As someone who’s been behind the wheel of numerous Ford vehicles and has an in-depth understanding of the Ford F150, one of the common questions that comes up is about the location of the fuse box. The Ford F150, a reliable and iconic pickup truck, has been designed with the driver’s convenience in mind, and this extends to the placement and accessibility of the fuse box.
The Ford F150’s fuse box is strategically located to ensure that drivers or technicians can access it with ease when it’s time to check or replace a fuse. Most F150 models from the past couple of decades have their primary fuse box located under the right-hand side of the dashboard. You can access it by opening the passenger-side front door. Right at the bottom edge of the dashboard, there’s a drop-down tray; pull it, and you will find the fuse panel behind it.
However, there’s also a secondary fuse box for many Ford F150 trucks, which is under the hood. This is usually located on the driver’s side, near the battery. It’s enclosed in a black box that has clips on the side. Simply unclip it, and you’ll have access to the fuses and relays.
To identify which fuse corresponds to which function, there’s usually a handy diagram on the inside of the fuse box cover. Additionally, the owner’s manual provides a detailed guide on the fuse types and their specific roles.
When replacing or checking a fuse, it’s imperative to have the ignition turned off and the key removed. For any fuse-related work, I always recommend using a fuse puller tool, which makes it much easier to remove and replace fuses without causing any damage. If you ever find a blown fuse, it’s essential to replace it with one of the same rating.
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Fuse Box in Ford F150
Every vehicle, including the iconic Ford F150, is equipped with a fuse box – a centralized location housing all the vital fuses that help in the smooth functioning of your truck’s electrical components. Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue or just performing regular maintenance, knowing the fuse box’s location is essential.
Primary Fuse Box Location: Inside the Cabin
- Location Details: The primary fuse box is usually situated under the right-hand side of the dashboard. The easiest way to access it is by opening the passenger side front door.
- Accessing the Box: At the bottom edge of the dashboard, you’ll notice a drop-down tray. Upon pulling this tray down, the fuse panel reveals itself. This panel typically hosts fuses related to the truck’s internal functions.
Secondary Fuse Box Location: Under the Hood
- Location Details: The secondary, often larger, fuse box is located under the hood. For most Ford F150 models, you’ll find it on the driver’s side, close to the battery.
- Accessing the Box: The fuses are enclosed within a protective black box with side clips. Unclipping this box will grant you access to more significant fuses and relays, typically pertaining to major electrical and engine components.
Understanding Fuse Functions
Every fuse within the box has a unique function, safeguarding specific vehicle components. Most fuse boxes come with a diagram on the inside of their cover, detailing which fuse corresponds to which function. Additionally, the owner’s manual provides a comprehensive guide on each fuse and its associated role.
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Safety Tips and Recommendations
- Ignition State: Always ensure that the ignition is turned off, and the key is removed before you start any work related to the fuse box.
- Using the Right Tools: A fuse puller tool can be a lifesaver. It allows for the easy removal and replacement of fuses without causing any damage.
- Replacement: If a fuse appears burnt or blown, replace it immediately. But, ensure you’re replacing it with a fuse of the same rating. Using a fuse of a different rating can cause severe electrical issues.
Introduction to Fuses
A fuse is a protective device placed in an electrical circuit to prevent excessive current flow, which could lead to damage or fire. It’s a sacrificial device; once a fuse has ‘blown’ or ‘tripped’, it needs to be replaced.
Basic Fuse Parameters
- Rated Current (Amps):
- Defines the current at which the fuse will operate without being blown.
- E.g., a 10A fuse is designed to carry a current of up to 10 amps.
- Breaking Capacity (Amps):
- The maximum current that can safely be interrupted by the fuse.
- A fuse with a breaking capacity of 1000A can safely interrupt a 1000-amp fault current.
- Voltage Rating (Volts):
- Indicates the maximum voltage the fuse can safely handle.
- Using a fuse in a circuit with a voltage higher than its rated voltage can be dangerous.
