The 1985 and 1986 Ford F-150 showcase a bold ear for the enduring spirit of American Trucks. These model years were known for rugged reliability and they also share the exact same fuse box layout.
If you own an ’85 or an ’86, your troubleshooting map for the fuse box is identical.
In this article, we have created the clearest and most user-friendly guide to your 1985-1986 Ford F-150 Fuse Box Diagram. With that, you can quickly pinpoint the problem and sort it out.
Table of Contents
Fuse Box Location
There is only one Fuse Box in your Ford F-150 built in the year 1985 and 1986. The only fuse box is located in the interior fuse panel of your vehicle.
Tip: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before checking fuses to avoid short circuits.
Fuses and Location Diagram
Interior Fuse Panel
| Type | Position | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fuse ATO 15A | 1 | Stop/Hazard Lamps; Speed Control |
| Fuse ATO 15A | 4 | Exterior Lamps; Instrument Illumination |
| Fuse ATO 15A | 5 | Turn Lamps; Backup Lamps |
| Fuse ATO 15A | 6 | Speed Control; 4-Wheel Drive Indicator; Auxiliary Battery Control; Digital Clock; Rear Window Defrost; Feedback Carburetor Control (4.9L) |
| Fuse ATO 15A | 8 | Courtesy, Dome, Cargo Lamps; Warning Buzzer |
| Fuse ATO 30A | 9 | Heater; A/C-Heater |
| Fuse ATO 15A | 11 | Radio |
| Fuse ATO 25A | 12 | Tailgate Power Window |
| Circuit breaker ATO | 12 | Power Door Locks |
| Fuse ATO 25A | 14 | Tailgate Power Window |
| Circuit breaker ATO | 14 | Power Windows |
| Fuse ATO 10A | 15 | Auxiliary Fuel Tank Selector |
| Fuse ATO 20A | 16 | Horn; Cigar Lighter |
| Fuse ATO 5A | 17 | Instrument Illumination, Digital Clock |
| Fuse ATO 15A | 18 | Seatbelt Buzzer; Warning Indicators; EEC; Carburetor Circuits; Tachometer; Choke Heater; Diesel Indicators; Electric Fuel Pump Control (7.5L) |
Tip: Some high-amperage fuses may look slightly different depending on the model year and trim. Always verify the fuse type before replacing.
Fuse Replacement Tips / Safety Precautions
- Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before removing fuses.
- Never replace a blown fuse with a higher amp rating — this can damage wiring or cause a fire.
- Use a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers for safety.
- Label replaced fuses for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does the radio fuse blow in the F-150?
1. Short Circuit: Damaged or frayed wires, or contact with metal parts, can cause excessive current flow.
2. Added Devices: Installing amplifiers or accessories on the same circuit can overload the fuse.
3. Incorrect Fuse Rating: Using a fuse with lower amperage than Ford’s specification can make it blow prematurely.
4. Defective Radio Unit: Internal faults in the radio may draw excessive current.
5. Electrical System Issues: Problems like a faulty alternator or voltage fluctuations can trigger fuse failure.
