Aftermarket AUX Switches

[2soom]

So I have a 2022 OBX without AUX switches. I want to fit AUX switches that look as close to OEM as possible. I have seen the middleton OEM upfitter kit which is sadly way too expensive for me. I have seen an alternative like this. But I am curious would this work? I know a workshop that can cut out the sunglasses holder and fit these switches onto that spot. But in terms of wiring would I need anything more? Please any help and guidance would be appreciated. Thank you

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[RustysBronco]

Your options are going to be either using an Auxbeam type option, which will require its own relays and will be separate from anything OEM, or to go with a Middleton-type option, which ties right into the vehicle.

Consider the Middleton option a "tax" on the Aux switches not being installed from the factory.

The alternative you call out won't work. You will need to go beyond the switches for an OEM option. You need to run a new/replacement OEM wire harness up your apillar and replace the BCMC under the hood. Ford used a different harness and BCMC for the units sold with the sunglass holders.

It's not terribly hard to do if you have some technical skills and tools. See below for my write-up.

https://www.bronco6g.com/aux-upfitter-overhead-switches-installed-successfully/

 

[RagnarKon]

I have seen an alternative like this. But I am curious would this work? I know a workshop that can cut out the sunglasses holder and fit these switches onto that spot. But in terms of wiring would I need anything more? Please any help and guidance would be appreciated. Thank you

It will not. If you want to add the OEM switches you need:

1. The switches themselves (obviously)
2. The wiring harness that goes around the windshield
3. An all-new BCMC (battery junction box, aka: fuse box)

In short, the power doesn't travel through the switches at all. The switches trigger relays inside of the BCMC, which in turn powers the Aux line.

Adding the switches will be hundreds of dollars and require you to rip out a lot of your interior trim pieces.

---

My personal vote would be just to go with an aftermarket generic solution. My personal favorite is Switch Pros, but there are many options available. Switch Pros has a mounting kit specifically for the Bronco.

 

[2soom]

Your options are going to be either using an Auxbeam type option, which will require its own relays and will be separate from anything OEM, or to go with a Middleton-type option, which ties right into the vehicle.

Consider the Middleton option a "tax" on the Aux switches not being installed from the factory.

The alternative you call out won't work. You will need to go beyond the switches for an OEM option. You need to run a new/replacement OEM wire harness up your apillar and replace the BCMC under the hood. Ford used a different harness and BCMC for the units sold with the sunglass holders.

It's not terribly hard to do if you have some technical skills and tools. See below for my write-up.

https://www.bronco6g.com/aux-upfitter-overhead-switches-installed-successfully/

Thank you for the reply Rusty. I did also find this option which looks pretty awesome, especially the fact that it is made to fit the bronco. I'm guessing this would work with the pre-built wiring?

 

[2soom]

It will not. If you want to add the OEM switches you need:

1. The switches themselves (obviously)
2. The wiring harness that goes around the windshield
3. An all-new BCMC (battery junction box, aka: fuse box)

In short, the power doesn't travel through the switches at all. The switches trigger relays inside of the BCMC, which in turn powers the Aux line.

Adding the switches will be hundreds of dollars and require you to rip out a lot of your interior trim pieces.

---

My personal vote would be just to go with an aftermarket generic solution. My personal favorite is Switch Pros, but there are many options available. Switch Pros has a mounting kit specifically for the Bronco.

Check out my previous comment. This looks like a good option too

 

[RustysBronco]

Thank you for the reply Rusty. I did also find this option which looks pretty awesome, especially the fact that it is made to fit the bronco. I'm guessing this would work with the pre-built wiring?

So, the answer is yes... no. You can leverage the wire chases Ford run through the cab. But any of the OEM wires that are offshoots from the BCMC (Aux 1-6), you cannot.

 

[RagnarKon]

Thank you for the reply Rusty. I did also find this option which looks pretty awesome, especially the fact that it is made to fit the bronco. I'm guessing this would work with the pre-built wiring?

