GEN 1 2012 DRL Wiring Help

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

CO DUSTORM

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2017
Posts
47
Reaction score
25
Location
Monument, CO
Have 2 quick easy questions...searched multiple forums and can't find what I specifically need:

1. What fuses in the power distribution box (near radiator) can I do an add-a-circuit fuse tap for an "ignition on only" power source?

2. What colored wire is hot for the front turn signals?

FYI: Trying out two cheapy 24" sequential switchback DRL led strips per headlight. All Aux switches used, don't want this tied to running lights. Want them on during day with ignition only and night while running all other lights. Last resort will be poking a tester into fuses but was hoping for someone to chime in. Right now I'm thinking fuse 79 (5A Rain Sensor) or fuse 28 (10A Upfitter 4 - currently using approx 4A thru the Aux switch). The add-a-circuit fuse tap that I just ordered is a 10A max. Plz don't suggest replacing headlight assembly with upgraded lights w/DRL, wife would shoot me right now with all the upgrades I've already done between Raptor and Vet.

Thx in advance
 

The Car Stereo Company

aka grumpy car stereo guy and frf rolodex
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2012
Posts
32,689
Reaction score
23,780
Location
here, on frf
as far as an ignition wire, probably going to have to test the wires.

there is no hot wire for the turn signals. the turn signals get their power when you activate the turn signal. not wanting them tied into the parking lights means these should go to ignition as well, not a turn signal.
 

FordTechOne

FRF Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2019
Posts
6,672
Reaction score
13,063
Location
Detroit
It is never recommended to tap into any factory circuits, which is why Ford provided the upfitter switches. The factory circuits are only designed to handle the load of the factory component, same with the fuse box. For your power source, I would recommend using the Upfitter 4 output circuit, which is hot in start/run.
 
OP
OP
CO DUSTORM

CO DUSTORM

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2017
Posts
47
Reaction score
25
Location
Monument, CO
So are you saying, for this application, it should be okay to put an add-a-circuit fuse tap on fuse 28 in the power distribution fuse box under the hood? Again, my current lights on Upfitter 4 are using approx 4A with the 10A fuse, I don’t suspect these DRL LEDs would use more than that.
 
OP
OP
CO DUSTORM

CO DUSTORM

Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2017
Posts
47
Reaction score
25
Location
Monument, CO
I'm a far cry from an electrical expert but have been having fun tinkering here & there. I'm using all 4 of my Aux switches, added 2 more Aux switches (1 still a spare for a possible roof mount) and wired illuminated blue LED fender vents & rock lights (drawing power from the 3 hood/grill LEDs). Will send pics from iphone after this post. After thoroughly reviewing the power distro box diagram I'm waffling on two fuses to tap into for these DRL LEDs. Fuse 41 for the front camera washer that I will never use (has a 15A fuse in it) or fuse 79 which is empty for a rain sensor.

Final thoughts???
 

FordTechOne

FRF Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2019
Posts
6,672
Reaction score
13,063
Location
Detroit
So are you saying, for this application, it should be okay to put an add-a-circuit fuse tap on fuse 28 in the power distribution fuse box under the hood? Again, my current lights on Upfitter 4 are using approx 4A with the 10A fuse, I don’t suspect these DRL LEDs would use more than that.

Fuse taps are not something I would ever recommend using, but as long as the total draw on the fuse that’s been tapped does not exceed 80% of that fuse’s rating, it will probably be fine.
 

B E N

FRF Addict
Joined
May 1, 2019
Posts
1,236
Reaction score
1,159
Location
Frederick, CO
Run your fuse taps into something non critical that doesn't see a lot of use like the horn. If it blows it's not going to put you in jeopardy or make you uncomfortable and they are usually higher amperage.
 
Top