Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Tagg on April 28, 2010, 01:23:17 PM

Title: Wire through the Fire wall
Post by: Tagg on April 28, 2010, 01:23:17 PM
I need to put a hole for wires through the fire wall on my JK. Is there a preferred spot to put the hole?
Title: Re: Wire through the Fire wall
Post by: Evil-Jeep on April 28, 2010, 04:20:10 PM
How big of a hole? and what are you running thru to the cab?
Title: Re: Wire through the Fire wall
Post by: yyc_tbird_sc on April 28, 2010, 05:00:04 PM
For some reason, I can see someone posting the pic from a couple years ago when one of the members got a branch through the firewall....

Use a step-bit, and a good one at that. Drill the smallest hole possible, and then be sure to de-burr it when you're done. Use a quality grommet, and some good RTV. I don't think that there is one location that is better than another, but judge for yourself where you can access with a drill.
Title: Re: Wire through the Fire wall
Post by: w squared on April 28, 2010, 05:20:31 PM
You don't need to put a hole in your firewall.

On your JK there is already a spot that you can slide a wire through with  coathanger and some patience.

It's in the top right corner of the compartment. Pull out the plastic molding on the far right side of the dash, and you will see a little hole there full of expanded foam insulation. You can poke a coat hanger through to the engine compartment underneath the hood cowl. Tape your wire to it, and pull it on back...and Bob's your uncle.
Title: Re: Wire through the Fire wall
Post by: Tagg on April 28, 2010, 10:05:56 PM
So facing the steering wheel, up and to the right of the gas pedal?
Title: Re: Wire through the Fire wall
Post by: w squared on April 29, 2010, 07:52:30 AM
Nope. Extreme top right corner of the entire dash. It comes out into the top of the cowling around the engine compartment, on the passenger side. Just behind and above where the battery is located.

It's pretty fiddly to do, so you need to be patient, but you don't have to drill anything, and the foam that's already in there as sound deadening seems to do a good job of keeping things quiet and draft-free.
Title: Re: Wire through the Fire wall
Post by: Tagg on April 29, 2010, 01:39:35 PM
That's what I was affraid you were giong to say!  I just put in dual battery tray and I think that wall is packed solid.  I'll have a look tonight but it is really crammed in there.  I need to get a wire through to the lighter to get the "key" power for the battery relay.  There is a wire stuffed through on the driver's side where Modern put through the line for the HID light relay.  I was just thinking it would be better to put the extra stuff through separately and "properly".  Anyway I'll have a look tonight when I get home.   
Title: Re: Wire through the Fire wall
Post by: w squared on April 29, 2010, 03:15:36 PM
That's what I was affraid you were giong to say!  I just put in dual battery tray and I think that wall is packed solid.  I'll have a look tonight but it is really crammed in there.  I need to get a wire through to the lighter to get the "key" power for the battery relay.  There is a wire stuffed through on the driver's side where Modern put through the line for the HID light relay.  I was just thinking it would be better to put the extra stuff through separately and "properly".  Anyway I'll have a look tonight when I get home.   

Shouldn't be a problem. It doesn't come through the firewall right by the battery, it is further back and out to the passenger side.

You will have to fold your hood all the way back and rest it on the windsheild to get reasonable access.
Title: Re: Wire through the Fire wall
Post by: Tagg on April 30, 2010, 12:14:04 PM
Gotcha!  Slow but I see where you mean now.  Thanks