DIY: Fog Light Rewire
09-27-2003, 09:09 AM
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Fog Light Rewire
I would like my fog lights to be on all the time as "daytime driving lights". I've been able to get to the connector on the back of the passenger side light. Can anyone suggest wiring techniques to do this?
09-28-2003, 12:00 PM
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Without putting in a separate switch, the best way to wire up the fogs would be to rewire the input to the switch that is already on the car. This way it all looks factory.
Without schematics, only assumptions can be made..
Without schematics, only assumptions can be made..
09-28-2003, 10:51 PM
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Getting some use from my fog lights
Fogs came with my Grand Touring package, but with stock wiring they are nothing but ornaments. They go on only when the Xenon low beams are on -- useless. The light is already so bright that I can't tell any difference when I put the fogs on. The only use I might want to make of them is in, guess what, fog, WITHOUT the Xenons, which are so bright they probably make a blinding reflection. If anyone figures out how to do this, using the stock switch, please post a detailed description of how to do it that I can show to my non-dealer mechanic.
Mitch
Mitch
09-29-2003, 09:52 AM
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Re: Getting some use from my fog lights
Originally posted by Mitch Strickler
Fogs came with my Grand Touring package, but with stock wiring they are nothing but ornaments. They go on only when the Xenon low beams are on -- useless.
Fogs came with my Grand Touring package, but with stock wiring they are nothing but ornaments. They go on only when the Xenon low beams are on -- useless.
09-29-2003, 08:56 PM
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I have been thinking about doing this as well. I just encountered a lot of fog over the last few days and went to turn on the fog lights and they didn't work. I though my car was broken, until I realized the headlights need to be on - dumbest design ever. I guess they are just for show. Where can we get schematics for this car?
09-29-2003, 09:00 PM
#8
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Re: Re: Getting some use from my fog lights
Originally posted by Len
That really annoys me. The whole point of fog lights is that you use them when the fog makes headlights useless. On the RX-8, they're not fog lights at all.
That really annoys me. The whole point of fog lights is that you use them when the fog makes headlights useless. On the RX-8, they're not fog lights at all.
They mandate that any front lights ( other than marker lights) must only come on IF the low beams are on too. They are lumped together sa "driving lights".
Yes, this totally defeats the purpose of fog lights.
If anybody wants the appropriate pages from the Mazda RX-8 2004 Wiring Manual faxed to them, send $5 to my Paypal account..
I will fax anywhere in N.America for that..
If you need this email me at:
maurice@harddata.com
09-29-2003, 09:04 PM
#9
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Originally posted by LL7
I have been thinking about doing this as well. I just encountered a lot of fog over the last few days and went to turn on the fog lights and they didn't work. I though my car was broken, until I realized the headlights need to be on - dumbest design ever. I guess they are just for show. Where can we get schematics for this car?
I have been thinking about doing this as well. I just encountered a lot of fog over the last few days and went to turn on the fog lights and they didn't work. I though my car was broken, until I realized the headlights need to be on - dumbest design ever. I guess they are just for show. Where can we get schematics for this car?
The Mazda RX-8 2004 Shop Manual part #: 9999-95-064B-04 sells for $179.47 ( Canadian list price).
I bought both and got 15% off from my dealer..
If anyone needs a few pages faxed I want $5 to cover my long distance bill and troubles.
Paypal works for me..
09-30-2003, 11:07 PM
#11
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I ordered mine through a dealer here in Edmonton.
Weber Motors discounted it 15% for me without my having to ask.
Nice.
Took about a week to come in.
Most dealers do their stock order for parts about once a week, so may take slightly longer depending on what day of the week you order it.
I paid $114.98 for mine ( plus GST)
The wiring manual is invaluable..
Weber Motors discounted it 15% for me without my having to ask.
Nice.
Took about a week to come in.
Most dealers do their stock order for parts about once a week, so may take slightly longer depending on what day of the week you order it.
I paid $114.98 for mine ( plus GST)
The wiring manual is invaluable..
09-30-2003, 11:08 PM
#12
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Originally posted by Magnesium
If anyone can point me in the direction of the schematics, I will put together a procedure.
After I do it myself of course....
If anyone can point me in the direction of the schematics, I will put together a procedure.
After I do it myself of course....
maurice@harddata.com
09-30-2003, 11:52 PM
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10-02-2003, 05:18 PM
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I have received the schematics and looking into it further tonight. I spent a little time with it yesterday but need to get under the hood a little more.
The good news is that the power for the fogs is done via relays under the hood and not in the actual switch at the steering column.
Stay tuned.
The good news is that the power for the fogs is done via relays under the hood and not in the actual switch at the steering column.
Stay tuned.
10-02-2003, 07:52 PM
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So, how does the aftermarket rear fog lamp connect and get switched? Does it connect to the existing front fog lamp relays or some way else? If the latter, then could the front fog lamps be switched in common with the rear to simplify the separation from the headlights? I'm sure most would like to be able to switch front and rears separately, though.
P.S. Off topic, but my parking light blinks on door locks just stopped working at just past 3000 odo. Did I click something off inside?
Thx
P.S. Off topic, but my parking light blinks on door locks just stopped working at just past 3000 odo. Did I click something off inside?
Thx
10-03-2003, 12:15 AM
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yes, you can wire it direct and hopefully not burn out the wires or anything like that.
I am trying to come up with the simplest way that does not take a mod that looks and performs like hell. Not to mention noticed by a technician at Mazda that says your warranty is voided due to mods.
Now, if I could just find that fog relay on the car..
