ford parking light switch

Just curious. Has anyone used the negative parking light wire at the switch on the fords 2010-and up(which looks like a VW switch)? I've seen it on the tech sheets but have heard horror stories about using it. Does it need to be isolated from the switch or is positive the way to go (this is the method i always use)?I drink current, eat ohms, and bleed voltage

I always try to use low current negative when i can, in some cases the neg wire cant be easily accessed. just wire it as per the notes on the wire guide, some need isolation some dontTed

2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School

Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries

Compustar Expert

If you read some of the horror stories of newer Ford installs using the negative Parking Light wire at the switch ( especially the F150's ), you quickly come to the conclusion that the positive Parking Light wire found at the SJB is the easiest and safest way to go.  While it is (+), it is a low current relay control output.  The SJB, if accessible,  provides many wire connections for the standard install.

Soldering is fun!

The only time you have a problem using the wire at the switch is if you do not catch the part about it being negative.  If you apply positive voltage to said wire, you will open a trace on the circuit board inside the switch.

hi, Just curious, what is a 'low current relay control output'? If the lights are controlled by the switch, or by properly wiring the remote start/alarm in the correct way, wouldn't that be the safest way? Say the lights are connected 'positive'. The wiring for the parking light circuit gets 'violated'. Which fuse on the remote start blows?...or does the fuse where the remote start/alarm is obtaining power from blow (ignition switch wiring?). So now the vehicle has no parking lights, or is electrically dead at the ignition switch. Just my thoughts. Mark

The relay acts as a buffer. Its "low current" coil closes the high-current switch. A parking light short might blow the park light or whatever "high-current" fuse, but it has no effect on what is controlling the relay.

There is a ground wire I believe at the switch that has to be opened to use the negative switch wire. Why not just use the positive light wire and know for certain there won't be future issues?To master and control electricity is perfection. *evil laugh*

racerjames76 wrote: There is a ground wire I believe at the switch that has to be opened to use the negative switch wire. Why not just use the positive light wire and know for certain there won't be future issues?

Positive is the route I always go. I just wanted to see what other installers thought about the negative circuit and what everyone else is doing.I drink current, eat ohms, and bleed voltage

i use negative trigger lights when available, why pull needless power through the module if the vehicle can control the lights. and i get my relays cheap.

I sometimes do(-) lights at the switch, with the relay interrupt. Works fine, never had a problem. But i would ask david perez,