Unused Connector Behind Button Blanks

[TheFordFortress]

In my 2009 EL XLT there are three button blanks above the stereo that nothing is occupying.

But when I pull the panel away there is a connector with nothing plugged in that is mounted directly behind these buttons. P

Anyone know what that connector goes to or what the intended buttons were?

Thanks


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[JExpedition07]

It’s the info/setup/reset buttons for message center. My previous XLT had those blanked off, not sure they’d work if added.

 

[TheFordFortress]

It’s the info/setup/reset buttons for message center

So that is where a dealer would plug in to make changes, etc to dashboard digital info?


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[JExpedition07]

It’s just how you control the message center/ trip odometer. Dealer plugs their computers into the port under kick panel.

 

[TheFordFortress]

I have a plug in BT OBD reader plugged in myself.

If I found that bank of buttons used somewhere with the harness on the rear do you think it would connect to the existing message center with no further work?


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[TXFRDOwner]

I have a plug in BT OBD reader plugged in myself.

If I found that bank of buttons used somewhere with the harness on the rear do you think it would connect to the existing message center with no further work?


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It's a 8-pin connector but only 4 wires are used - Connector C253

- 2 of them go to the instrument Cluster (pin 2 & pin 3 )
insert opposite ends into IPC connector at pins 20 & 19

- 1 for illumination (pin 1 VLN18)
splice into the Headlamp switch wiring at Pin# 2

- 1 ground .... Splice into any ground wire nearby

In order to make the connections, if you don't already have those wires in the IPC connector, you'd have to purchase the terminals to insert them in. But if the wires are already there (which I doubt) then it's a simple splice in.

 

[chuck s]

Very strange.

Even my very basic 2007 XLT had functional buttons there.

-- Chuck