ctaylor19

I recently purchased a 2009 F-150 XL that happens to be about as base model as one can get! It's in basically good condition but the steering wheel is worn and I would like to replace that. But in the process, I'm wondering how easy it would be to add any manufacturer options, such as electronic locks, power windows, power mirrors, and maybe even cruise control. Does anyone know if the standard wiring harnesses already have appropriate wiring and connectors for these items so that all I might have to do is get the appropriate parts and slap it together, or would I be looking at major after market projects for this kind of stuff? I figure that if I'm already replacing the steering wheel, and wiring harnesses already have the appropriate wiring, this might be a good place to start piecing together some of this other stuff.

dguzzi

Watching along, its a good question!

jhanna

While adding any feature is possible, given enough time, effort, money, maybe even finding a "donor" vehicle at a salvage yard to get the needed parts, Features can be added, and possibly enabled/turned on using ForScan.

and this is the part you may not like,

You have a 12 year old, base model truck, with a last generation engine. Unless you plan to keep the truck for a really, really long time or the truck has some sort of sentimental value, I could see this as time, effort, money, you'll never get back.

ctaylor19

Thank you for the response. This is essentially the answer I'm trying to nail down. I really have no interest in a big investment in time, but I don't mind sourcing parts. I'm assuming you call out the last generation engine in regards to cruise control? I'd be more interested in adding power windows, power mirrors, and electronic locks. My thought process is that if the wiring harnesses already exist to accommodate the parts and I can source the parts, I don't think it would be too difficult to install the mechanical parts and put a new door molding on with the appropriate buttons. But if the wiring doesn't already exist, then yes, I can see this being a much larger time investment than I really care to address.

jhanna

By last generation engine, I mean either the 4.6 or 5.4. Current engines are either the very peppy na-V6, the 5.0v8, and the eco-boost V6s.

I'm not trying to get into a debate about the 4.6 or 5.4, other than they are both older with older technology.

ctaylor19

The one thing about this truck that isn't base model is that it has the larger 5.4 V8 and tow package. However, I'm still not understanding what you are trying to say as to how the engine factors into my question.

jhanna

The engine does not factor into your question, and if you plan to keep the truck for a long time, long enough to appreciate the time, effort, expense you spend on upgrades, go for it.

But, if you try to resale to truck in a couple of years, a potential buyer, given a choice, may want a same model truck with a newer generation engine. Even with the upgrades you do, resale may not be what you expect.

Just my opinion,

ctaylor19

I mean, I guess you're right - someone could prefer to purchase a hot pink truck rather than a green truck as well. I was hoping somebody might be able to help me understand how the wiring harnesses are configured.