Independent fog lights

[cronikles]

This topic is an extension of the “Lighting source for H11, H10” http://www.zer0.info/solaraguy/viewtopic.php?t=11517 topic where the idea of independent use of the fog lights was brought up.

Well...I’ve done it. After blowing two fuses and almost breaking the headlight bulbs, I managed to Frankenstein some wires, leads, and a switch together to do just that...sort of. I’ll get some pics as soon as I can.

It's pretty simple...the wiring harness turns off the headlights while all other lights (including fog lights) are on...it’s a lot like having blown bulbs. It’s “plug and play”-- there’s no need to cut or splice into existing oem wires, which means no voided warranties. The switch is located in the panel just above the tire pressure reset button. (right now, its more like “plug and tape”...lol)

My reason for doing it this way is that I assumed the fog lights would see late evening/dusk, early morning/dawn, and night use. I learned two things from this:

1. A fog light bulb upgrade is recommended for night use. Fog lights alone don’t illuminate enough of the road.
2. Apparently, use of fog lights without headlights is “illegal” (or so I’ve heard...a cop did drive right by me and nothing happened). If this holds truth, it sounds like a night driving requirement...I see no problem with dusk/dawn. Maybe that’s why new cars cant operate the fogs without the heads.

My next project is to figure out a way to turn only the fog lights on. However, as this point, it looks like some oem wires may have to be spliced.

Just wanted to share my knowledge and progress with you guys...and girl.

And if you really want to know how it looks, just unhook your headlights and then turn on all the lights.

[Jewls]

Just wanted to share my knowledge and progress with you guys...and girl.



Awwwwwe, thanks for that! If you can figure out a way to keep the fogs on with HIGH beam, that would rock!!

[cronikles]

no problem....

It's good that you ask... The way I have it wired allows full use of the high beams. I learned that the high beams operate with the drl bulbs (apparantly, in all these topics, this was never explicitely stated). My harness doesnt touch the drl --daytime running lights-- wiring.

Of course, the highs and the heads work at the same time, so without the heads, it wont be as bright (though you probably wont notice a difference).

[DocJohn]

Well this is certainly one way to get independent fog lights.
I am still hoping to find a method to re-wire using the existing fog light switch. I have the complete set (3) of factory service manuals for the '04 Solara on their way to me, so maybe after studying the wiring diagrams I can eventually figure something out. I promise to post it here if I do.