Hello,

I'm trying to install auto door locks. The remote receiver has a wire that the instructions say needs to connect to the battery. Given I'd have to go through the firewall and I don't think the wire is even long enough, I'm wondering if there's an existing wire in the cab that's already attached to the battery (as in power is always on) that I can tap in to or if that's a bad idea for some reason. This is for a 78 F150. I have a wiring diagram but it's not the clearest thing in the world so just looking for some guidance before I go messing anything up.

Thanks,

Doug

 

Are the fuses in your fuse box 'blade' type or glass tube type?

If blade type, see if there are any unused fuse sockets. If so then find the hot side with a test light or volt meter. Make sure the key is off so that you find one that is always hot. Some will be switched and some not.

Crimp a spade lug onto your wire and press into the hot side of the unused fuse socket.

If no empty fuses or glass type fuss you may be able to find the main lug of the fuse box which should be bolted on. With battery disconnected, loosen the bolt and put the wire under it and tighten it down.

If no luck with the above then it's not that hard to run a wire to the battery. Usually you connect things to the hot side of starter solenoid rather than the battery itself. You may have to splice on extra wire. Use wire of the same gauge or larger.

I am assuming that your door lock kit is already fused. If not add an inline fuse. The instructions should tell you about that.

 

It is glass fuses. I'll check for the main lug. And yes, lock kit is fused.

Thanks much for the thorough response!