap
  • Fuse
  • Drill or file
  • Black silicon sealer

Step 1 – Remove lid from fuse box

Your fuse box is under the hood on the passenger's side by the battery. Push the two tabs in to release the cover, then put aside.

Figure 1. Wrangler fuse box location. Push the two tabs in to release the cover and put aside.

Step 2 – Remove existing fuse

Chose an existing fuse that has enough room for the tap after the fuse is replaced. Remove the fuse with an OEM style puller or needle nose pliers.

Figure 2. OEM fuse puller.

Pro Tip

It does not matter which fuse you choose to tap as long as there is enough room to get the new tap into the space.

Step 3 – Prepare fuse tap

Fuse taps are made by many companies. They all do the same thing, so look for one that matches the fuse type you have.

Figure 3. Fuse tap.

The tap has room for two fuses in the top and a wire for the new circuit.

Figure 4. Fuse tap fuse locations.

Replace the original fuse in the slot as shown in Figure 4. The other slot is for the new circuit. Use the smallest fuse needed for your circuit for the greatest protection. In no instance use larger than a 10 amp fuse, as that is the greatest rating for the tap.

Pro Tip

Maximum ratings for electrical components should always be followed unless you want to take the chance of a crispy Jeep.

Step 4 – Install tap

Install the tap by pushing it into the fuse box. Be sure there is room for the tap to push all the way in.

Figure 5. Fuse tap installed in Wrangler fuse box.

Notice that this owner cut the wire to the solder-less connector, so everything fit inside the fuse box enclosure.

Pro Tip

It pays to be neat and tidy when working with wiring, so you can trace it; plus, it is safer.

Step 5 – Run wire

To run the new circuit wire out of the fuse box, you will need to drill or grind a hole for it. Since you are working near live power, be careful; you may want to disconnect the battery. Make the hole near the top where the lid seals. Then seal the hole with silicon sealer.

Figure 6. Sealed hole in fuse box.

Pro Tip

Keep your fuse box sealed so water and dirt stay out.

Step 6 – Replace fuse box lid

Now that the wire for you new circuit is run through the fuse box, replace the top.

Figure 7. Wire for new circuit from fuse tap.

This Jeep owner ran the new wire in protective sheathing for protection. The new circuit is now ready to hook up and use.

Pro Tip

Solder-less or crimp connectors are fine, but if you want to go the extra little bit, solder all connections and then heat shrink them. That is a permanent installation that will not be corrupted by the environment.

Related Discussions