Mysterious unplugged wire harnesses in engine bay... 88 2.9L

[Kegworth]

So, I was running a wire through the firewall yesterday and noticed two separate wire harnesses / clips not connected to anything. Wondered if any of you wizards would be able to shed some light on it. Truck is 88 4WD XLT 2.9L. I have been having issues with power delivery, but figured it was fuel system related and not necessarily this, but never know. There doesn't appear to be any corresponding clips for these to plug into nearby either.

Thanks!

 

[Shran]

Could be a number of things... Does your brake master cylinder have anything plugged into it? That'd be first guess. Second is an under hood light.

It may have never been hooked up to anything. It was somewhat normal for 80's Fords to have extra unused plugs under the hood for optional accessories.

 

[adsm08]

Not your issue, not something to worry about.

Like Shran said, common for the 80s trucks to have plugs for all the options they didn't get.

By any chance is your truck 2wd, or if 4x4 does it have the electric shift transfer case instead of the manual one.

The blue and blue/black wires are the circuits for the transfer case range sensor. Ground them, and assuming the bulbs are there and working, the 4x4 telltales should light in your dash.

 

[Kegworth]

Not your issue, not something to worry about.

Like Shran said, common for the 80s trucks to have plugs for all the options they didn't get.

By any chance is your truck 2wd, or if 4x4 does it have the electric shift transfer case instead of the manual one.

The blue and blue/black wires are the circuits for the transfer case range sensor. Ground them, and assuming the bulbs are there and working, the 4x4 telltales should light in your dash.

Yes it’s 4x4 w the electric button on the ceiling . When i engage though, it makes some scary noises when i begin driving. So i always turn it back off... related?

 

[adsm08]

Yes it’s 4x4 w the electric button on the ceiling . When i engage though, it makes some scary noises when i begin driving. So i always turn it back off... related?

Not.

The Touch-Drive circuitry was routed differently than the manual shift wiring, but both are present in your truck.