- Response Time:
- Fast-acting (or quick-blow) fuses act quickly, suitable for sensitive electronics.
- Slow-blow fuses tolerate short bursts of overcurrent, useful for inductive loads like motors.
- Physical Size:
- Fuses come in various sizes, from tiny surface-mount fuses to large industrial ones.
Types of Fuses
- Cartridge Fuses:
- Cylindrical in shape.
- Used in household wiring and appliances.
- Blade Fuses:
- Common in automotive applications.
- Color-coded for easy identification of their current rating.
- Surface Mount Fuses:
- Tiny, designed for printed circuit boards.
- Found in electronic devices.
- Resettable Fuses (PTC):
- They don’t blow but instead increase their resistance significantly when overcurrent occurs, effectively limiting the current.
- Can ‘reset’ themselves once the fault is cleared.
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Choosing the Right Fuse
- Understand the Circuit’s Needs: Know the operating voltage and typical current draw of your circuit.
- Overrating: Fuses should be rated at 125% to 150% of the circuit’s expected current draw. This prevents nuisance blows.
- Consider the Application: If the device momentarily draws a higher current at startup (like motors), a slow-blow fuse is ideal.
- Environment Matters: Some fuses are designed to operate in specific environments (high temperature, outdoors, etc.).
FUSE SPECIFICATION CHART
| Fuse or relay number | Fuse amp rating | Protected components |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Relay | Powertrain control module (3.7L, 5.0L and 6.2L engines) |
| 2 | Relay | Starter |
| 3 | Relay | Blower motor |
| 4 | Relay | Rear window defroster |
| 5 | Relay | Electric fan (high speed) |
| 6 | Relay | Trailer tow park lamp |
| 7 | Relay | Run/start |
| 8 | Relay | Fuel pump |
| 9 | Relay | Trailer tow battery charger |
| 10 | Relay | Powertrain control module (3.5L engine) |
| 11 | 30A* | Power running board motors |
| 12 | 40A* | Electric fan (3.7L, 5.0L) |
| 50A* | Electric fan (3.5L, 6.2L with max trailer tow, SVT Raptor) | |
| 13 | 30A* | Starter relay power |
| 14 | 30A* | Passenger power seat |
| 15 | 40A* | Electric fan (3.7L, 5.0L) |
| 50A* | Electric fan (3.5L, 6.2L with max trailer tow, SVT Raptor) | |
| 16 | 20A* | High-intensity discharge headlamp – passenger side |
| 17 | 30A* | Trailer brake control |
| 18 | 30A* | Auxiliary switch 1 (SVT Raptor) |
| 19 | 30A* | Auxiliary switch 2 (SVT Raptor) |
| 20 | 20A* | 4×4 module (electronic shift) |
| 21 | 30A* | Trailer tow battery charge relay power |
| 22 | 20A* | Auxiliary power point (instrument panel) |
| 23 | Relay | Air conditioner clutch |
| 24 | — | Not used |
| 25 | — | Not used |
| 26 | 10A** | Powertrain control module – keep alive power and relay coil, canister vent solenoid (3.7L, 5.0L and 6.2L engines) |
| 27 | 20A** | Fuel pump relay power |
| 28 | 10A** | Auxiliary switch 4 (SVT Raptor) |
| 29 | 10A** | 4×4 integrated wheel end solenoid |
| 30 | 10A** | Air conditioner clutch relay power |
| 31 | 15A** | Run/start relay power |
| 32 | 40A* | Rear window defroster relay power, Heated mirror relay power |
| 33 | 40A* | 110-volt AC power point |
| 34 | 40A* | Powertrain control module relay power (3.7L, 5.0L and 6.2L engines) |
| 50A* | Powertrain control module relay power (3.5L engine) | |
| 35 | 20A* | High-intensity discharge headlamps – driver side |
| 36 | 30A* | Roll stability control / Anti-lock brake system |
| 37 | Relay | Trailer tow left stop/turn |
| 38 | Relay | Trailer tow right stop/turn |
