Passing wires
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Passing wires
I hope to use my upfitter switches to power some front, back and bed lighting this weekend on my 2011 F250 King Ranch diesel. I've downloaded the nice upfitter switch wiring info, and that's clear.
Is there a standard location or method for passing wires into the passenger compartment? Are there seals or wiring ducts especially for this purpose? I am guessing there are, since the upfitter switches are often be used for powering devices outside the cabin.
I usually end up just poking wires through the existing wiring seals, but maybe there's a more professional way to do it on this truck?
Thanks, dave
Is there a standard location or method for passing wires into the passenger compartment? Are there seals or wiring ducts especially for this purpose? I am guessing there are, since the upfitter switches are often be used for powering devices outside the cabin.
I usually end up just poking wires through the existing wiring seals, but maybe there's a more professional way to do it on this truck?
Thanks, dave
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
there are some wires already allocated for this.. passthru wires..
they usually are located at the drivers side hood hinge, and behind the panel under the steering wheel, on the left side.
4 as I recall..
Sam
they usually are located at the drivers side hood hinge, and behind the panel under the steering wheel, on the left side.
4 as I recall..
Sam
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 61
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From: Glen Allen, VA
Upfitter switches
I just wired my CB radio and it couldn't be easier.
Open the drivers door and lift the foot plate off as t is just clipped in.
Remove the kick panel which is the panel that the hood release is integrated into. There is a clip at the very top of the hood release handle so be careful. It is easiest to roll back the rubber seal up to this point.
Once you have full access to the carpet, lift it up and you will see a 3 grommets in the floor board. I choose the one closest to the foot plate or furthest from the center console. Then run your wires through a small slit in this grommet.
The wires coming off of the switches are accessible without removing the panel below the dash. I simply got a flashlight and reached up under the dash and pulled them down. These four wires should be hot once you turn the ignition on. Run hot from accessory to these and run your accessory ground to the frame or suitable ground.
My CB instal was a super easy. If you have the Service Bulletin from this website you shouldn't have any problems. Just be very careful removing the plastic panels and work each piece from both ends a little at a time.
Good luck!
Open the drivers door and lift the foot plate off as t is just clipped in.
Remove the kick panel which is the panel that the hood release is integrated into. There is a clip at the very top of the hood release handle so be careful. It is easiest to roll back the rubber seal up to this point.
Once you have full access to the carpet, lift it up and you will see a 3 grommets in the floor board. I choose the one closest to the foot plate or furthest from the center console. Then run your wires through a small slit in this grommet.
The wires coming off of the switches are accessible without removing the panel below the dash. I simply got a flashlight and reached up under the dash and pulled them down. These four wires should be hot once you turn the ignition on. Run hot from accessory to these and run your accessory ground to the frame or suitable ground.
My CB instal was a super easy. If you have the Service Bulletin from this website you shouldn't have any problems. Just be very careful removing the plastic panels and work each piece from both ends a little at a time.
Good luck!
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 61
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From: Glen Allen, VA
I looked yesterday before my install and was unable to locate these pass thru wires under the hood. I may have just miss them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
The pass thru's should be there but I have never used them, I prefer the method Broughton suggests. There is also a rubber thing sticking out of the steering shaft boot. I clipped the end off that and passed thru with my #2AWG amplifier wire.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Glen Allen, VA
Not the same wires
I found these on my 2011 but they are not the same colors as the 4 that stubb out under the dash. I'm not sure what they are for.
There is also another bundle under the dash that has like 12 wires of various colors. Im not sure what these are for either.
I hope this helps.........
There is also another bundle under the dash that has like 12 wires of various colors. Im not sure what these are for either.
I hope this helps.........
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
there are a bunch of wires under the dash..
4 for the upfitter
a bunch for high idle, Pto, etc,etc
4 for the pass thru
All bundled in separate packs.
pull the under column dash panel.. I cannot turn upside down and work anymore..
and all are on the left side taped to various positions on the harnesses.
the big bundle has the wires all labeled (print on wire)
this doc shows them all with text definitions..
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...ml/Q173R1a.pdf
notice the passthru are up near the ODB port.
| I don't think thats right for the later model trucks..
| here is a pick of mine, as seen thru the under steering wheel access panel space
Sam
4 for the upfitter
a bunch for high idle, Pto, etc,etc
4 for the pass thru
All bundled in separate packs.
pull the under column dash panel.. I cannot turn upside down and work anymore..
and all are on the left side taped to various positions on the harnesses.
the big bundle has the wires all labeled (print on wire)
this doc shows them all with text definitions..
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...ml/Q173R1a.pdf
notice the passthru are up near the ODB port.
| I don't think thats right for the later model trucks..
| here is a pick of mine, as seen thru the under steering wheel access panel space
Sam
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