How to add automatic headlights
auto headlights
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 208
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From: WNY
I'm going to give this a try on my 09 XL. Just FYI, looks like the prices went up:
Ford Sentinel sensor, f150, w/o atc 2009 - 2012 $14.91
Ford Headlamp switch, f150, w/auto headlamps, w/foglamps 2009 - 2012 $52.02
It will be interesting to see if I can wire my aftermarket fog lamps (my XL doesn't have factory) to the factory switch.
Ford Sentinel sensor, f150, w/o atc 2009 - 2012 $14.91
Ford Headlamp switch, f150, w/auto headlamps, w/foglamps 2009 - 2012 $52.02
It will be interesting to see if I can wire my aftermarket fog lamps (my XL doesn't have factory) to the factory switch.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I'm going to give this a try on my 09 XL. Just FYI, looks like the prices went up:
Ford Sentinel sensor, f150, w/o atc 2009 - 2012 $14.91
Ford Headlamp switch, f150, w/auto headlamps, w/foglamps 2009 - 2012 $52.02
It will be interesting to see if I can wire my aftermarket fog lamps (my XL doesn't have factory) to the factory switch.
Ford Sentinel sensor, f150, w/o atc 2009 - 2012 $14.91
Ford Headlamp switch, f150, w/auto headlamps, w/foglamps 2009 - 2012 $52.02
It will be interesting to see if I can wire my aftermarket fog lamps (my XL doesn't have factory) to the factory switch.
If they did should be a piece of cake.
According to the 2009 F150 wiring manual (pp 86-1 and 151-1)
there is a 2 pin connector for each light (aka C162 and C152),
one side is ground the other pin 3 of the SJB (Smart Junction Box, behind RH kick panel)
15A Fuse F21 in the SJB feeds the circuit via a relay (I believe it may be integral to the SJB as the drawing sez "non-serviceable")
Let us know if the wiring, & fuse is there...& if it works (the relay exists)
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 676
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all or most trucks are all wired with the same. Except maybe the base models like the XL or Wor truck types. If you look on your dash in the middle toward the windshield, there should be a 1/2in by 1/2 in square plate, if you got that your are good, order the switch and the sensor. pop that plate off but the sensor in
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
Hopefully Ford already ran the wiring & relay for you.....(to the OEM fog lights)
If they did should be a piece of cake.
According to the 2009 F150 wiring manual (pp 86-1 and 151-1)
there is a 2 pin connector for each light (aka C162 and C152),
one side is ground the other pin 3 of the SJB (Smart Junction Box, behind RH kick panel)
15A Fuse F21 in the SJB feeds the circuit via a relay (I believe it may be integral to the SJB as the drawing sez "non-serviceable")
Let us know if the wiring, & fuse is there...& if it works (the relay exists)
If they did should be a piece of cake.
According to the 2009 F150 wiring manual (pp 86-1 and 151-1)
there is a 2 pin connector for each light (aka C162 and C152),
one side is ground the other pin 3 of the SJB (Smart Junction Box, behind RH kick panel)
15A Fuse F21 in the SJB feeds the circuit via a relay (I believe it may be integral to the SJB as the drawing sez "non-serviceable")
Let us know if the wiring, & fuse is there...& if it works (the relay exists)
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,919
Likes: 0
From: Western Massachusetts
My experiences tell me otherwise. I believe that this is an assumption that very well may not be true.
I assumed that my truck was pre wired to accept the 7 pin trailer tow wiring harness. It was not. I located the connector where the wiring ended. I ended up running a wire independantly to the 7 pin connector that I installed so that my trailer battery would charge. I didn't need trailer brakes so I didn't have to mess with that stuff.
My point is, if you are going to add something to your truck, don't assume that the harness is alread there. CHeck for yourself. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a harness you can't use.
Anyone need a 4/7 pin trailer tow wire harness?
This auto headlamp swap seems like a good idea. Hopefully someone does it with thier 2011 so I don't have to do as much work to do it on mine.
I assumed that my truck was pre wired to accept the 7 pin trailer tow wiring harness. It was not. I located the connector where the wiring ended. I ended up running a wire independantly to the 7 pin connector that I installed so that my trailer battery would charge. I didn't need trailer brakes so I didn't have to mess with that stuff.
