Aux Switch Uses - Ideas??

[Erasmus]

cone of silence - so I dont have to listen to Wife or Kids.
cell phone jammer - to get wife and kids off their phones.

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[guernsej]

I was told that 1 & 2 have most capacity and 5 & 6 have least. 3 and 4 are in middle. Don't remember the numbers. But I'm sure Ford is re-using here not a new implementation of the switches.

15/15/10/10/5/5

 

[guernsej]

So here is what I'm wondering. I find it unbelievable that FOrd actually put different gauge wiring in for each of those switches to account for the different amperage ratings. I'm betting you can swap those fuses however you'd like and get the same effect.

One would hope, but unless they do something new for Bronco each switch is going to be run with the minimum gauge possible for chassis wiring based on that above amp ratings. On my truck Aux 5/6 are like 22-24 gauge.

 

[Apples]

One would hope, but unless they do something new for Bronco each switch is going to be run with the minimum gauge possible for chassis wiring based on that above amp ratings. On my truck Aux 5/6 are like 22-24 gauge.

Sure, but what gauge wire are switches 1-4?

 

[guernsej]

Sure, but what gauge wire are switches 1-4?

1/2 look to be 18, 3/4 is probably 20 (didn't measure with a caliper so I could be a bit off). Main takeaway is 1/2 are thicker than 3/4 and 5/6 are super thin.

Also, for others that were asking, power to aux circuits is cut when ignition is off.

Some general advice for anyone new to Ford's aux switch setup:
-use heat shrink insulated spade connectors to make wiring easier and keep your setup flexible (female for vehicle side, male for load side).
-they're great for powering lights, air horns, or electronics like radios/ that you want to be able to turn on/off while driving and that you don't need when the vehicle is off.
-they're also great for controlling relays for compressors, winches, and other high draw loads that are wired directly to the battery; however, you have to be in the cab to use them which isn't always convenient.
-they're not great for anything that needs power when the vehicle is off like fridges, security systems/electronics, camping chargers, or someone even mentioned a vehicle kill switch.

 

[Apples]

1/2 look to be 18, 3/4 is probably 20 (didn't measure with a caliper so I could be a bit off). Main takeaway is 1/2 are thicker than 3/4 and 5/6 are super thin.

Also, for others that were asking, power to aux circuits is cut when ignition is off.

Some general advice for anyone new to Ford's aux switch setup:
-use heat shrink insulated spade connectors to make wiring easier and keep your setup flexible (female for vehicle side, male for load side).
-they're great for powering lights, air horns, or electronics like radios/ that you want to be able to turn on/off while driving and that you don't need when the vehicle is off.
-they're also great for controlling relays for compressors, winches, and other high draw loads that are wired directly to the battery; however, you have to be in the cab to use them which isn't always convenient.
-they're not great for anything that needs power when the vehicle is off like fridges, security systems/electronics, camping chargers, or someone even mentioned a vehicle kill switch.

Sounds like using relays is the way to go. Either that or I'll end up rerunning the switch wires to support what I want to do. Annoying ....

 

[deznut]

Kill switch....hmmmm...maybe control a relay to dis-connect the ignition or fuel pump...so the thieves can't drive off...or maybe a "blow up" doll ( where is your mind going???) for the passenger seat ( see...I kept it clean) so I can drive in the "diamond lane" on the Fwy...or...maybe external speakers and a V8 ( with headers) recording...ha!

 

[kimmnen]

Not sure what will be connected to the individual auxiliaries but will be adding to the top of the dash a BIGRED to find out what it really does. Maybe it is a shortcut to the auxiliaries all or nothing.

 

[mostly harmless]

-they're not great for anything that needs power when the vehicle is off like fridges, security systems/electronics, camping chargers, or someone even mentioned a vehicle kill switch.

I’m not super knowledgeable about electrical issues, so can you explain why a kill switch would need power while the vehicle is off?

 

[guernsej]

I’m not super knowledgeable about electrical issues, so can you explain why a kill switch would need power while the vehicle is off?

I've never used a kill switch so I could be wrong, but I imagine they're wired one of two ways

1) power from the switch prevents starting the vehicle, which requires continuous power to work

or

2) power from the switch is an interlock for starting the vehicle, which needs power to turn the vehicle back on that's not available when the vehicle is off.

I guess if you wired it to kill the ignition system in a way that didn't also disable accessory power mode you could make it work...like maybe using the aux switch to enable your fuel pump relay...but then you run the risk of bumping the switch while driving and accidentally cutting your engine which seems way more likely than someone actually trying to steal your Bronco.

 

[Stroopaloop]

Would these aux switches work for fire fighter lights and siren/airhorn? Asking for a friend.

 

[JaxGtc]

They do not all have same capacity. I tried to put fogs on my Raptor on switch 5 and flood and driving light on 6, but it kept blowing the fuse so had to move to switch 2.

I was told that 1 & 2 have most capacity and 5 & 6 have least. 3 and 4 are in middle. Don't remember the numbers. But I'm sure Ford is re-using here not a new implementation of the switches.

I assume these switches are wired to a block, does anyone know if it is under the dash or under the hood?

 

[Toccoa]

 

[Inventor]

So there are six included/available factory installed auxiliary switches (depending on the model you are getting) for the new Broncos. I for one will probably not be mounting six switches worth of aftermarket lighting to my Bronco. So I am looking for other ideas for how to put these switches to use.

I have heard a few ideas already, such as running a mini fridge or winches. What are some other good uses for these switches?

Or what about less practical, but nonetheless amusing uses for them? I was thinking about labeling one of the buttons “DO NOT TOUCH!” and also rigging it to spray water in the passenger’s face if they flip it.

So let’s hear everybody’s ideas!!

Eventually ill hook up a lightning bolt weapon on the roof but when I'm driving it home from the dealer I'm just going to flick flick the switches and shift gears.

 

[Felix808]

1. Fan for oil cooler
2. Fan for Trans cooler
3. Maybe lights, but I don't wheel at night if it's not needed.

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