2020+ Super Duty Upfitter Aux Switch Output Wires — Exact Locations and How to Identify Them
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Quick Summary
On 2020+ Ford Super Duty trucks equipped with factory upfitter (aux) switches, Ford provides factory blunt-cut (sealed) wire leads for each aux switch circuit. The most common reason people struggle is because there are multiple “upfitter-related” wire bundles (outputs vs pass-through), and the outputs are often taped up tightly with a single harness label (not individually tagged wires).
This post explains the exact locations to check, how to tell outputs from pass-through wiring, and how to identify the correct circuit before you connect an accessory.
Important: This post applies to Super Duty. F-150 wiring layouts and ratings are different.
What You’re Actually Looking For (Two Different Things)
There are TWO different sets of wires people confuse:
- Aux switch OUTPUT wires (what you connect accessories to). These are the factory blunt-cut/sealed leads associated with the upfitter/aux switch system.
- Pass-through wires (a routing option through the cab/firewall). These are not the primary “outputs” people expect to find first. They’re simply a way to route wiring through the vehicle.
If you mix these up, you’ll waste time or connect to the wrong wires.
Location #1: Aux Switch Output Wires (Primary Connection Point)
Ford provides blunt-cut, sealed aux switch circuits that are intended for accessory installation.
Where to look:
- Start near the upfitter/aux switch relay box / upfitter wiring bundle location on the passenger side area (vehicle-side wiring is typically accessed at/near the passenger footwell / kick panel area depending on build).
- The wires are often taped into a harness and can be pulled down for access.
- Expect blunt-cut sealed ends (not a plug you just snap into).
Labeling note (important):
- The individual wires are typically NOT each labeled “AUX 1, AUX 2, …” on the insulation.
- Instead, you’ll usually find a single label/tag on the bundled harness, and you identify each circuit by the factory color coding and verification testing.
How to identify the correct aux circuit:
- Use the factory color coding for your year/build (owner documentation)
- Confirm with a multimeter test while toggling each aux switch
Location #2: Pass-Through Wires (Commonly Confused With Outputs)
Ford also provides pass-through wires that run from the cab area through the firewall to the engine bay.
Where to look (interior side):
- Under/near the passenger-side instrument panel or kick panel area (varies by model year/build).
- These wires are often taped on a harness and may need to be pulled down to access.
Where to look (engine bay side):
- The matching pass-through end is on the engine bay side in the corresponding harness area.
What these are best for:
- Routing a trigger wire, switch signal, or low-current control wire cleanly through the firewall
- They are not “the only place” to find upfitter outputs, and they should not be confused with the blunt-cut aux output leads.
How to Verify You’ve Got the Right Wires (Do This Every Time)
Do not rely on “it looks right.”
- Turn ignition to the state you expect (key-on vs off)
- Set multimeter to DC voltage
- Test the candidate wire while toggling AUX 1, then AUX 2, etc.
- Confirm which switch controls which wire
- Only then connect your accessory (or better: use the aux wire to trigger a relay)
This takes 3 minutes and prevents hours of troubleshooting.
Common Mistakes
- Expecting individually labeled AUX 1–AUX 6 tags on each wire
- Confusing pass-through wires with aux outputs
- Grabbing a nearby bundle that is actually PTO/other circuits
- Not verifying with a meter before connecting an accessory
OTC Perspective (No Hype, Just Practical)
Even if you never buy anything from OTC, follow this rule: identify the correct circuit using factory color coding and a multimeter before connecting accessories. Ford’s wiring is consistent enough to work with, but builds vary enough that assumptions will burn you.
Sources and References (for trust + images)
Ford Owner Manual — Locating the Auxiliary Switch Wiring (shows blunt-cut sealed wires and under-hood relay/fuse box context)
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?ProcUid=G2449604&Uid=G2449627&buildtype=web&countryCode=USA&div=f&languageCode=en&moidRef=G2092022&userMarket=USA&vFilteringEnabled=False&variantid=9723
Ford-Trucks.com — 2024 Super Duty upfitter interior pass-through wires found (shows taped bundle and single harness tag reality)
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1746924-2024-super-duty-upfitter-interior-pass-through-wires-found.html
FordTremor.com — Accessing upfitter and pass-through wiring (owner walkthroughs and access methods)
https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/six-easy-ways-to-reach-your-pass-thru-wires-for-up-fitters-and-profit.5383/