Hi forum,

Here in the US turning on the fog lights is a manual, turn-switch procedure. I'd like to have the fog lights come on and off when the car starts and stops. Anyone done this or can advise on doing so, including wire pairs to use?

As always, thank you, forum!

 

It would likely be easier to run your own wires and install a relay and just bypass the factory wiring

 

You do realize how annoying (and possibly dangerous) the use of the fog lamps is to oncoming drivers? It is also illegal in many jurisdictions.

 

Jag4, this is fairly easy to do. You will need to get a 5 pin relay that is capable of 20 amps (this is most of what you will find in the auto parts stores). If you look on the relay, the posts should be labeled 30, 85, 86 87, and 87a. You are going to take post 86 and wire it to ground. You will take post 85 and wire it to a switchable 12V source (the cigar lighter should be the easiest circuit to access that should turn off when the car turns off, granted, not all markets have it wired that way). From here, you will need to pop out the headlight switch. If you look on the back, you should find 2 green wires with white stripes. You are going to want to attach a wire to these two wires and run them to posts 30 and 87a. I would advice adding a switch (only needs to be capable of handling 1 amp, but most of what you will most likely find in the auto parts store are going to handle 10 (this is fine)), this will allow you to manually turn off the fog lights and this will restore normal "factory" function to the fog lights. Altering the wiring from what I have stated above can have negative effects on the fog lights if wired differently due to back feeding certain circuits.

 

Beautiful, thank you, Thermo.

 

Not in Los Angeles. Generally, here, annoying is the recommended norm. Of course, now, I'll have to look it up. Party pooper.

 

Jag4, let me clarify one thing. The switch that I recommend adding should be in the wire coming from your switchable 12 VDC source. The way that I wrote it, I can see where you may interpret that the switch needs to be in the green/white wires.

 

Thank goodness doing this is illegal in the UK. But why not just pull the switch?

 

DUNKS, I think his intention is to use the fog lights as his DRLs, not the main (low) beams. There are cars here in the US that use the fog lights as the DRLs. As long as the fog lights are properly aimed, I don't see the harm in it. Now, if you are calling them your headlights, well, then there are issues.

As for just pulling the switch, it doesn't come out in the OFF position. To get the fog lights on, you have to have the switch atleast in the running light position (as I recall) and this requires one to have to flip the switch every time they get in and out of the car. He is looking for an automatic way for the lights to go on and off. Is it a minor thing? Sure. But, wiring it up to ensure you don't leave the lights on is a small thing that can be done.

 

Fogs as drls, yes. Many cars run this way. Why do so many look for, or assume, a negative and then assume the position of moral arbiter? Maybe sign up for hall monitor at the local grade school? Just a thought.

 

Driving with fogs on when not required is not legal in the UK for very good reason Daytime driving lights are not the same. they do not have the wattage. All I was indicating was first position is side lights. Whalla" you have daytime driving lights. No fuss.
Dell who is not sure if he is driving on dipped or side "Oh dear"

Mr Thermo the OP makes no mention of repositioning the fogs or reducing the wattage.

 

That's the problem. Annoying.

I don't know how or where the fad started but running with fog/driving/aux lights on 24/7/365 is annoying as hell to many other drivers. And many people add extra lights and brighter bulbs. I, for one, am a bit tired of having my retinas burned by the (inappropriately used) lights of oncoming cars. I know, I know. I'm a party pooper .

In your case the lights are probably not high enough, and not bright enough, to be much of an issue. And you've said nothing about adding extra lights and brighter bulbs. All duly noted. But, knowingly or not, you're including yourself in a group known to be inconsiderate to other drivers. You'll be one of "those fog light guys". It's akin to being one of "those guys" with excessively loud exhaust or a stereo that rattles your neighbors windows as you drive by.

I'm not saying this is some sort of major offense that will rend asunder the fabric of society. Nor question your morality. Nor demand that vehicle lighting laws be better enforced. It's simply a matter of choosing to be annoying...or not.

All IMO, naturally

Cheers
DD

 

I'm pretty sure the position of the fogs are low enough to be a non issue. And for my purposes additional lighting capacity will not be added. I'm really doing it here in LA cuz of the amount of traffic and insane drivers talking on cell phones and not seeing whats around them. Purely practical reasons. Besides, many of the new cars run a carousel of lights up front. Especially trucks and SUVs. Many of these folks drive like zombies.

I'd hate to be "that guy" - but I just want to reduce my chances of being hit, again, because "I didn't see you, bro".

Cheers

 

I see both sides, and dont like the "zombies" we got either.

Our local authority has deemed:

NO fog, NO Fog lights, NO exceptions.

Fogs as "running lights", NOPE.

If you drive with Fogs on and there is NO Fog, $310 + 2 Demerit points (you only have 6 available).

If your "running lights", factory or aftermarket fitment, do NOT extinguish when the related Turn Signal is in operation, $450 + 3 points loss.

If you drive with standard Low Beam Headlights, ALL GOOD.

If you drive with standard Hi Beam, during Daylight conditions, $310 + 2 points loss.

Dont worry about the Blue and White Patrol cars and bikes catching you, the traffic Intersection cameras will get you, hands down.

Each state of OZ has its own rules on this, and I am told our state is the most lenient.

I run the S Type and the X Type with the headlight switch on Auto, and let the car take care of the rest. Not being permitted to drive at night probably helps a shiiiit load.

 

Grant Francis: Buzz kill.

 

To activate the low beams as DRL's is simply toggling a radio button in SDD. If you don't have a Mongoose and SDD your dealer could do it for you easily. It's just a matter of connecting the computer to the car and flipping the (virtual) switch.