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I recently bought a headlight warning buzzer for my 1983 Ford F150 off of LMC Truck, but I can’t seem to figure it out at all. I’m not even sure if I’m plugging it in to the correct fuse since I only know my driving lights fuse, but not my headlights fuse. So before I send the part back I was hoping somebody could give a quick tutorial on how to install it, or which fuse is the correct one to plug the buzzer in to. (or if someone could provide a detailed fuse box diagram for my specific model truck) Thanks!
Is this an aftermarket unit designed to be installed near the fuse panel? If so, can you please post the instructions that came with it? If not available, please post the brand and model number and hopefully we can find it online.
There’s no headlight fuse on these trucks. Circuit protection is via a fusible link and an auto-reset circuit breaker in the switch.
Even without a headlight fuse, it’s possible to add an aftermarket buzzer. I had one on my truck years ago but removed it in favor of an OEM unit (mounted above the glove box). I forget exactly how it was wired so would need to see the instructions.
That looks exactly like the one I had many years ago. I looked all over for instructions but didn't have much luck. Then I saw this NOS GM kit on eBay:
That looks to be the same as the LMC version, just in a different package. Instructions were on the back:
For your application, connect the red wire to fuse #4 (instrument panel lights). Connect the white wire to one of the following fuses: 5. 9, 15, or 18. Test that the buzzer only sounds when the lights are on and the ignition is off.
For the fuse numbering on your truck, see page 11 here:
You can also use the marker light fuse in the lower right corner. You are hooking the buzzer between to 12v sources. When the headlights are on(running lights) and the ignition is on, the buzzer will have 12v on both sides, so there is no voltage difference on the buzzer and it will not buzz.
If you turn the truck off, but leave the headlights on, then there is 12v on one side of the buzzer, and 0v on the other, so the buzzer will start buzzing.
I always make my own buzzers using one from Radio Shack. It looks like the same buzzer, and I always use a diode also. I was always afraid with the headlights off, but the ignition on, the buzzer would still buzz. So I used a blocking diode. But if the polarity is reversed on that buzzer, it may not work anyway and the diode may not be needed.
I always make my own buzzers using one from Radio Shack.
Giving away your age there, Dave. You might as well tell the young'uns you rode your horse and buggy into town to get one, and then stopped at the soda fountain for a sarsaparilla on the way home.
Originally Posted by Franklin2
It looks like the same buzzer, and I always use a diode also.
I'm pretty sure the LMC version has an internal diode. Wish I could see an internal wiring diagram to be sure.
Giving away your age there, Dave. You might as well tell the young'uns you rode your horse and buggy into town to get one, and then stopped at the soda fountain for a sarsaparilla on the way home.
Hey! That's my schtick. You've got the wrong Dave, buddy.......
Karl can spread the love it's ok
But he would be saying the same thing to me as I know just what he is talking about RS and "soda fountain for a sarsaparilla" but I never had a horse and buggy LOL
On a side note my seat belt buzzer just started working the other day.
Dont know how long that will stay working but thought it was pretty cool.
Dave ----
I have an OE unit from the old parts truck. Not sure if I want it working or not...
Isn't there a wiring harness pigtail into which it plugs? The '81 F100 had it mounted just above the glove box.
There is a buzzer above the glove box but it is for the seat belt warning and stops buzzing when the dash light goes out.
I did not think the early trucks had a head light buzzer with the seat belt buzzer above the box?
There have been a few times I left the head lights on when I got to a show and someone told me so I could shut them off.
BTW if you look up on Youtube there are hacks for the seat & head light buzzer to change the "buzz" to something else even a song.
Dave ----
See post #51 for an excellent overview of the variations over the years.
I'm not familiar with the 1980-1983 details, but dig through that thread for more info. For 1984-1986, there was a basic 6 pin buzzer-only version, or the optional 7 pin buzzer/chime combo unit. All 1984-6 trucks had the 7 pin wiring. The only difference was which noisemaker was installed.
If you want the headlight/key chime, but not the seatbelt buzzer, it's a simple matter to unplug the connector near the floor for the driver's buckle. That's what I did. I ALWAYS wear my seatbelt but hate being nagged as I get settled in behind the wheel.