So, the answer is yes... no. You can leverage the wire chases Ford run through the cab. But any of the OEM wires that are offshoots from the BCMC (Aux 1-6), you cannot.

Yeah @RustysBronco is correct. They're using all-new wiring for that with a completely new fuse/distribution block.

 

[sirius76]

So I have a 2022 OBX without AUX switches. I want to fit AUX switches that look as close to OEM as possible. I have seen the middleton OEM upfitter kit which is sadly way too expensive for me. I have seen an alternative like this. But I am curious would this work? I know a workshop that can cut out the sunglasses holder and fit these switches onto that spot. But in terms of wiring would I need anything more? Please any help and guidance would be appreciated. Thank you

This is what I did https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/retrofit-aux-switches-install-completed.91406/#post-2201474

A little cheaper and you don't have to mess with replacing the fuse box or the wiring harness ( for the most part)
And has been working great for me. Is it the "correct" way? probably not but works
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/retrofit-aux-switches-install-completed.91406/#post-2201474

 

[Boss Broncos]

We used the ACC Trigger Kit:
https://www.boss4x4.com/product-p/aac1-bro.htm

Wireless switches work great, but keep extra batteries on hand. We run ditch lights, fog lights and reserve lights off of it.

 

[SeanBronc]

Slightly off topic but I'm waiting on a 2024 OBX Lux package without Sasquatch to be built and delivered to the dealer who ordered it. Blend Date is Thursday. The dealer ordered it with the Auxiliary switches so that's what I'm getting. My question is what would I use these for on a vehicle that won't be doing much of any off roading? I don't see a need for added lights so what else do people use these for? Thanks

 

[Gettyup]

It will not. If you want to add the OEM switches you need:

1. The switches themselves (obviously)
2. The wiring harness that goes around the windshield
3. An all-new BCMC (battery junction box, aka: fuse box)

In short, the power doesn't travel through the switches at all. The switches trigger relays inside of the BCMC, which in turn powers the Aux line.

Adding the switches will be hundreds of dollars and require you to rip out a lot of your interior trim pieces.

---

My personal vote would be just to go with an aftermarket generic solution. My personal favorite is Switch Pros, but there are many options available. Switch Pros has a mounting kit specifically for the Bronco.

I added the Switch Pro.

 

[Brian_B]

My question is what would I use these for on a vehicle that won't be doing much of any off roading? I don't see a need for added lights so what else do people use these for? Thanks

These can be used for on/off switches for anything you might add.

Running/Ditch/Fog Lights are a very popular one, but there really isn't much limit (other than the fact there are only 6 of them) to what you can do with them.

Heated/cooled seats, fans, air compressors, air horns, radios (HAM/GMRS/CB), interior lighting, amplifiers/subwoofers, refrigerators, camping lights, AC inverters, battery generator charging, etc are all things I've seen wired into these switches, but really anything you can think of that needs an on/off would work there.

They are not a bad option to have, as the OEM switches and their wiring is a nice option to help hold up resale value, even if you never use them. The alternative is a really chintzy sunglasses holder.

 

[Brian_B]

I wanted an old school look for mine with the old snap toggle switches. The case was ... something I found that fit the location I wanted without going directly into the upper trim panel. It's held up pretty well so far.

I used a pre-wired 6-relay panel from amazon, so I have 6 relayed switches that can go up to 40A and 2 direct low-current (<= 5A) switches.

Currently only using 4 (Rear locker, Driving Lamps, Aux Lamps, Lamp backlights/Lighted Bronco grill letters).

Figured I'd probably want one for a Front locker if I ever upgrade to that. Saved a low amp one for an interior light kit I have but haven't installed yet... that gives me two more. May run a second high-amp rear power point, a stinger for a winch, the swaybar disco, or an onboard air compressor if I ever do any of those upgrades later on.

 

[indio22]

I like the old school RadioShack approach, when did things get so complicated and expensive. If wiring anything I'm using Mad Max style switches.

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