Aftermarket Fog Light Questions

[MSLiechty]

I was curious if anyone has tried wiring aftermarket fog lights to use the factory headlight switch? Is this even a possiblity or would the amperage be too high for the switch assembly?



Michael

 

[fkovalski]

I would not run the actual light current thru the switch. Use a relay activated by the light switch to control the fog light wired directly to a 12v source.

 

[Matt400]

I think the only way is with a bright box that had fog control, that way when you hit the highs the fogs come on.

 

[JCastilleja]

"Use a relay activated by the light switch to control the fog light wired directly to a 12v source. "



Thats what I did and wired the fog lights to a "spare" ignition space in my fuse block. Now I can turn the switch on and leave the fogs on all the time, kinda like daytime running lights, or switch them off(in the city--they are kinda bright) and they shut off automatically when I cut the engine off. Works for me, good luck!

 

[Matt400]

Thats what I did and wired the fog lights to a "spare" ignition space in my fuse block. Now I can turn the switch on and leave the fogs on all the time, kinda like daytime running lights, or switch them off(in the city--they are kinda bright) and they shut off automatically when I cut the engine off.

Are you using your headlamp high beam function to activate the relay or your fog lamp switch?

 

[JCastilleja]

"Are you using your headlamp high beam function to activate the relay or your fog lamp switch?"



Matt400,



I have the relay drawing main power from the battery, the fog light switch (not OEM, looks like regular old on off switch from your favorite parts store) in cab draws power from "spare" ignition powered space in fuse block to energize relay, did not wire into any headlamp wires like the instructions said to do. The instructions said to tap into the low-beam wire. That would have taken power away when I turned on the high beams. I used the Mopar fog lights and wiring harness since my truck was not ordered with them initially. I wired them (fogs) that way so I can either; turn switch on and leave it on (lights turn off when ignition is shut down--poor man's daytime running lights) or turn fogs on/off while ignition is on. I have been known to leave fogs on all night long so this set-up works great for me. I did not have to buy the "Britebox" this way. Unfortunately, if your truck came with fog lights already installed and your fog light control is on the headlight switch, I think you wil need "Britebox" or equivelant.

 

[Matt400]

Oh. . that explains it, I thought you found a way around the bright box and could activate your fogs when "using" the high beam lever.

 

[VStahl]

Matt400, I did just that. Mine come on with the high beam only. I used a relay that goes to main power from the battery. the relay is tripped by the high beam power wire on the back of the headlamp lense. Has worked great for 2 1/2 years... not a problem. I have a secondary switch ( not the headlamp switch) that will kill the extra lights if I do not want them coming on with high beams

 

[Matt400]

Interesting VStahl, I thought doing that would cause a "lamp" warning on the dash. Seems far more simple than all the electronics required for a bright box.

 

[VStahl]

it never has had a "lamp' light ever come on and it has been rigged up this way for over 2 1/2 years. I have done this with two sets of lights on my truck. for each set I have:

1. relay

a. main power to relay comes direct from battery with inline fuse.

b. relay connects to the high beam wire on the back of the light assembly

with a switch mounted in the cab that can kill the current between

the high beam and the relay also has an inline fuse.

c. lights connect to relay





I have two lights per relay with a total of 4 lights without a single problem.

 

[Matt400]

Cool, thanks for the info. I had the bright box on my 03 and may give what you did a try on my 05- thanks again for sharing.