2007 Ford Escape - How do I get wires from Dash thru firewall?

[park_ridge_dave]

I am in the middle of wiring up a US Gear Unified Brake Controller in my 2007 Ford Escape.

I have looked high and low on the firewall and I can't seem to find a way to fish the wires from under the dash into the engine compartment.

In the old days it was relatively easy as there was usually a large Grommet or two that could be used. It looks like, now, Ford is using the "frame" members (I know it a unibody, but it does have siderails ) as wiring "ducts".

Anybody got any suggestions?

OBTW the mechanical installation was not too bad and if you need suggestions there just ask.

[park_ridge_dave]

I am in the middle of wiring up a US Gear Unified Brake Controller in my 2007 Ford Escape.

I have looked high and low on the firewall and I can't seem to find a way to fish the wires from under the dash into the engine compartment.

In the old days it was relatively easy as there was usually a large Grommet or two that could be used. It looks like, now, Ford is using the "frame" members (I know it a unibody, but it does have siderails ) as wiring "ducts".

Anybody got any suggestions?

OBTW the mechanical installation was not too bad and if you need suggestions there just ask.

[TXiceman]

The steering column should still have a large rubber seal that has room to sneak some wires by it.

Ken

[park_ridge_dave]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TXiceman:
The steering column should still have a large rubber seal that has room to sneak some wires by it.

Ken </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks Ken! I saw that area and was saving that as my "ace in the hole". I was hoping to see how the factory routed the wires. It appears that the factory route goes thru the fender area behind the fender well plastic shield. That would be a tough job getting in there.

I will probably follow your suggestion. I'll post back here with results.

Cheers,

[park_ridge_dave]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by park_ridge_dave:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TXiceman:
The steering column should still have a large rubber seal that has room to sneak some wires by it.

Ken </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks Ken! I saw that area and was saving that as my "ace in the hole". I was hoping to see how the factory routed the wires. It appears that the factory route goes thru the fender area behind the fender well plastic shield. That would be a tough job getting in there.

I will probably follow your suggestion. I'll post back here with results.

Cheers,
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well I looked things over again and decided to use the grommet for the Hood release. It is over in the right hand corner as you look at the firewall. I used a Shish Kabob Skewer from my BBQ to poke two small holes in the Grommet/boot. I threaded two groups of wires (wires from engine to cab and 1 wire from cab to engine compartment). I cut off the connectors and re-spliced them after fishing the wires thru the Grommet/boot. It was a lot easier and I didn't mess up the connectors that way.

Anyway, Job Done!

[TXiceman]

Where there is a will there is a way. Glad you got it done.

Ken

[park_ridge_dave]

Well, just a quick follow up to all my "tales of woe"

I am finally finished and it is a complete success! I couldn't be happier with the USGEAR unified brake controller! It was a bit of a hassle to install for the first time, but, I took my time and it is slick! Tow hook up is about 2-3 minutes MAX!

My 2003 Scottsdale had a preinstalled set of wires from the dash to the trailer connector. That was a big help! I have a set of electrical drawings from Workhorse (Indispensible) so identifying the proper connection points was a breeze! I used a six pin connection for the toad so I was able to do away with the umbilical cord by using the last two wires in the harness for 12V Charging and the brake signal from the MH.

I am usning a Blue OX base plate and tow bar wuth the Blue Ox light kit. It all just "WORKS"

I used plastic wire protectors (conduit?) and it really looks like a factory install. If you didn't know what to look for, you could probably miss it!

Many thanks to all who helped here and at the vendors' sites. It really is fantastic being able to get help when you really need it (it can get real lonely out in the garage when things don't make sense) !

P.S. If anyone is interested I could do some pictures

[Burp]

I am currently setting up our '07 Escape for towing. I used the same location as you to run the wires through the firewall. I needed to run the wires to the rear lights last night for the diode connections. Ended up running them in the wheel well on the front, behind the plastic. I am using the Brakemaster from RoadMaster. They still owe me a seat adapter for the brake system, it is all that is remaining before I can tow.

[park_ridge_dave]

I used the seperate lights (you don't have to worry about Frying anything ) and I was able to sneak mine underneath and ty-wrapped it to startegic chassis points. That plastice "flex-conduit" helps a lot.

Good luck on your install! My little guy tows like a dream! The US Gear controller is "AWESOME"!