I have a '78 E-150, 351. My climate control is burned up and I can't find one at the salvage. I want to wire a manual switch for the compressor and put it in my overhead console. Can you tell me the color or position of the wire I need to extend and add the switch in series? Also I need to know the amperage that I am looking at so I get a heavy enough switch. Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

Yikes,, that was 30 years ago..

I usedto install OEM unitsinto F series, where you needed to hack a hole in the firewall that was almost big enough to drop a small portable TV through!! Never had the pleasure of an E series for a factory optioned swap.. But for the life of me, I can't remember the connection for the thermal control switch.. If I recall correctly,, thethermal switch connector wire may be BL/RD from the control head to the thermal control switch but I wouldn't swear to it.. You might try and trace the wireto the evaporator case from thecontrol head to verify wire color.. Think it was just a 2 wire connection, one in from the control head, other out to the comp clutch with the thermal expansion/switch in control of cycling..I have a good friend close by that has a 78-79 E that he uses his for a flooring company.. If your really stuck, I can have him come by and I'll take a peek.. I don't have any old diagrams handy, but I'll look to see if I can find any info, unless someone else can chime in with a good memory!! If you smoked the connector/control head, you'd need to wire in for a fan speed/s, as well as power to the thermal control..

 

You are the know it all man. A mechanic had already wired the fan direct. Thats why I asked you the question because you know your stuff. I will trace the wire and thanks so much for the reply.