[ptrkbrdy]

I know there are a few forums posted but didn't really find my answer I was looking for. I'm new to wiring and really doing anything to my car. I opened the fuse box and saw that I am missing the fuse that would be in the 11th slot where most ppl recommend plugging the add a circuit into. Can I still use that slot? Dumb question but it still has power, its just not being utilized correct? I can get an extra 10A or 15A fuse to take the place of the fuse that should be there?

Also is it okay to drill into the body/frame to set the ground? The bolts holding the fuse panel in are too big

 

[Jolt_eoN]

yeah, you can always ground anywhere you have a good metal connection to chassy. should be some metal arm or bar somewhat close to the fuse box you can use, find a discreet place and use self-tapping screw with a washer that'll bite into the metal and keep the ground from moving.

As for the 11th slot question, it all depends what that fuse is for. If your car didn't come equipped with the component that runs through the 11th slot fuse, you probably won't have any power running to that particular slot. It's always better to wire directly to the accessory wire in the car, but if you're set on fuse-tapping, I'd go for the radio fuse, or a fuse that gets power with accessory (nothing below 10 amps tho, I think those escorts pull about 3-5 amps when they're on). Should be listed in your manual what all your fuses are. Worst case scenario, you'd pull too much current through the fuse and pop it with both the Escort and the radio on. Just replace the fuse at that point, and find a different source. good luck

 

[MrBen]

I used a fuse tap on a 7.5 accessory, but not on a high 10+ amp fuses (Critical Components)