My point is, if you are going to add something to your truck, don't assume that the harness is alread there. CHeck for yourself. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a harness you can't use.
Anyone need a 4/7 pin trailer tow wire harness?
This auto headlamp swap seems like a good idea. Hopefully someone does it with thier 2011 so I don't have to do as much work to do it on mine.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Yep:
My experiences tell me otherwise. I believe that this is an assumption that very well may not be true.
I assumed that my truck was pre wired to accept the 7 pin trailer tow wiring harness. It was not. I located the connector where the wiring ended. I ended up running a wire independantly to the 7 pin connector that I installed so that my trailer battery would charge. I didn't need trailer brakes so I didn't have to mess with that stuff.
My point is, if you are going to add something to your truck, don't assume that the harness is alread there. CHeck for yourself. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a harness you can't use.
Anyone need a 4/7 pin trailer tow wire harness?
This auto headlamp swap seems like a good idea. Hopefully someone does it with thier 2011 so I don't have to do as much work to do it on mine.
I assumed that my truck was pre wired to accept the 7 pin trailer tow wiring harness. It was not. I located the connector where the wiring ended. I ended up running a wire independantly to the 7 pin connector that I installed so that my trailer battery would charge. I didn't need trailer brakes so I didn't have to mess with that stuff.
My point is, if you are going to add something to your truck, don't assume that the harness is alread there. CHeck for yourself. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a harness you can't use.
Anyone need a 4/7 pin trailer tow wire harness?
This auto headlamp swap seems like a good idea. Hopefully someone does it with thier 2011 so I don't have to do as much work to do it on mine.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I have a 09 F-150 XL. It's the "work model". And as I just found out, there is a plastic cover on the dash, but there is no plug. Just a hole that leads to the empty space under the dash tray. If anyone has any idea on how to wire the sensor in to someplace I'd love to hear it. I've already installed the switch, and the sensor is on its way. No one tell my wife I spent $24 on something that doesn't plug in.
according to the drawings.....
the connector for the sensor is C287 (2 pins)
pin A=> ckt VLF14 => SJB connector 2208B pin 46
pin B=> ckt RH111 => splice S228 => C294A pin 23 of manual HVAC module
good luck
Last edited by joendoodle; Jan 30, 2012 at 07:01 AM. Reason: correct pin
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
My experiences tell me otherwise. I believe that this is an assumption that very well may not be true.
I assumed that my truck was pre wired to accept the 7 pin trailer tow wiring harness. It was not. I located the connector where the wiring ended. I ended up running a wire independantly to the 7 pin connector that I installed so that my trailer battery would charge. I didn't need trailer brakes so I didn't have to mess with that stuff.
My point is, if you are going to add something to your truck, don't assume that the harness is alread there. CHeck for yourself. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a harness you can't use.
Anyone need a 4/7 pin trailer tow wire harness?
This auto headlamp swap seems like a good idea. Hopefully someone does it with thier 2011 so I don't have to do as much work to do it on mine.
I assumed that my truck was pre wired to accept the 7 pin trailer tow wiring harness. It was not. I located the connector where the wiring ended. I ended up running a wire independantly to the 7 pin connector that I installed so that my trailer battery would charge. I didn't need trailer brakes so I didn't have to mess with that stuff.
My point is, if you are going to add something to your truck, don't assume that the harness is alread there. CHeck for yourself. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a harness you can't use.
Anyone need a 4/7 pin trailer tow wire harness?
This auto headlamp swap seems like a good idea. Hopefully someone does it with thier 2011 so I don't have to do as much work to do it on mine.
Again Check before you buy like you said. If you have an XL, or a long bed, or trying to after something like trailering stuff or in dash nav it might not be there. But I would be surprised if most models dont have the same wiring for things like lights and such. Its cheaper and quicker to have one wiring harness than 5-6 different ones.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Good point. But I think on models like the Xl and things like trailering packages you might see the differences but on more standard equipment and models like XLT and above I think you would find that it is all there. It has worked for and my buddy so far on everything.
Again Check before you buy like you said. If you have an XL, or a long bed, or trying to after something like trailering stuff or in dash nav it might not be there. But I would be surprised if most models dont have the same wiring for things like lights and such. Its cheaper and quicker to have one wiring harness than 5-6 different ones.
