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Do Not Touch The Trim!
Joined: Thu Oct 19th, 2017
Location: USA
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In my 03 Explorer I'm trying to find a 12v source that only gets power when the vehicle is running, not when it's off & not when the key is in accy (or on since it doesn't have a normal accy spot like my ranger does).
I've been through the chilton's manual a million times, searched online forever yet I still can't get anywhere.
The only Run Only power I've found is the small wire at the alternator, think it's the "exciter" that tells the alt to charge. It seems to be controlled by the PCM & I'm weary about tapping it although I'd run a diode & small fuse to prevent any voltage feeding back through the circuit.
All the fuses I've tested under the hood that are supposed to be "hot run only" are hot when running & when the key is on which defeats my purpose.
The simple thing would be to run a switch that's key switched, but I'd like to have something that comes on automatically when the truck is running & shuts off when it's not running.
Whatever I tap won't have any noticeable load, only a few mA of current to trigger a relay. This relay will be powered directly from the battery (fused at the battery also).
I know a few of our members work at Ford dealerships, hopefully someone has ran into this before or could check their manuals.
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1996 XLT Supercab 4.0L 4x4
Lots of Explorer parts & tons of my custom mods.