2014 Ford Expedition XL Adding Third Row

[k-bl]

I called Ford, and I'm waiting on a specialist to call me back. I guess he want on vacation (I called back in and got a status). In the mean time, the engineering side of me has me working this problem from another angle. Seemingly (and I can see several problems with it, especially if one is in a car accident), we could solve this another way. I also started researching the FORScan angle, but 2014 isn't as well documented as 2015+, or the F150's of similar years.

The whole problem is that you don't want to make the seat unsafe for someone who is sitting in the seat. So why not install a normally closed relay, along with three seat sensors. That way, if there is anyone in the seat, the seat becomes inoperable. If someone is not in the seat, the seat can be operated.

Parts list:

• Occupancy sensor (not sure on voltage): https://www.amazon.com/ROSEBEAR-Automobile-Car-Safety-Belt-Pressure-Sensor-Reminder-Sensor-Seat-Occupancy-Detection-Warning/dp/B08KS32CJJ
• Normally closed relay: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074T77LPQ

Then just tap into the existing wires that go too and from the relay, that are always hot from the motor (brown to pink) into the relay and the sensor. Then when the sensor detects someone in the seat, switches disabled with minimal current.

Thinking this through, they are folding seats, so folding them down could trigger them to be inoperable. Doh! Probably if I cannot get them operable in software, I'll probably just wire in a secondary switch that can be opened/closed with a key.

 

[k-bl]

For continuity, and to write this off my checklist. I called Ford, they told me to go back to the dealership, and the dealership had told me when I visited them to call Ford... Needless to say, I wasn't going to go to the dealership again just to have this revert again. I ended up purchasing a solid looking on off single pole keyed switched, wiring a relay into the 12 volt outlet (because of similar sized wire), and that relay into both the keyed switch and the wiring specifically for the seats. Works fantastically, is secure, and won't ever bother me with this on again off again, go to the dealer, business. Here are some pictures of the install, because I've never seen them, so you can get an idea (sorry for the blur):





And so our beloved 5 seat "Big Red" (as we've affectionately come to call him), becomes an 8 seat pleasure cruiser. Link to the switch. Consider this baby CASE CLOSED!