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I'm installing 2005 upfitter switches into my 2000 Excursion. The only hiccup I have is wiring it into the system. The 2000 obviously doesn't have the same fuse box layout as the 2005. Research tells me that the upfitter is powered by two 30A fuses in the factory configuration. The connector that is inserted into the factory fuse box has 6 wires that feed the upfitter relays and switches. In my simple mind, I should be able to remove the 2005 fuse box connector, split the six wires into two sets of three, combine those into two hard wired leads, install a 30A fuse on each lead, and then connect directly to the battery. The harness is already grounded to the vehicle under the dash.
I admit I'm no electrician but this sounds like a very easy work around in my simple mind. Thoughts or suggestions are welcome!!
I am working on something similar. Instead of connecting a bunch of leads directly to the battery, I am going to install an auxiliary fuse box and then wire the switches through them. Here's what I am starting with. If I run out (hopefully not ) an/or have trouble, it is easy to swap out the fuse box instead of having to redo the wiring to the battery all the time. I plan to put a relay switched hot line to the fuse box.
About a year or two ago, I looked into the same thing. I tore one down and tried tracing the circuits on the board in the unit, but it became apparent to me that the control in probably in the GEM or somewhere else, and retrofitting to it was too much work for me at the time I abandoned the project and just installed Carling switched in a custom faceplate in the same area.
I will try to look for the pics of the board I took when I had it apart, have to wait til tonight to check.
About a year or two ago, I looked into the same thing. I tore one down and tried tracing the circuits on the board in the unit, but it became apparent to me that the control in probably in the GEM or somewhere else, and retrofitting to it was too much work for me at the time I abandoned the project and just installed Carling switched in a custom faceplate in the same area.
I will try to look for the pics of the board I took when I had it apart, have to wait til tonight to check.
I am installing carling switches too. Please post pictures of how and where you have them installed.
After my initial post I remembered that I have a Blue Sea fuse box from a previous project that I never used and it should work perfect for this application. One more question:
Is a relay needed on the hot wire from the battery to the Blue Sea aux fuse box?
I have found the 2005 upfitter switch/relay diagram so it should be a cakewalk to mimic that in the Blue Sea aux box. I strongly considered the Carling switches but just liked the OEM look of upfitters and I'm obviously just a glutton for punishment.
Is a relay needed on the hot wire from the battery to the Blue Sea aux fuse box?
I do not think so. But I want whatever is connected through this fuse box to be on a switched power supply and not be ON all the time and accidentally draining the battery. The Blue Sea is a good unit. I had that on my motorcycle.
...that you should go immediately to the tech folder and check out all the upfitter threads I have linked there.
Stewart
Thanks Stewart. I did check those out prior to posting and have some of them printed on my desk but I was still a little lost on a few areas. I think I'm good to go now. I'll try to document my mod as I go for others to copy.
I am installing carling switches too. Please post pictures of how and where you have them installed.
Here is what I did, posted it before.
Got the aluminum 6 hole mount off ebay from Australia. Just worked it til it fit the top of the cubby hole. bottom part hangs down past the hole. Mounted some small 1/2"x1/2" steel L to screw into the top and the bottom screws go into the plastic. Sits at an angle up for easier viewing. I just put some black ATV Factory Effex Background Sheets over the top until I got around to painting it, but haven't yet.
Thanks Stewart. I did check those out prior to posting and have some of them printed on my desk but I was still a little lost on a few areas. I think I'm good to go now. I'll try to document my mod as I go for others to copy.
Nice, another link for the folder!
I just went and looked and I coulda swore I had more than one linked thread there, then I remembered I think two others can be found in the Member Pages linked near the bottom of the second post.
Stewart
Edit: Looks like SpringerPops page and '75stroppa's page has their versions that might give a little more insight!
Last edited by Stewart_H; Oct 16, 2017 at 04:03 PM.
People have been able to successfully mount the 2005 upfitter switches in an Excursion. I've seen it done a number of times, but from what I understand, it's not for the faint of heart.
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) an/or have trouble, it is easy to swap out the fuse box instead of having to redo the wiring to the battery all the time. I plan to put a relay switched hot line to the fuse box.
