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Switched power source

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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 07:22 PM
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Switched power source

Trying to wire in aftermarket gauges and need switched power from
ignition.
any of these work?
(EDIT - 74 F250 highboy 360)


 
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 07:44 PM
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What year truck? I wonder if there is a switched auxiliary connector right on the fuse panel?
I know some panels had them, but not every one.
On the really early switches had a stud coming out of the back of the ignition switch that was used for accessory power on the black with green striped wire.
But I don’t think the 70s pickups kept that arrangement.
If you don’t mind the gauges coming on with the key in either position, the black with green accessory wire should go to.
If you want it in the ON position only, then find a branch of the green with red stripe wire. The obvious ones are under the hood, but there should be at least one under the dash.
Or you could tap into it right at the back of the ignition switch.
Another go to, is the actual instrument cluster itself. Where the power for the instrument voltage regulator would be what you need. But not the Output side, just the input side where it’s getting a full 12 V. It’s the only side you have access to anyway, if you have a truck cluster with the circuit board on the back.
I don’t remember what they use for wire color on the IVR. On really old trucks and Broncos. It was the same black with green, but I’m pretty sure that is a different color on the full size pickups of our era.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by 1TonBasecamp
What year truck? I wonder if there is a switched auxiliary connector right on the fuse panel?
I know some panels had them, but not every one.
On the really early switches had a stud coming out of the back of the ignition switch that was used for accessory power on the black with green striped wire.
But I don’t think the 70s pickups kept that arrangement.
If you don’t mind the gauges coming on with the key in either position, the black with green accessory wire should go to.
If you want it in the ON position only, then find a branch of the green with red stripe wire. The obvious ones are under the hood, but there should be at least one under the dash.
Or you could tap into it right at the back of the ignition switch.
Another go to, is the actual instrument cluster itself. Where the power for the instrument voltage regulator would be what you need. But not the Output side, just the input side where it’s getting a full 12 V. It’s the only side you have access to anyway, if you have a truck cluster with the circuit board on the back.
I don’t remember what they use for wire color on the IVR. On really old trucks and Broncos. It was the same black with green, but I’m pretty sure that is a different color on the full size pickups of our era.
Oops
74 F250 highboy 360

Thanks.... for the black with green accessory wire - is this just any wire in the bunch that is this combo? or a specific one coming out of the ignition switch?
 
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 08:46 PM
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I am not trying to be rude but why not get a $10 12v test light? Having an old vehicle you can use it to test for power all over the vehicle. I keep on behind the seat in my truck along with other tools.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by atitagain4
I am not trying to be rude but why not get a $10 12v test light? Having an old vehicle you can use it to test for power all over the vehicle. I keep on behind the seat in my truck along with other tools.
I've got a multimeter, but don't feel like cutting wires our pulling things out if someone can point out a quick solution via which wire to look for. (and not rude at all, appreciate the thought)
 
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 10:31 PM
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Behind headlight wiper switch area is a single wire to a three bullet connector keyed 12 volt power source. It might even be yellow.
 
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 10:43 AM
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Hey turtleman
I usually use the Cig. lighter wire.
Heavy enough, and not usually used for anything else.
Usually,,,,Switched power.
Use that meter like mentioned above.
 
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 12:09 PM
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Are you sure it’s switched? Most cigar lighters are constant 12 V.
 
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 12:21 PM
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Well oneton no one said it is for sure switched power.
If you read my post I THINK I said usually,,,,, and to use that meter to find out.
Just a good idea for someone to think about...
These old trucks no telling how they are wired... LOL
 
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 77&79F250
Behind headlight wiper switch area is a single wire to a three bullet connector keyed 12 volt power source. It might even be yellow.
I've heard mythical stories of this in my research and can't find it!!
I just dug deeper and found this plug that seems to have 3 slots, 1 taken and 2 open maybe....
think this might be it? (gonna try and get a better picture, but this plus is TUCKED up in there)


 
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Old Guy F-250
Well oneton no one said it is for sure switched power.
If you read my post I THINK I said usually,,,,, and to use that meter to find out.
Right, you are. But when I read “I usually use“ I took that to mean that they were switched power, but that you don’t always use them.
My misinterpretation!
 
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by turtleheadtim
I've heard mythical stories of this in my research and can't find it!!
I just dug deeper and found this plug that seems to have 3 slots, 1 taken and 2 open maybe....
think this might be it? (gonna try and get a better picture, but this plus is TUCKED up in there)

There it is! Tucked up in there and with a nice handy Black w/green striped wire even.
Theoretically, it should do the job for you. But as already mentioned, get a meter or test light for confirmation.
 
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 02:51 PM
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Hey Oneton
I hope you didn:t take my post as sarcastic as it may sound.
I am a just say it like I think it guy.
I have been told I must have a screen door between my brain and mouth.
Always been that way and at 79 too late to change now.... lol
 
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 04:26 PM
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On my 79 F350 I didn't have enough switched with the key power sources so I added an aux fuse box out under the hood that's powered through a fusible link and switched with a relay. That might be an option too if you've got a lot of extra stuff.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2025 | 04:12 PM
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Here's a picture of one, not mine but like it. Might not should leave a wire sticking in just part way.


 
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