Notices
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

Power Door Lock Switch Side Door

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 5, 2014 | 06:56 PM
  #1  
jimandnena's Avatar
jimandnena
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
Power Door Lock Switch Side Door

1988 model, two hinged side doors.

The front doors have door lock/unlock switches but the side door does not. It locks/unlocks with the front doors but there is no switch to lock/unlock the front doors from the side door.

Has anyone got or added a switch on the side door?

Thanks,
jim
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2014 | 05:08 AM
  #2  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I added a side door lock button to my '03 EB----they already come with one in the rear doors.

Being **** as I am I used Ford OEM parts, switch and pig tail connector cost about $60 for the pair. From there its simply a matter of mounting the switch and connecting it in parallel with the existing PDL circuit. I fabricated my own ersatz wiring harness, ran the wiring inside the nearest roof rib which isn't a feat for the weak or lazy.
 
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2014 | 12:17 PM
  #3  
jimandnena's Avatar
jimandnena
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by JWA
I added a side door lock button to my '03 EB----they already come with one in the rear doors.

Being **** as I am I used Ford OEM parts, switch and pig tail connector cost about $60 for the pair. From there its simply a matter of mounting the switch and connecting it in parallel with the existing PDL circuit. I fabricated my own ersatz wiring harness, ran the wiring inside the nearest roof rib which isn't a feat for the weak or lazy.
Thanks, JWA. I got lucky and found a diagram in all the paperwork that came with the van.
'88 150 club wagon. by jimandnena - Ford-Trucks

I don't have any other buttons besides the two front doors on this model and I don't use the rear doors much so if I can get the side door to work, I'm a happy camper. I like the idea of staying with OEM parts for appearance but not looking forward to running the wiring, that will be the challenge.
jim
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2014 | 06:11 AM
  #4  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
This is what my finished (for now) new switches looks like--they're combined with interior lighting switches. First is of rear door, switch re-located from lower left of the open door to upper left for my convenience:




This is side door, tucked away from most activity to prevent accident activation:




My doors have been modified and added-to in order to better utilize what is wasted space---I work out of my vans.
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2014 | 12:13 PM
  #5  
jimandnena's Avatar
jimandnena
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
Great job, JWA. I always looked for ways to make my life easier when I was working (5 years retired).

I thought about the location, decided the cover on the pillar was the most out-of-the-way spot and still handy while loading stuff. I got lucky (for once) and found the front door harness behind the right kick panel so I was able to run the wiring under the carpet to the pillar. Yay!

Anyway, it's all in and working, so my bride won't have to stand in the rain while I unlock her door.

Thanks for the photos and ideas! Always good to get 2nd (or more) ideas.
jim





Original and added door lock switches, '88 E150
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2014 | 12:51 PM
  #6  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Thanks Jim---I like your idea and execution too! Seems we're both a bit prone to go "over the top" once we get an idea in mind!

Sometimes we get lucky and most if not all the wiring we need has already been added during factory build. I don't necessary hate too much running new wires by definitely prefer splicing into something existing.

I took my own cues from the stock location, right side rear door but recessed both switches flush with the plywood/ABS panels I installed. Even though I have a hidden key on the frame thought it was better to avoid accidentally tripping my PDL's.

Where did you get the snazzy label? Looks like I might have to ramp up my job just to keep up now.
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2014 | 01:51 PM
  #7  
jimandnena's Avatar
jimandnena
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by JWA
Thanks Jim---I like your idea and execution too! Seems we're both a bit prone to go "over the top" once we get an idea in mind!

Sometimes we get lucky and most if not all the wiring we need has already been added during factory build. I don't necessary hate too much running new wires by definitely prefer splicing into something existing.

I took my own cues from the stock location, right side rear door but recessed both switches flush with the plywood/ABS panels I installed. Even though I have a hidden key on the frame thought it was better to avoid accidentally tripping my PDL's.

Where did you get the snazzy label? Looks like I might have to ramp up my job just to keep up now.
That's funny. Anything worth doing is always worth doing over the top. haha

I agree on the wiring approach. When I did the selector valve install I figured a way to "repurpose" one of the sender wires to avoid pulling any new wires. Even the TFI relocate project, I used a Mustang harness as the extension, already shielded and a factory connector. (Plus I am the poster child for lazy.)

The label was an afterthought. It dawned on me that the purpose of a switch sticking out might not necessarily be obvious to everyone. And since I used to do tech drawings for training manuals, this wasn't much of a challenge. It seemed like copying the look of the factory buttons made the most sense. Printed it out on plain paper, laminated the front, spray adhesive on the back and tada.

I REALLY wanted a rocker switch but couldn't find one that would work so I went with the toggle. If I find a rocker in the future, I can swap it out easily.
jim
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2014 | 02:03 PM
  #8  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by jimandnena

I REALLY wanted a rocker switch but couldn't find one that would work so I went with the toggle. If I find a rocker in the future, I can swap it out easily.
jim
PM me with your mailing address---I've more than a few that'd be suitable for this----some left over from my project. They'll be (On) Off (On) which is pretty much what the factory uses. A square hole in the B Pillar and trim might be necessary if you want them fitting close to their mounting surface.

Take a closer look at mine---they sit on a piece of 18ga sheet metal, trimmed to fit with help from a Dremel tool---and some skin I wasn't using anyway.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Aug 10, 2014 | 07:54 AM
  #9  
jimandnena's Avatar
jimandnena
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
Keyless Entry Remote '88 Club Wagon

Fifteen bucks from Amazon, mounted under the hood, right side fender. Ran the wiring through the grommet into the kick panel and connected to the door lock switch wiring for the passenger door. Piece of cake and no more hassle with a door key.



Amazon -- 15 bucks



And since I was working on door locks, I ran wiring into the side door so the power locks work with the door open or closed. jim
 
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2014 | 09:46 AM
  #10  
JWA's Avatar
JWA
Fleet Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Wow--that's a great price on a decent looking RKE module.

I like the size of the remotes too---have tiny ones for the work van and a huge honkin' brikc for my beater car, '99 Volvo S80.

Thanks for sharing Jim!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
thirdstooge
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
2
Dec 25, 2018 09:21 AM
Amr091078
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
15
Oct 17, 2018 05:27 PM
Paddy1998
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
2
Jun 6, 2018 08:45 PM
Thumper911
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
6
Apr 1, 2017 02:49 PM
Aerostottle
Aerostar
20
Mar 2, 2017 05:06 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:25 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE