Wire feed ?

[mikkelstuff]

I need to feed a pair of 18 AWG wires from the engine compartment into the cab of my 2002 Ranger XLT. This is for a switch (to a relay) to power an electric hoist in my truck bed. Is there a convenient place to feed these? Every passage through the firewall seems to be filled and sealed.

It looks like I can drill a hole above the auto trans gear shift cable but I'd rather not unless I have to.

 

[ericbphoto]

If your truck is an automatic, there may be a big grommet where the clutch master cylinder would have been. Usually there is one or two other unused grommets somewhere on the firewall. I'm not familiar with that year model.

 

[Dirtman]

Below the master cylinder should be a big rubber plug. I assume this is signal power because 18awg is way too small for a hoist. Poke through there. 18awg is way too small without a relay.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Drill hole and http://bfy.tw/Npt7

 

[adsm08]

I agree, look for the plug where the clutch master would have been. That will probably be the best place to come in.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Thanks guys. The switch definitely triggers a relay.

 

[mikkelstuff]

I checked - no unused rubber plug where a clutch linkage would have run. Strangely though, to me, the auto trans shift cable runs through the firewall at about that location. I would guess Ford made one hole for either manual clutch or auto trans.

 

[adsm08]

That's possible. Not having a Ranger of similar vintage handy to look at I can't offer any better ideas aside from drilling a small hole and installing a grommet.

 

[Dirtman]

On my 09 the shift cable runs through that plug as well. I have several wires running through it, its plenty big enough.

 

[mikkelstuff]

I gave up and drilled a hole through the firewall just to the left and below the shift cable. This was easy enough and I will install a grommet and seal the hole.

Too bad though. This was so easy with my 1955 Mercury - plenty of places to run wire.