best switched ignition source

Hi,
I am new to forum and hoping this post is in right forum and does not appear too basic. I have purchased a new 2013 Nissan NV 1500 work van. It is a fairly new vehicle in the Nissan lineup, and I cannot find a lot of "how-to" information for it. My plan is to add an additional fuse block to simplify the wiring process of the accessories I wish to add onto the van. The installation is pretty straightforward for me, however my concern is where to tie into the vans electrical system for the switched source of power to the panel. I will be utilizing a relay mounted in the engine compartment, beside the added panel, which is in close proximity to the battery. I just am not sure how to power the switched portion of relay. Do not want to risk connecting to the wrong source and fouling up my new van. Any information provided, is deeply appreciated.

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willemwallace

One obvious trigger feed for the relay(s) would be the ignition feed to the wipers.
Another should be at any engine bay fuse box.

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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.

OK, so I looked for a switched wire that connects to the wiper motor. Unfortunately for me, I could not access the wiper motor in the engine compartment, it is completely sealed off and inaccessible. The engine compartment fuse boxes are set up so as to make a connection to one of the few switched legs, getting the connected wire out of the box to my panel relay will require hacking up the weather tight OEM fuse box, which I really do not want to do. Can I just tap into the switched ignition circuit at the starter without creating a problem. If so, would anyone have any ideas on how to identify the correct wire to connect to. My thought is to just hook my test light to each small wire at the starter until I find the one that is activated and shut off with the ignition. Is that the correct way? Will this create any problems I am unaware of? Any help appreciated.

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willemwallace

There won't be one at the starter unless you mean the ignition switch.
Then your test method will work.

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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.