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I need a new 12v always hot for the radio, I was hoping to use one of the option slots, but don't know which slots line up with what fuse spots or which one is always hot
Well you dont want a 12v always hot for the radio. Great way to kill your battery if you accidentally leave it on or it turns itself on. Then your battery will die and if this happens frequently enough- your alternator will as well.
What you want to do is find a 12v source that turn on when the key is in the (I) or (II) position.
So in the above diagram, you want fuse 23 which is Hot in ACC or Run. You want to check this with a multimeter to make sure.
If you don't have a diagram, use your owner's manual or the fuse box cover diagram to see which slots are open. Go one at a time with a multimeter and make sure the one you select is off with no key & on 12v when the key is in the ACC or Run position.
Remember this is fuse box and you still need a fuse. Do not run the wire directly into the fuse box. Use something like this.
I would use the radio wiring. But, check it out...it may have a loose wire somewhere. I would especially check the ground. If the path back to the battery isnt good...the increased resistance will result in a drop in voltage.