If you own a 2017 to 2022 Ford F-150 and need to tap into key switched on power for devices that should only come on when the ignition is on, here is where we found it on our 2018 Ford F-150. For dash cams, Renogy DC-DC on board chargers and other devices that need a circuit that is only on when your 2018 or later Ford F-150 is running, fuse #23 (or equivalent on your model) should work fine.
Step 1 – Locate The Passenger Side Fuse Compartment
The in-cabin fuse compartment is located to the left of the foot well on the passenger side of your Ford F-150. Remove the small plastic cover.
Step 2 – One Choice For Key On Power – Fuse For Power Driven Rear Glass…
Using your Ford owners manual, locate the fuse that controls the power driven rear glass, inverter, driver side window and moon roof. This is an ignition on, key switched 12 volt power source with no delayed off switch. On our 2018 this is fuse #23. On our vehicle this fuse is located next to the largest fuse in the passenger compartment fuse box, so it’s easy to locate and work on. We suggest you avoid using fuses which deal with passenger restraint (airbags, etc.) since if it gets blown, you may not find out except the hard way when your airbags don’t work.)
You can use your fuse tap and a multi-meter to locate other ignition key on fuses in the block if you don’t want to use this one.
Use A Micro 2 Fuse Tap
Using a micro 2 fuse tap, replace the #23 fuse with the tap. Insert the original fuse in the fuse tap, then use whatever fuse is appropriate for the circuit you want to power in the other fuse tap spot. We used these Nilight Micro 2 fuse taps, which we purchased on Amazon. (affiliate link). Do not get “mini tap” fuse taps, these won’t work on a 2018 Ford F-150.
To be sure you have tapped into 12 volts that’s only on when the ignition is on on your Ford F-150, use a multimeter and check the circuit with the key on, and key off. Some of the fuses in the passenger side fuse box are on a delay, which you may want instead for some devices, so they’ll stay on for a minute or two after the key is off. Fuse spot #23 is not delayed and goes off when the key is off, so it worked well for our application.
We used this for the ignition wire for our Renogy DC-DC MPPT charge controller, which charges our camping truck’s house battery while we drive, or from solar panels. You can see more about it here: Renogy DC-DC On Board Charge Controller install.