Again Check before you buy like you said. If you have an XL, or a long bed, or trying to after something like trailering stuff or in dash nav it might not be there. But I would be surprised if most models dont have the same wiring for things like lights and such. Its cheaper and quicker to have one wiring harness than 5-6 different ones.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
All 2011 up F-150 and Super Duty Auto Headlamp
If you wish to ADD auto ON/OFF headlamps to your vehicle that did not come from the factory with that option, you may add it yourself.
TascaParts.com is the source for this DIY plug and play upgrade. Just enter your vehicle information and search.
The Sensor Switch
TascaParts.com stocks the sentinel switch for your vechicle.
You either have ATC (automatic temperature control) or you don't. Select the sentinel switch for your A/C application.
The Headlamp Switch
You may or may not have factory installed fog lamps. It really does not matter. You can order the correct headlamp switch from the same vendor, TascaParts.com.
This applies to 2011 and 2012 Ford Trucks all models.
No, I do not work for TascaParts.com or Ford. Just an FYI
TascaParts.com is the source for this DIY plug and play upgrade. Just enter your vehicle information and search.
The Sensor Switch
TascaParts.com stocks the sentinel switch for your vechicle.
You either have ATC (automatic temperature control) or you don't. Select the sentinel switch for your A/C application.
The Headlamp Switch
You may or may not have factory installed fog lamps. It really does not matter. You can order the correct headlamp switch from the same vendor, TascaParts.com.
This applies to 2011 and 2012 Ford Trucks all models.
No, I do not work for TascaParts.com or Ford. Just an FYI
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
+1
I can vouch this works on my '09 STX. I am grateful for the info.
Both parts from Tasca combined cost me roughly $76. Money well spent in my mind.
I can vouch this works on my '09 STX. I am grateful for the info.
Both parts from Tasca combined cost me roughly $76. Money well spent in my mind.
A little more detail, I read on another forum where a guy scratched his dash using a screwdriver to remove his light switch assembly... hope this helps:
To add the auto headlamps feature:
I have an 09 XL and got my Parts from www.TascaParts.com
7L1Z13A018A Sentinel sensor, w/o atc 2007 - 2010 $11.39
This is in the front center of the top of the dash, to install take a very small flat tip screwdriver and gently lift the rectangle cover (about 1" X 1/2"). It sure was nice of FORD to connect the wire to this "dummy" trim piece. unhook the 2 pin connector =>C287 (aha 2 pins, it is only one sensor, 4 pins is C286 for auto A/C), plug in the new sensor and look at the sensor and the hole, it only goes in one way.
9L3Z11654CA Headlamp switch, f150, w/auto headlamps, w/foglamps 2009 - 2010 $43.55
Remove the panel that is on the left side of the dash (only accessible with the drivers door open), disconnect the connector => C205 from your "old" light switch. You can now feel the detents you have to push in (squeeze) to remove the old light switch, you shouldn't need any tools. Once the old switch is out pull the wire (connector => C205) thru and connect to the new switch, line it up correctly and push it in.
Replace the panel, to the left of the dashboard.
reference: 2009 F150 wiring diagrams, pages 85-3 & 151-14
To add the auto headlamps feature:
I have an 09 XL and got my Parts from www.TascaParts.com
7L1Z13A018A Sentinel sensor, w/o atc 2007 - 2010 $11.39
This is in the front center of the top of the dash, to install take a very small flat tip screwdriver and gently lift the rectangle cover (about 1" X 1/2"). It sure was nice of FORD to connect the wire to this "dummy" trim piece. unhook the 2 pin connector =>C287 (aha 2 pins, it is only one sensor, 4 pins is C286 for auto A/C), plug in the new sensor and look at the sensor and the hole, it only goes in one way.
9L3Z11654CA Headlamp switch, f150, w/auto headlamps, w/foglamps 2009 - 2010 $43.55
Remove the panel that is on the left side of the dash (only accessible with the drivers door open), disconnect the connector => C205 from your "old" light switch. You can now feel the detents you have to push in (squeeze) to remove the old light switch, you shouldn't need any tools. Once the old switch is out pull the wire (connector => C205) thru and connect to the new switch, line it up correctly and push it in.
Replace the panel, to the left of the dashboard.
reference: 2009 F150 wiring diagrams, pages 85-3 & 151-14