Accessory wiring help
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From: Seattle
Accessory wiring help
Hey guys,
I tried this question down in the Electrical Systems/Wiring forum here at FTE a couple of months back with limited results, so I'm going to ask it again here.
I got an '02 PSD 4X4 SC SWB. I wanna wire in an accessory light for my aluminum tool box that sits in the back. Where is the best place to pull a 12v source off of? Is there a wire that runs along the frame that I can tap into? If so which one? Or do I have to go all the way to the fuse box? Please help.
OK you Super Duty Gurus, bring it on!
I tried this question down in the Electrical Systems/Wiring forum here at FTE a couple of months back with limited results, so I'm going to ask it again here.
I got an '02 PSD 4X4 SC SWB. I wanna wire in an accessory light for my aluminum tool box that sits in the back. Where is the best place to pull a 12v source off of? Is there a wire that runs along the frame that I can tap into? If so which one? Or do I have to go all the way to the fuse box? Please help.
OK you Super Duty Gurus, bring it on!
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From: Seattle
Thank you for your reply.
My plan is to wire the lid on the tool box with a limit (type) switch, so when I open it, a light comes on. This idea however requires a constant supply of 12v juice. This brings me to wonder if there even IS a constant 12v juice supply running down the frame? Hmmm...
My plan is to wire the lid on the tool box with a limit (type) switch, so when I open it, a light comes on. This idea however requires a constant supply of 12v juice. This brings me to wonder if there even IS a constant 12v juice supply running down the frame? Hmmm...
Last edited by RocketScience; Jun 10, 2005 at 03:16 PM.
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From: Seattle
Originally Posted by Munkey
Doesn't the round trailer plug have a constant 12v source? Maybe rig something off of that?
Fleet Mechanic
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From: Corpus Christi, TX
Darn, I coulda sworn it had constant power going to it. Oh well. Hmm...short of running a wire from the fuse box or battery, I've got no clue!
Please keep us updated if you do find a simpler solution!
Please keep us updated if you do find a simpler solution!
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I like to run power from the fuse box whenever possible to ensure turns off with key, however, for your application you could skip going through the firewall, and run a wire directly back from the battery. Use an o-ring style crimp on connector to attach the wire underneath the positive battery terminal bolt. Be sure to use an inline fuse within a few inches of the battery. Ground can be picked up anywhere.
I used the above method to supply constant power to a travel trailer on a 1994 Grand Cherokee. Still works today, almost 11 years later.
One clear advantage to this is no splices under the truck that can get wet/corrode causing trouble with other things "down the road".
Hope this helps.
Greg
I used the above method to supply constant power to a travel trailer on a 1994 Grand Cherokee. Still works today, almost 11 years later.
One clear advantage to this is no splices under the truck that can get wet/corrode causing trouble with other things "down the road".
Hope this helps.
Greg
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Laughing Gas
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From: VA
I've used a extension cord for my wiring. Like people have suggested take power directly from the battery. The extension cord (outdoor type) has plenty of insulation and protection. Plus you have three wires there, extras for anything in the future. It's always worked well for me.
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From: Seattle
Well guys, besides posting here, I also took the liberties to give the local RV/Canopy dealer a call. They pretty much said the same thing you guys are here: Run a wire from the battery
.
They also elaborated on the fact that tying into an existing circuit on these newer ‘high-tech’ vehicles is not a good idea anyway. He said that in doing so, you can sometimes cause fluctuations in the electrical system, leading to computer problems. WOW! Who would have thunk it?
Anyway, with all the RV Campers, Canopies, Construction set-ups, etc. we stick on our rigs, you’d think Ford would have put an electrical pigtail hook-up back there. Oh well, gotta leave a little room for improvement.
Thanks again for all your replies.
. They also elaborated on the fact that tying into an existing circuit on these newer ‘high-tech’ vehicles is not a good idea anyway. He said that in doing so, you can sometimes cause fluctuations in the electrical system, leading to computer problems. WOW! Who would have thunk it?
Anyway, with all the RV Campers, Canopies, Construction set-ups, etc. we stick on our rigs, you’d think Ford would have put an electrical pigtail hook-up back there. Oh well, gotta leave a little room for improvement.
Thanks again for all your replies.
