Is there a place under the hood where I could hook up power for...driving lights and have the driving lights turn off when the key is turned off? I have a habit of leaving the lights on during the day. I forget!
Thanks
2kf150

 

Use a relay. Run the +12V for the lights through the relay, and use a switched +12 for the control line. As soon as you turn off the key, no voltage on the control line, relay opens, light go out.

I would always use a relay, as I don't like the higher amp circuits running through switches.

Keith

 

But I'm not sure how to wire up the relay. I can't quite picture your suggestion. For my Nissan I open the housing on the steering wheel and tapped into the + wire from the ignition. When the key turned off so did the lights. I don't want to do that to the Ford, unless I have to. All the wiring I have found under the hood stays hot when the ket is off. Sure would like to know how to do that relay thing.
thanks for your help
2kf150

 

To wire a relay you have a coil side which triggers the relay. It will have a wire that runs from a switched source to it and one that goes to a chassis ground. On the other side of the relay 1 wire will come straight from the battery (should have an inline fuse near the battery for safety) to the switched side of the relay, then the other side of it will go to the device that you want power to (lights in your case) This way the load goes straight from the battery, thru the relay and to the lights and the wire that you hook up to the key on power supply has a very small load on it (just enough to pull in the contact on the relay).


Question, are they aftermarket driving lights? Do you only use them when the headlights are on? If so, then you could always get a headlight switch from a truck with factory driving lights and wire them into it.

 

My 97 didn't come with driving lights but I have been told that the switch is the same . The switch pulls out for driving lights on. But only pulls out when the head lights are on.

 

Yes, but I don't know if it has the extra contacts for the lights or the lighted indicator in it.

 

WOW you guys! thanks for the info. Now I feel I can try that without setting the truck on fire?
Thanks for the help
2kf150

 

My front bumper also has the slots for the factory driving lights. I have been thinking about getting some lights for it but haven't found any that weren't big bucks. How hard is it to find out if the contacts are in the switch?

 

My ignition key has failed, I removed the cylander and the truck still would not turn off. I had to pull the ignition coil fuse, What is the repair?

 

If you install the lock cylinder again are you able to start the truck with it?
It sounds like possibly the linkage from the lock cylinder to the ignition switch is broken.

 

Thanks, tried that, no luck. Using a screwdriver, I actioned the cog and arm and
could get the engine to start, It was the shut off that was the problem.
The solution was replacing the switch, $13.95 Dealer Labor $350. Ouch!!!

I was not comfortable working with a steering wheel w/ an airbag, and cruise control. I could just see myself inflating the bag with my face too close. Thanks for the reply