2013 Upfitter Dash Removal

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Jul 10, 2013 | 08:53 PM

vblarry

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From: Elgin, Il

2013 Upfitter Dash Removal

Recently purchased a 2013 F350 w/upfitters. Figured Ford would have made access to the stubs easier by now (previous was an 05 6.0

) and of course not. A bit more challenging. What parts of the dash do I attack and how. As the dealer is willing to charge only 40 bucks to connect any wires I run to the vicinity, I figure there's a slam dunk sequence for access.

Thanks.......

Jul 11, 2013 | 06:56 AM

jstnromero

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From: The Woodlands, TX

I just layed with my back on the floorboard (slightly contorted mind you) and looked up toward the steering column. You can see the upfitter wires that way. Otherwise, you could remove the panel in front of your knees if you were sitting on the drivers seat.

Jul 11, 2013 | 04:32 PM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

Just in case Justin wasn't crystal clear, you don't need to take the dash apart. The connections are nowhere near the switches. The connections are behind the fuse panel under the steering wheel. You're looking for blunt cut wires.

Jul 11, 2013 | 06:43 PM

jstnromero

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From: The Woodlands, TX

Thanks for the clarification Bill, I was not firing on all cylinders this am

Aug 24, 2013 | 04:47 PM

DaveNTx

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From: College Station, Texas

Anyone wanting to install upfitters on their 2013 SD - I just found the latest Ford service bulletin (Q-157R2) that describes the wiring and procedure. ( See https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...tml/Q157R2.pdf )

I just looked under the dash on my 2013 F250 and, after much cussing and upside down searching, finally found the C215 connector that you're supposed to connect the upfitter harness to ... it is buried next to the steering shaft, way up inside the dash.

I don't have big hands but trying to get enough hold on the connector to be able to put it together with the harness connection is going to be a trick. Have any of you 2013 owners done this?

Aug 24, 2013 | 04:57 PM

2ndStroke

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The panel right under the steering wheel pops off, that's the easiest way I found to get in there.

Aug 24, 2013 | 06:08 PM

DaveNTx

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From: College Station, Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2ndStroke

The panel right under the steering wheel pops off, that's the easiest way I found to get in there.

Oh, yeah ... I was able to get the panel off as well as the door side trim that covers the flank end of the driver's dash but, getting my hand up through all the wiring and nice sharp-edged brackets to touch the upfitter connector left me pretty well scratched and nicked. It's pretty tight up in there.

I ordered the switches, harness, and relays today - probably get them during the week and see what I can do to get them installed on my next day off (Friday). If it gets very dramatic, I might take a few pics to post.