I have a 2010 Lariat and would like to tap into a HOT wire in the drivers footwell. I'm installing a GPS and can't get it all the way over to the Fuse box in the passenger footwell, so I'm looking to find a lead on the drivers side. I see some exposed wires going to the OBDII, could someone smarter than me, tell me which wire (color) might suit my needs under there?
James

 

If you have a "power point" on the instrument panel, it's probably "hot" at all times, as is one of the feeds to the headlight switch I suspect (but I don't have a new truck like you).

But really, don't you actually want something that is "hot" with the ignition in Accy or Run? In this case, there will be a lead to the radio that has that characteristic. And, it will also have a "hot at all times" line for the Keep Alive Memory (channel presets, etc.,).

I think, if Ford hasn't changed the design too much, that it will be very easy to get to the radio harness.

There WILL be a 'hot at all times" line to the OBDII plug as well as a "hot in run" line, but I'd personally stay away from those in favor of the radio harness.

- Jack

 

Thanks, I think I'm going to tap into the cigarette lighter below the radio, it's always on, where as the powerpoint is only hot with the ignition on. I need to figure out how to get behind the dash.
James

 

Interesting! My "powerpoint" is always on, but the lighter isn't.

If the design is not changed too much, you can pry the center dash cover that encloses the radio and A/C controls away from the dash at the top. A plastic putty knife generally works if you don't have a trim tool and it won't scratch. My panel is held on be six clips. Once you get the two top ones loose, you can work down, and it lifts right off.

- Jack

 

Might want to check that, it shows as always hot in the EVTM



Just wanted to ask, what is stopping you from going under the dash on the passenger side.

If you look up behind the dash ( or drop the glove box ) you should see the orange wire for the antenna behind there, that can be used as the route from the fuse panel to the center trim panel.

I am not sure ( at all ) if the spring clip mount for the center trim panel changed.
I prefer to open the ask tray, and get the corners loose, and work my way up to the top. With the ash tray open, I can get the tab ( like a tab and slot plastic assembly ) trim tool under the edge easier, and if something happens, it is low by the ash tray, not up in my line of sight.

The tab type is the bottom tool here :


Here you can see the 6 spring clip slots ( 2 low by the ash tray, 2 on either side of the radio, and 2 up by the PAD indicator.
This is from my 2006, so YMMV

 

Thanks for the replies, great information.
I mount my GPS on the lower drivers side glass, so I wanted to tap into something convenient there and want to be able to unplug it as well. My buddy made me up; two cigarette plugs (female) with a pigtail w/ spades on the other end.
Looking up from the drivers footwell, above the headlight switch, there's a large bundle of wires (about 15 different colors) that run into the back of the firewall. I see a larger diameter Red wire and a small Black wire within the bundle. Along with my plugs and pigtail, I have these blue clips he sent along, that "clip" around the wires, then the spades plug into the little clips.

I'm guessing the Red wire is hot and the Black wire is ground, so I'm hoping that's the direction to go. Sorry guys, I'm a noob here and electronics aren't my my cup o' tea, thanks for the advice.
James

 

Bad idea, don't guess about what is what.

Either take power from the power port on the dash ( not the cigar lighter, this is also DTC port power ) or from an add-a-fuse in the fuse panel.

Random tapping of wires is how down the road the truck dies, and no clue why. Do you want to be on the side of the road in the rain trying to figure out why an ignition fuse keeps blowing ?

Another thread I just read, the dealer initially hammered the member $500.00 to find a blown ignition fuse, as he had his power fold running boards and the compressor off of that circuit.
The truck just died while driving down the highway, and had to have it towed to the local dealer, which was 200 miles from his home.

Learn from another member's lesson, take the time and do it correctly the 1st time.
The most important thing with doing electrical modifications is to isolate it from the truck's wiring, not what is convenient at the time.

 

Good advice, I'll keep looking.
James

 

Umm, I know its old thread, but do this.



into the fuse box (left side floor behind a panel.) and use a inline fuse.
Instant power wires, fused or a acc/ign wire.

I know for sue a 20Amp in there is hot, and there is a switched 10Amp.
I use them often for installing after market hands free car kits and CB's