I am trying to come up with the simplest way that does not take a mod that looks and performs like hell. Not to mention noticed by a technician at Mazda that says your warranty is voided due to mods.
Now, if I could just find that fog relay on the car..
10-03-2003, 12:35 AM
#20
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Originally posted by come 8 me
isnt it simple to wire the fog lamp to the battery and connect a relay to the side marker. thats what i plan to do.
but not before i build the garage first.
isnt it simple to wire the fog lamp to the battery and connect a relay to the side marker. thats what i plan to do.
but not before i build the garage first.
10-03-2003, 03:11 PM
#21
Prodigal Wankler
Originally posted by MPG > HP
Off topic, but my parking light blinks on door locks just stopped working at just past 3000 odo. Did I click something off inside?
Off topic, but my parking light blinks on door locks just stopped working at just past 3000 odo. Did I click something off inside?
10-03-2003, 06:44 PM
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Originally posted by Magnesium
yes, you can wire it direct and hopefully not burn out the wires or anything like that.
I am trying to come up with the simplest way that does not take a mod that looks and performs like hell. Not to mention noticed by a technician at Mazda that says your warranty is voided due to mods.
Now, if I could just find that fog relay on the car..
yes, you can wire it direct and hopefully not burn out the wires or anything like that.
I am trying to come up with the simplest way that does not take a mod that looks and performs like hell. Not to mention noticed by a technician at Mazda that says your warranty is voided due to mods.
Now, if I could just find that fog relay on the car..
10-03-2003, 06:46 PM
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Magnesium,
As the original poster of this request, I want to thank you for your effort. People like you are what makes this site so important and valuable.
Good luck, and thanks again. RTRYRKT
As the original poster of this request, I want to thank you for your effort. People like you are what makes this site so important and valuable.
Good luck, and thanks again. RTRYRKT
10-04-2003, 05:01 PM
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Ok, located the fog relay. It was under my nose the whole time. I missed it when I looked in the main fuse block. :P
The mod. that I have done to get the foglights to work is simple but can be seen if you ever have an electrical problem and the technicians open your fuse block to look underneath. You cannot see any mods just by taking the top off the fuse block.
Locate the fuse block and fog relay. It is the second relay from the bottom right. It is actually in the third position, but a relay is removed by the factory so it is the actual second relay. Look at the fuse block cover if this doesn't make sense....
You will need to get to the underside of the fuse block. With the cover removed, locate the four push tabs around the edge of the fuse block and gradually remove the fuse block from it's housing. Rotate the fuse block so that you can see the underside. Be careful not to stress the main power cables connected on the topside.
When you open the fuse block to get underneath, locate the brown wire that goes to the underside of the relay. You will need to cut that wire about 3 inches from the fuse block. Essentially cutting it in half. Cutting this wire, removes the headlight circuit from the fog and the fog from the headlight.
Next, locate a wiring connector. I used a bullet connector that you would normally use to do a disconnect between two wires. Strip the jacket back about 1/4" on the short 3" pigtail. Crimp the connector on the end of the 3" wire. Now, carefully push the bare end of the connector into the fuse block next to the red/blue wire that is connected to the fog relay(almost next to the brown wire that you cut). If you get the right size connector crimped on and pushed into the block, it should be tight so that it won't fall out with road bumps, etc.
Caution* Make sure the other brown wire will not short against anything else. You can cap it with and insulated crimp, or tape it up with electrical tape.
Warning* Once the fogs are connected in this manner, the buzzer/chime will not sound when you turn off your car and the fog lights remain on.
I will post some pictures in a day or so. Maybe later today. I forgot my camera at work.
The mod. that I have done to get the foglights to work is simple but can be seen if you ever have an electrical problem and the technicians open your fuse block to look underneath. You cannot see any mods just by taking the top off the fuse block.
Locate the fuse block and fog relay. It is the second relay from the bottom right. It is actually in the third position, but a relay is removed by the factory so it is the actual second relay. Look at the fuse block cover if this doesn't make sense....
You will need to get to the underside of the fuse block. With the cover removed, locate the four push tabs around the edge of the fuse block and gradually remove the fuse block from it's housing. Rotate the fuse block so that you can see the underside. Be careful not to stress the main power cables connected on the topside.
When you open the fuse block to get underneath, locate the brown wire that goes to the underside of the relay. You will need to cut that wire about 3 inches from the fuse block. Essentially cutting it in half. Cutting this wire, removes the headlight circuit from the fog and the fog from the headlight.
Next, locate a wiring connector. I used a bullet connector that you would normally use to do a disconnect between two wires. Strip the jacket back about 1/4" on the short 3" pigtail. Crimp the connector on the end of the 3" wire. Now, carefully push the bare end of the connector into the fuse block next to the red/blue wire that is connected to the fog relay(almost next to the brown wire that you cut). If you get the right size connector crimped on and pushed into the block, it should be tight so that it won't fall out with road bumps, etc.
Caution* Make sure the other brown wire will not short against anything else. You can cap it with and insulated crimp, or tape it up with electrical tape.
Warning* Once the fogs are connected in this manner, the buzzer/chime will not sound when you turn off your car and the fog lights remain on.
I will post some pictures in a day or so. Maybe later today. I forgot my camera at work.
10-04-2003, 05:46 PM
#25
Prodigal Wankler
Originally posted by Magnesium
Warning* Once the fogs are connected in this manner, the buzzer/chime will not sound when you turn off your car and the fog lights remain on.
Warning* Once the fogs are connected in this manner, the buzzer/chime will not sound when you turn off your car and the fog lights remain on.