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Dont the 02's have the open ended 4 wires that are in the engine bay that run into the cab like the 04's have for accessory, ie fog lights?
If you have them they should be on the drivers side next to the hood hinge, inside they end right at the fuse block.
Also, my 04 has 2 factory wires at the rear drivers side of the box for a brake light and interior light source for a topper if you were to install one.
And the 7 pin does have a 12 volt power source or camper batteries wouldn't charge while towing.
Good luck
If you have them they should be on the drivers side next to the hood hinge, inside they end right at the fuse block.
Also, my 04 has 2 factory wires at the rear drivers side of the box for a brake light and interior light source for a topper if you were to install one.
And the 7 pin does have a 12 volt power source or camper batteries wouldn't charge while towing.
Good luck
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From: Near DC
[QUOTE=DernMooseAk]Dont the 02's have the open ended 4 wires that are in the engine bay that run into the cab like the 04's have for accessory, ie fog lights?
If you have them they should be on the drivers side next to the hood hinge, inside they end right at the fuse block./QUOTE]
Yes, they do....
Best thing to do in cases where you need power from the battery to accessories at the rear or in the bed is to use one of those wires to connect to a switch inside, then out to a relay in the engine compartment that supplies unkeyed power to the back direct from the battery.
You can visit a boat store (boat US, west marine, etc) and get a good power junction box to hook everything up to. Some are sealed, others aren't, get a sealed one.
You can use the box for anything else you want to wire up.
If you have them they should be on the drivers side next to the hood hinge, inside they end right at the fuse block./QUOTE]
Yes, they do....
Best thing to do in cases where you need power from the battery to accessories at the rear or in the bed is to use one of those wires to connect to a switch inside, then out to a relay in the engine compartment that supplies unkeyed power to the back direct from the battery.
You can visit a boat store (boat US, west marine, etc) and get a good power junction box to hook everything up to. Some are sealed, others aren't, get a sealed one.
You can use the box for anything else you want to wire up.
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From: Seattle
Originally Posted by DernMooseAk
Dont the 02's have the open ended 4 wires that are in the engine bay that run into the cab like the 04's have for accessory, ie fog lights? If you have them they should be on the drivers side next to the hood hinge, inside they end right at the fuse block.
Originally Posted by DernMooseAk
Also, my 04 has 2 factory wires at the rear drivers side of the box for a brake light and interior light source for a topper if you were to install one.
Originally Posted by DernMooseAk
And the 7 pin does have a 12 volt power source or camper batteries wouldn't charge while towing.
For future reference, could you still elaborate on the first two items?
Thanks!
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As DernmooseAK said, one end is by the hood hinge, 4 wires, the other end is near the fuse box. No, they are not hot wires, they are blank, just two ends for you to do whatever you want to. They were nice and pre-ran some wires through the firewall for you. You can use one of those to kick the relay mentioned above.
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RocketScience
The 4 wires should be where I mentioned in the engine bay, just hanging there as if someone clipped the wires for something that was suppose to be there. The other ends of the 4 are down by the fuse pannel area, you might have to look a bit. As Steve_250 mentioned they are for your use, pre ran through the fire wall.
The brake light wire and dome light wire in the rear of the bed (underneath) are where the 7 & 4 pin pig tail plug into the trucks wiring harness. I had to replace the trailer plugs on my truck because it was broke. When I went to replace it and found the 2 wires I went back to ford to ask if they knew what they where. Was told they were for brake and dome light for truck toppper.
By the way the 7&4 pin connector is $125 bucks!! Be careful with them.
The 4 wires should be where I mentioned in the engine bay, just hanging there as if someone clipped the wires for something that was suppose to be there. The other ends of the 4 are down by the fuse pannel area, you might have to look a bit. As Steve_250 mentioned they are for your use, pre ran through the fire wall.
The brake light wire and dome light wire in the rear of the bed (underneath) are where the 7 & 4 pin pig tail plug into the trucks wiring harness. I had to replace the trailer plugs on my truck because it was broke. When I went to replace it and found the 2 wires I went back to ford to ask if they knew what they where. Was told they were for brake and dome light for truck toppper.
By the way the 7&4 pin connector is $125 bucks!! Be careful with them.