| 39 | Relay | Trailer tow back-up lamps |
| 40 | Relay | Electric fan |
| 41 | 15A** | Front camera washer (SVT Raptor) |
| 42 | 5A** | Run/start relay coil |
| 43 | 15A** | Trailer tow back-up lamp relay power |
| 44 | 15A** | Auxiliary switch 3 (SVT Raptor), Trailer tow power folding mirrors |
| 45 | 10A** | Alternator sensor (3.5L, 3.7L and 5.0L engines) |
| 46 | 10A** | Brake on/off switch |
| 47 | 60A* | Roll stability control / Anti-lock brake system module |
| 48 | 20A* | Moonroof |
| 49 | 30A* | Wiper relay power |
| 50 | — | Not used |
| 51 | 40A* | Blower motor relay power |
| 52 | 5A** | Run/start – Electronic power assist steering, Blower relay coil |
| 53 | 5A** | Run/start – Powertrain control module |
| 54 | 5A** | Run/start – 4×4 module, Back-up lamps, Roll stability control /Anti-lock brake system, Trailer tow battery charge relay coil, Rear window defroster relay coil, Front camera washer relay coil (SVT Raptor) |
| 55 | — | Not used |
| 56 | 15A** | Heated mirrors |
| 57 | — | Not used |
| 58 | — | Not used |
| 59 | — | Not used |
| 60 | — | Not used |
| 61 | — | Not used |
| 62 | Relay | Wiper motor |
| 63 | 25A* | Electric fan relay power |
| 64 | — | Not used |
| 65 | 20A* | Auxiliary power point (instrument panel) |
| 66 | 20A* | Auxiliary power point (inside center console) |
| 67 | 20A* | Trailer tow park lamps relay power |
| 68 | 25A* | 4×4 module, 4×2 elocker module |
| 69 | 30A* | Front heated or heated/cooled seats |
| 70 | — | Not used |
| 71 | 20A* | Heated rear seats |
| 72 | 20A* | Auxiliary power point (rear) |
| 73 | 20A* | Trailer tow stop/turn lamps relay power |
| 74 | 30A* | Driver power seat/memory module |
| 75 | 15A** | Powertrain control module – voltage power 1 (3.7L, 5.0L, 6.2L engines) |
| 25A** | Powertrain control module – voltage power 1 (3.5L engine) | |
| 76 | 20A** | Powertrain control module – Voltage power 2: General powertrain components (Mass air flow/Intake air temp sensor – 3.7L, 5.0L, 6.2L engines) (Canister vent solenoid – 3.5L engine) |
| 77 | 10A** | Powertrain control module – Voltage power 3 (Emission related powertrain components, Electric fan relays coil) |
| 78 | 15A** | Powertrain control module – Voltage power 4 – Ignition coils (3.5L, 3.7L, 5.0L engines) |
| 20A** | Powertrain control module – Voltage power 4 – Ignition coils (6.2L engine) | |
| 79 | 5A** | Rain sensor |
| 80 | — | Not used |
| 81 | — | Not used |
| 82 | — | Not used |
| 83 | — | Not used |
| 84 | — | Not used |
| 85 | Relay | Electric fan (low speed) |
FAQs:
How often should I check the fuses in my Ford F150?
Periodic checks, maybe once a year, are sufficient unless you’re experiencing electrical issues or have recently installed a new electrical accessory.
What do I do if the fuses keep blowing?
If a particular fuse keeps blowing, it might indicate an underlying problem like a short circuit or a faulty component. It’s best to consult with a Ford technician or expert.
Is there a difference between the fuses in the dashboard fuse box and the one under the hood?
Yes, the interior fuse box usually holds fuses for interior electronics like radio, lights, and the OBD system. In contrast, the fuse box under the hood contains fuses and relays for bigger components such as the engine, air conditioning, and other major electrical parts.
With your Ford F150, understanding the basics of the fuse box location and functions can save you a lot of time and hassle, ensuring that you’re always ready to tackle minor electrical hitches on the go.