What the heck is this?

Johnynorthland · 03-03-2020, 02:49 PM

So I went to the RV today to look things over to plan out putting either another cigarette lighter outlet our 12V USB outlet in my dashboard. Does anyone know what this is on the dashboard? I took off the doghouse engine cover and looked behind it. I was able to take a few pictures and to my surprise there were two plugs not plugged into it! The blank space below looked like it was just a blank plug in bracket to hold the plug in place, that other round circle thing had a female connector, so I plugged that one in. I might tap 12V off one of these if anyone can tell me what they are. See my photos.

EA37TS · 03-03-2020, 03:11 PM

Is that possibly the plug for a brake controller?

Johnynorthland · 03-03-2020, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Is that possibly the plug for a brake controller?

I don’t think Ford would install something for a brake controller in an E450 cutaway chassis, JMOP. Wouldn’t there Also be something on the tow hitch end?

The round thing above the blank space almost looks like a sensor or possibly a microphone for the original Ford radio, I’m grasping at straws here! (SWAG)

**JFlightRisk** · 03-03-2020, 05:59 PM

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ese-73371.html

Here's a previous thread on that button.

Johnynorthland · 03-03-2020, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ese-73371.html

Here's a previous thread on that button.

Thanks JflightRisk, I have already read that thread. It’s mostly about a red light under the headlamp switch, which I don’t have. I’m still stumped what it is or why it was unplugged, was it just sloppy work by jaycO etc..?

**JFlightRisk** · 03-03-2020, 06:10 PM

One of the posters in that thread mentions it's a capped off unused input of some sort. Maybe a location for an option you don't have on your rig.

I can relate to your question on it. I recently traded our Tundra for a newer F150, and have been learning things for a week now. When did pickup trucks get so complicated??

**JFlightRisk** · 03-03-2020, 06:16 PM

The quote is " a AUX in port (that is capped off) for the stock Ford radio".

Johnynorthland · 03-03-2020, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

The quote is " a AUX in port (that is capped off) for the stock Ford radio".

Now THAT makes sense to me! Do you know what the space below is for? There is a wire and connector behind it.

Thanks.

**JFlightRisk** · 03-03-2020, 08:19 PM

Sorry, I don't have any idea on that one. If you've got a good Ford service manager nearby, they may be able to shed some light on that one.

Johnynorthland · 03-03-2020, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

Sorry, I don't have any idea on that one. If you've got a good Ford service manager nearby, they may be able to shed some light on that one.

Thanks, I put it up on the Ford forum. I’ll post anything they come up with.

**JFlightRisk** · 03-03-2020, 08:25 PM

I'll bet someone will give some insight. Thanks.

Bullitt6283 · 03-03-2020, 08:30 PM

That connector with 4 heavier wires
(WH/BU, GRN/WH, BK/GY, YE)
is for the passenger airbag deactivation switch.

The connector with the four smaller wires (BU/GN, WH/GN, YE/GN, BU) are for the audio input jack.

.

Johnynorthland · 03-03-2020, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt6283

That connector with 4 heavier wires
(WH/BU, GRN/WH, BK/GY, YE)
is for the passenger airbag deactivation switch.
.

So that would be a factory option? Can I tap 12V off it? You have had experience with this connector?

Thanks.

Bullitt6283 · 03-03-2020, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnynorthland

So that would be a factory option? Can I tap 12V off it? You have had experience with this connector?

Thanks.

According to the Ford wiring diagram, the WH/BU wire comes from 7.5 amp Fuse 46 in the Smart Junction Box. It's Hot in Start and Run.

It's a 22 gauge wire, so you're not going to be able to draw a lot of power through that wire. Probably 2 amps max.

.

Johnynorthland · 03-03-2020, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt6283

According to the Ford wiring diagram, the WH/BU wire comes from 7.5 amp Fuse 46 in the Smart Junction Box. It's Hot in Start and Run.

It's a 22 gauge wire, so you're not going to be able to draw a lot of power through that wire. Probably 2 amps max.

.

Thanks, Appreciate it. I think I’ll just run every thing from scratch To the battery or fuse panel. I found a spot on the lower part of the dash, just behind the ignition key, there’s a big void space behind it I’ll just mount it there.

Camper_bob · 03-04-2020, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt6283

That connector with 4 heavier wires
(WH/BU, GRN/WH, BK/GY, YE)
is for the passenger airbag deactivation switch.

The connector with the four smaller wires (BU/GN, WH/GN, YE/GN, BU) are for the audio input jack.

.

Now, isn't that something?

DW and I were discussing where we strap in our 5YO and his booster seat. Currently we have him on the couch (not the best, I know). Better would be the dinette, but his seat doesn't really fit there, and DW can't reach him from her co-pilot seat. Plus they're all just lap belts, which are long and sitting on heavily padded seats. There's just no real good way to secure him IMO.

We talked about putting him up front in the passenger seat, but no way to disable the air bag. With the airbag disabled, that front passenger seat would probably be the safest place in the rig for him.

Sorry for getting a bit off topic...

Johnynorthland · 03-04-2020, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Now, isn't that something?

DW and I were discussing where we strap in our 5YO and his booster seat. Currently we have him on the couch (not the best, I know). Better would be the dinette, but his seat doesn't really fit there, and DW can't reach him from her co-pilot seat. Plus they're all just lap belts, which are long and sitting on heavily padded seats. There's just no real good way to secure him IMO.

We talked about putting him up front in the passenger seat, but no way to disable the air bag. With the airbag disabled, that front passenger seat would probably be the safest place in the rig for him.

Sorry for getting a bit off topic...

I guess I would contact Ford and see if you can get that switch put in?

Camper_bob · 03-04-2020, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnynorthland

I guess I would contact Ford and see if you can get that switch put in?

I might just do that.

I was talking to my dad about it (his career before retirement was maintenance on box and commercial trucks of varying brands) and he didn't think it would be as simple as installing a switch.

Looks like it could just be that simple?

Johnynorthland · 03-04-2020, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

I might just do that.

I was talking to my dad about it (his career before retirement was maintenance on box and commercial trucks of varying brands) and he didn't think it would be as simple as installing a switch.

Looks like it could just be that simple?

I would think If the wire is there it’s just a matter of making sure it’s connected to other end to the correct part of the systems ECM/computer. Maybe others on this post can advise.

Bullitt6283 · 03-04-2020, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnynorthland

I would think If the wire is there it’s just a matter of making sure it’s connected to other end to the correct part of the systems ECM/computer. Maybe others on this post can advise.

It may depend if the RCM programming will accept the input. A dealer may have to check/adjust that.

.

You may also like: