I'm installing a 7-wire plug, running a 10-gauge duplex wire from the back to the engine compartment. I discovered an easy way to route it along the floor channel but can't figure out how to get it from the cabin to the engine compartment. I'd prefer the drivers side but there's not an obvious route. The fuse box and wiring, brake pedal and brake assist unit, and other stuff makes it crowded on both sides of the firewall. On the passenger side, the hvac and glovebox block much of the access. I know others have run the wires inside. How did you get through the firewall?
thanks
tom
I had a similar issue getting a wire thru the firewall in our Tahoe for the brake controller. I don't know anything about an Outback but I would think there is a wire bundle that goes thru the firewall usually through a big rubber grommet (if you can get to it....). I soldered the end of the wire to a length of wire coat hanger and punched it thru the grommet next to the wire harness and then pulled it thru. Yes, you can solder to a cost hanger; just clean it very well and use flux. Must be careful not to push the coat hanger wire into the wire bundle and break a wire; that would be a disaster! Good luck!
Thanks. I'm I may try the passenger side. I'd like to avoid the major wiring on the drivers side.
I have a 2011 OB (same body) I ran it through a blank plug just to the inside of the brake booster. On the outside it is right out in the open. My issue was picking up the correct wire at the brake pedal and connecting to it. I finally got the correct wire info from Tekonsha. I just ran a wiring harness in a Highlander. Had the same issue as you are having. I found a blank plug behind the glove box. I did have to splice in extra wire to reach the battery. In both cases I popped out the grommet to the outside and ran a snake into the car to pick up the wires and pulled them out to under the hood.
Eddie
Thanks! I'll look again. I didn't a plug but I'll look more carefully.
I thought they changed the body in 2015. I'll be using an in-trailer controller that Scamp is installing so I don't have the brake wire issue.
....Look about where the clutch cable would have gone through.
I checked my brothers 2017 OB. His firewall must be like yours. He did not have the plug like mine had. Things are pretty tight on the drivers side. One possible route may be through the steering collum boot. I did not have much time to check things out since he was in a hurry to leave.
Eddie
I really appreciate you taking the time to look at your brothers car!
I'm using the in-trailer controller so I don't have to get inside. It was just nice to run it inside. I've decided I've spent enough time on the issue and am just going to run the cable under the car. I'm hoping those underfloor mud panels will make that easier. I am running a duplex cable in case I decide on a wired controller in the future.
Hi, I had mine wired by a Service Station in Backus close to the Scamp factory. They do a lot of this kind of work. I am sure Scamp recommended them to me. I just went under the Outback yo see how they did it. They put a automatic circuit breaker on the plus side of the battery clamp and from there down under the car. It doesn't enter the inside of the car. I don't know where they tapped in for the turn signals and running lights but I think it's somewhere in the back of the Outback. I didn't have them run a wire for the backup lights. Didn't need a brake wire because of the controller they sell doesn't need one. Tried to keep it simple. Good luck.
Doug
Doug
Thanks, Doug. That's the approach I'm taking now. Mostly done actually. I'll finish it up in a day or two. I'm running duplex to the front in case I need the extra wire in the future. Just as easy as running a single one. You are correct. You pick up the rear lights at the trailer plug in the back of the car. I also tapped the wiring for the backup lights. Thanks for your input. Nice to know there are good resources up there in case of a problem.
Tom