Auxiliary 12V access?
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Cupertino, CA
Auxiliary 12V access?
Does Ford provide any auxiliary 12V power points, either under the hood, or under the dash? I didn't see any with a casual glance. Basically, I'm looking for something that comes directly from the battery, sort of a head start for accessory wiring. My last truck (not a Ford) had several points on both sides of the firewall.
If the answer to the above is "no," how hard is it to get to the back side of the fuse panels to utilize some of the currently unused positions? Any hints would be appreciated.
Thanks...
If the answer to the above is "no," how hard is it to get to the back side of the fuse panels to utilize some of the currently unused positions? Any hints would be appreciated.
Thanks...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
Auxiliary 12V access?
There are two large healthy yellow wires coming off the ignition switch that are battery hot. These would be the safest bet without worring about screwing up something else. Just be sure to use an inline fuse holder with any device you install.
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Elder User
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From: Cupertino, CA
Auxiliary 12V access?
Hey, HW -
I found two yellow wires under the dash. One is directly above the gas pedal, running from a plug toward the center of the vehicle. The other is in a harness directly above the brake. Are these the two you were talking about?
I think I may need to run something directly from the battery...when I said "accessories" I was referring to things like a power inverter (~80 amps) or an audio amplifier. Assuming that these items are going near the back of the cab, should I consider running wire along the underside of the truck and bringing it in at the rear?
Thanks for all your help...let it never be said that you're not "the man!"
I found two yellow wires under the dash. One is directly above the gas pedal, running from a plug toward the center of the vehicle. The other is in a harness directly above the brake. Are these the two you were talking about?
I think I may need to run something directly from the battery...when I said "accessories" I was referring to things like a power inverter (~80 amps) or an audio amplifier. Assuming that these items are going near the back of the cab, should I consider running wire along the underside of the truck and bringing it in at the rear?
Thanks for all your help...let it never be said that you're not "the man!"
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 52
From: Lawton, Oklahoma
Auxiliary 12V access?
The two I refer two come right out of the ignition switch and run back through the loom to the power distribution box. These are often used for installation of Remote Start systems and security systems. They are large wires for carrying a large current load.
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Elder User
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From: Cupertino, CA
Auxiliary 12V access?
OK...I'll take another look after I get dinner for my daughter/co-pilot. Are they visible merely by sticking my head under the dash, or do I have to remove some dash panelling?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,595
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From: Lawton, Oklahoma
Auxiliary 12V access?
Easy access if you remove the lower trim panel, but you can probably see them from underneath. Hell I always am removing panels for access to work on them so I cant say what can be seen just laying under the dash.. and Im too damned large to want try anyway.. LMAO! 
Posting Guru
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From: Chicago Area
Auxiliary 12V access?
If you are going to draw 80 amps, I don't think you should use the yellow wires under the dash. You probably need a #6 wire for that much juice. Probably should go to the battery, or at least the battery junction box.
I have a #8 wire, fused at 60 amps, coming off my battery junction box. I actually feel that's marginal. The two yellow wires under the dash are Metric but look to be smaller than a #10, and I wouldn't feel comfortable with 40 amps each plus whatever else they might be carrying (although I presume they are adequately protected, I don't think you'd want to be blowing a main circuit like that).
It's probably easier to run your cable in the frame and into the channel under the step plate. Please be sure to fuse as close as possible to the start of your wiring!
I have a #8 wire, fused at 60 amps, coming off my battery junction box. I actually feel that's marginal. The two yellow wires under the dash are Metric but look to be smaller than a #10, and I wouldn't feel comfortable with 40 amps each plus whatever else they might be carrying (although I presume they are adequately protected, I don't think you'd want to be blowing a main circuit like that).
It's probably easier to run your cable in the frame and into the channel under the step plate. Please be sure to fuse as close as possible to the start of your wiring!
Last edited by MrBSS; Jul 31, 2003 at 12:09 PM.
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Elder User
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From: Cupertino, CA
Auxiliary 12V access?
What is the battery junction box? Is it that attachment to the upper firewall just to the passenger's side of center?
I agree that I should probably come off as close to the battery as possible. Where would you come through the firewall? I'll probably use 4 gauge wire, given the length of the run, which will probably be 10 feet.
I'll probably use a circuit breaker instead of a fuse...easier to remedy for the times I cross leads during the installation!
I agree that I should probably come off as close to the battery as possible. Where would you come through the firewall? I'll probably use 4 gauge wire, given the length of the run, which will probably be 10 feet.
I'll probably use a circuit breaker instead of a fuse...easier to remedy for the times I cross leads during the installation!
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From: Chicago Area
Auxiliary 12V access?
The battery junction box is on the driver's side up against the fender wall. It has the main fuses and relays under a hinged plastic lid. There is a large lug toward the rear under a plastic cap which provides a good connection point. This is not right at the battery, but I used it because there is a rubber plug in the firewall just to the pass side of the brake booster which provides an easy passage into the cab. Using #4 might be easier to go from the battery to the rear of the cab and avoid all the congestion!
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Elder User
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From: Cupertino, CA
Auxiliary 12V access?
Yeah, especially since I can't figure out how to get that dumb cap off. Now I need to figure out how best to splice into the wire at the battery post.
Not much room in that engine compartment...I wonder where people who want a second battery, an isolator and so forth put that kind of stuff. Does anyone know of a waterproof electrical box that I could stuff in a corner of the bed?
Not much room in that engine compartment...I wonder where people who want a second battery, an isolator and so forth put that kind of stuff. Does anyone know of a waterproof electrical box that I could stuff in a corner of the bed?