I have a 2005 American model. Is there a way for the fog lights to remain on while the car is running without me having to flip the switch? I would like to use them as daylight runners.

Thanks!

 

Bypass the switch.

 

harryc, you cannot simply just bypass the headlight switch. This will result in the foglights remaining on all the time, even with the car turned off. INstead, what you want to do is to install a relay that will bypass around the headlight switch so that when you turn on the car, the relay will be turned on by sensing the car running (any switchable 12 VDC supply) and then the high current contacts will make up the jumper around the headlight switch, turning on the fog lights. They will remain on except when you have your high beams on, ie, even when you turn on your normal low beams, the fog lights will remain on.

If you want me to go into more detail about this, let me know. If you are after some other ideas, let me know. There are some systems out there that for around $100 or so, you can add some other lights that will have more of a DRL type working style to them and give your X-Type something that other people don't have.

 

Why not configure the headlamps to DRL?????
They can be enabled/disabled with the correct diagnostic tool.

bob

 

My initial goal was to switch out the halogen bulbs in the fogs to LEDs. His way they can be on all the time and not burn out so fast.
I don't want to keep the normal lights on all the time as they will burn out fast.

 

I have done this to mine with just some relays and wiring, cost about £10!! I took the power from the "transit" wires at the back of the battery box (ign 12v) triggered from the sidelights!! i.e. Ignition ON - foglights come ON. Switch ON lights - foglights go OFF
The foglights still work as normal with the switch if needed!!
In the video I had HIDs fitted, hence the delay timer, I have since fitted LEDs and removed the delay timer!!

Here is a sketch of the wiring -
And a video -

 

If you car has auto head light on the switch, can you pull the switch assembly out and connect the fog light to the auto head light position? That way you can leave the switch on auto and the head and fog lights will automatic turn on any time you turn the ignition on, may be just have to increase the amp on the head light fuse?