Idiot lights

[bobm488]

I have my dash mostly done. I need to add idiot lights for low oil pressure and alternator. Can someone provide a link or suggestion on how I can hook the lights up?
I have a Gen II coyote

[Railroad]

Probably too late for this option, but there are gauges that flash red if the reading is outside of normal operating range.

[edwardb]

Neither are directly supported by either the RF wiring harness or the Coyote control pack harness. Your only option, to the best of my knowledge, is something aftermarket. Or keep an eye on the gauges. :rolleyes: The Coyote is rock solid. Doubt very much you'll have an issue with either.

[swwebb]

I used the RF lo voltage sensor for an alternator warning light

https://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=LS%2D11

Simple to install and of course works with the RF wiring harness. I do not have a low oil pressure idiot light. As edwardb says, keep your eye on it!

[rich grsc]

Thats why we have gauges, "don't need no stinking idiot lights". :p

[Avalanche325]

Alternator - the voltage gauge will tell you what you need. I don't see a need for one, myself.
Oil - I have an idiot light that is a combination low oil pressure / high oil temp. Here is why I need a light: Autocross - There is not a single chance to look at gauges during an autocross run. On the street or even track days, there is time to look at gauges, but not autocross. I would also have one for hard core track use. You won't be checking your gauges when you are door to door.

I have an SBF, so on there I drilled and tapped into the extension that holds the gauge pressure for the second sensor.

[Fixit]

With the exceptions of what Avalanche has said... by the time an "idiot" light comes on the damage is done.

Just stick to the basic gauges for updates, and rely upon your ears and butt to tell you when something's going wonky.

[bobm488]

FINE, thanks guys for the feedback, two less holes to drill.

[toadster]

aren't some idiot lights required for registering the car?

[AC Bill]

Thats why we have gauges, "don't need no stinking idiot lights". :p

Yes..especially an oil pressure gauge. It is far more satisfying then an idiot light.

[edwardb]

aren't some idiot lights required for registering the car?

Every state/province/whatever is different. But I highly doubt anything related to engine performance, like oil pressure and voltage discussed in this thread. Typically an indicator is required for turn signals and high beams. At least they are in Michigan and several others I know about.

[mlewis]

Good discussion. I thought I would hijack this thread on a related question.

rather than separate indicator lights, anyone have success/issues attempting to wire and/or with the function on the indicator lights (directional and beam) build into the vintage gauges ?

[egchewy79]

I'm in the process of putting together my dash, but i'm under the impression that the indicator lights on the vintage gauges can work for blinker and brights. i was hoping to have 3 less holes to drill in my dash because of this.

[Papa]

Good discussion. I thought I would hijack this thread on a related question.

rather than separate indicator lights, anyone have success/issues attempting to wire and/or with the function on the indicator lights (directional and beam) build into the vintage gauges ?


I'm in the process of putting together my dash, but i'm under the impression that the indicator lights on the vintage gauges can work for blinker and brights. i was hoping to have 3 less holes to drill in my dash because of this.

Yes, the built-in indicators work perfectly for the turn signals, hazards, and high-beam. Also, if your Speedhut gauges don't have those indicators (older versions), Speedhut will add them for you for a nominal charge.