Just purchased one of one of the Daytime/Auto light units for my Excursion.
I think the part number was 13B218. After pulling off the front panel and looking at the rats nest in there I quickly got lost.
I would greatly appreciate any advice from someone who has installed one of these. Main concerns are finding the wires to tie to and knowing any hitches I need to look out for. I'm confident doing the install, I just don't know where to access all the wires.
From the looks of things, it appears that a couple of the wires will tie to the ones off the white ignition module under the steering column. That looks relatively easy.
I think 3 wires tie to the headlight and/or dimmer switch. Do these need to be accessed at the switches themselves or can the wires be gotten to more easily? (around the steering column area, etc.) Same thing applies to a wire connecting to the turn signal (high/low beam) switch.
I have heard something to the extent of a customer access harness, but have no idea where this is or what comes off of it.
Parking brake wire easy to find?
Anyone find any errors with the application matrix?
Any tips or reference sources would be greatly appreciated.
It's been awhile ago, but I installed my autolamps on my 2000 Exc.
Don't remember having any trouble with the matrix. Most of the wires are in the bundle near the column under the dash. You do need to remove the cover on the column around the tilt lever to find one wire, I think the hi low. Just take your time and locate/mark the wires you need to work with before you begin.
One thing I do remember a problem with is the splice connectors. They look plenty big until you try to stuff the big wires into them. I would try to find bigger ones or maybe solder and shrink tube the connections.
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2000 Ford Excursion XLT 2WD, Chestnut/Parchment, V10, 3.73ls, autolamps/DRL's, Rear air deflector, Banks Powerpack with Transcommand, Edelbrock I.A.S's, 1 steel rear lift blocks, Tekonsha Sentinal. Towing a '00 Holiday Rambler 31 SKS, 10K gvwr
I recently did the autolamp DRL install. Took about three hours or so. I started with the expectation of using splice connectors (the ones that crimp on with pliers). Getting a connector that is large enough for the wire is almost impossible because the ignition bundle is too tight--there isn't enough play. I wound up soldering and taping everything.
If I remember correctly, the matrix is a little off in its recitation of vehicle wires. I think it called for a yellow ignition wire that wasn't yellow.( My memory may be off here). Also, if I remember correctly, there were two red/yellow wires coming off the ignition bundle. I think I used the heavier guaged wire.
Fish the autolamp sensor up through the dash with a piece of automotive wire. I popped out the headlamp switch which made fishing the autolamp switch and the wiring install much easier. You may have to use a couple of dabs of plastic cement on the tabs of the lamp switch when you put it back together.
Once you have the cover off, you can remove the whole switch box, which gives you access to the wires feeding the headlamp switch and the underside of the dash.
The parking brake switch is easy to find once you have craned your neck under the dash. Work the parking brake and you will figure out where the purple/white wire goes.
I wanted to attach the black box to the back firewall or some cross member to make a neat job. I gave up because it didn't fit or reach. The box obviously was not designed specifically for SD's. I wound up stuffing it up behind the light switch. Found a spot where it jammed tight and didn't rattle.
The autolamp DRL's work well. Worth the time and effort.
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2000 Excursion LTD 4x4, Oxford White, PSD 3.73, K&N, Hypertech PPIII, Dynomax Muffler, Ramsey Winch Mount & Grill/Brush Guard, Edelbrock Shocks, Rancho Stabilizer, PIAA 90 PRO XT Lights, 295/75R/16 BFG TA KO Tires, 2000 F350 CC PSD Woodland Green, 3.73
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by POLR BR: BigM,
If I remember correctly, the matrix is a little off in its recitation of vehicle wires. I think it called for a yellow ignition wire that wasn't yellow.( My memory may be off here). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Big M
If you run in to the problem above, and you are unsure whether you have the correct wire, I would suggest you get a voltmeter and confirm it by testing in the appropriate states: ignition ON, Brite Lite On, etc. Testing before wiring beats troubleshooting later.
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2000 Excursion XLT 4x2, Toreador Red, Craftsman Tool Chest (14x28x28 opp sp Tire), autodash.com Trim
Where do you get the autolamp switch... is it a stock Ford item... noticed a part number on an earlier post. Do you have to use the DayLight portion full time or is it switchable?
Thanks for any advice.
Just got my Estate Green PSD Tank 3 days ago.
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'04 EB Oxford White Excursion 4x4, born 7/21/03 with 6/23/03 Indy 6.0 PSD (actually the Crew Cab Superduty with the built in air conditioned Camper Shell). Skid Plates, Warn Concealed 12M Winch (Why Ford insists on paying EB a royalty is beyond me but I could not order a White Limited.)
The object of the DRL's is that they are always on when the vehicle is running and the parking brake is off. Human error ie forgetfulness is eliminated. Therefore, there is no on-off switch for the DLR's.
The DRL unit is a Ford product. There is a very useful catalogue available from your dealer that lists all of the X options and retail prices. Also one available for the SD's. Part numbers are included.
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