I'm sure I'll think of more later, but here's a few "Frequently asked Questions"
Q: Can I hook up fog lights or driving lights to the stock switch, even though they are higher wattage?
A: Yes, and there are two different methods for this. The first is the easier method, the second is the preferred method.
1. You can simply hook up to the existing fog light wiring by splicing positive into positive, ground into ground. This is not preferred however, because if the lights you are installing is of a higher wattage then your stock wiring (and chances are 99% that they are). By doing so you run the risk of frying not only the wiring but also the switch, as well as overheating the wires near the light.
2. This is the preferred method because you will ensure the lights are getting allt he power they need, the aftermarket relay is included so you won't overpower the stock one, yet you can still use the stock switch. I did this with my 2000 F-150 and it works quite well. You wire up the lights according to the provided diagram, except for where the wires run to the switch. Let's say for example that with the provided relay you have wires heading in three directions. First off is wires heading to the battery, then wires heading to the lights themselves, then wires running to the switch. In some relays this can be only one wire, in others it can be two or three, depending on switches provided. You'll want to cut all b the "hot" wire. This "hot wire" you will want to splice into the hot wire for your existing fogs, and you should be set! By doing this, the lights are getting allt he power they need from the battery, you aren't overburdening the stock relay, wiring, or switches. The relay only needs a few watts coming from the switch so this method works fine. When you activate the stock fog light switch, it sends the signal through its own relay of electricity to the wire heading to the lamps. This signal is picked up by the aftermarket relay and it turns your lights on. Like I said, this method is safer, will result in brighter light and less damage to lights.
Q: Can I stick lights on my factory roof rack?
A: Yes, but be prepared for some issues. I had 4 PIAA 80 XT's mounted to the stock roof rack for nearly a year, before upgrading to a conferr rack. The problem is it is difficult to keep the lights aimed properly as the factory rack is plastic, and cannot torque the bolts down as tight as they should be. This lights may also "wobble" slightly as the factory member does flex a bit.
Q: How do I run the wires to the roof rack?
A: Anyway you want. Some people run the wires through the rood crack to avoid drilling, others have run the wiring all the way to the rear tailgate to avoid drilling. I personally just drilled holes, dropped down the headliner, and ran the wires through there with that method.
Q: What lights will fit in the factory fog openings?
A: All I know is what PIAA's will fit. If you have the rectangular lights (91-98 as I recall) the PIAA 1500's or 980's will fit. If you use the circular lights, the 510's should fit (I've also seen a pair of Pilots that fi tbut don't recall the part number). If you are wondering whether or not you can hok them up to your stock switch, see first question. I've also been told the KC 50 series and the CATZ MSC fog lights will work.
Q: I want to wire more then one set of lights together to use the same switch, is this possible?
A: Yes, but please follow these instructions or you will run the risk of not having enough power to your lights or frying your wiring. Hook up the lights according to the factory spec's, using the relay only for what it's designed for (for example, don't use a relay designed for two lights for four lights). Hook everything up except the switch. Take the hot wire from one switch and splice it into the hot wire from the other switch, then run the switch as normal. This will allow each set of lights to receive the necessary amount of power, but the signal from the switch will reach both relays.
Q: Can I hook up fog lights or driving lights to the stock switch, even though they are higher wattage?
A: Yes, and there are two different methods for this. The first is the easier method, the second is the preferred method.
1. You can simply hook up to the existing fog light wiring by splicing positive into positive, ground into ground. This is not preferred however, because if the lights you are installing is of a higher wattage then your stock wiring (and chances are 99% that they are). By doing so you run the risk of frying not only the wiring but also the switch, as well as overheating the wires near the light.
2. This is the preferred method because you will ensure the lights are getting allt he power they need, the aftermarket relay is included so you won't overpower the stock one, yet you can still use the stock switch. I did this with my 2000 F-150 and it works quite well. You wire up the lights according to the provided diagram, except for where the wires run to the switch. Let's say for example that with the provided relay you have wires heading in three directions. First off is wires heading to the battery, then wires heading to the lights themselves, then wires running to the switch. In some relays this can be only one wire, in others it can be two or three, depending on switches provided. You'll want to cut all b the "hot" wire. This "hot wire" you will want to splice into the hot wire for your existing fogs, and you should be set! By doing this, the lights are getting allt he power they need from the battery, you aren't overburdening the stock relay, wiring, or switches. The relay only needs a few watts coming from the switch so this method works fine. When you activate the stock fog light switch, it sends the signal through its own relay of electricity to the wire heading to the lamps. This signal is picked up by the aftermarket relay and it turns your lights on. Like I said, this method is safer, will result in brighter light and less damage to lights.
Q: Can I stick lights on my factory roof rack?
A: Yes, but be prepared for some issues. I had 4 PIAA 80 XT's mounted to the stock roof rack for nearly a year, before upgrading to a conferr rack. The problem is it is difficult to keep the lights aimed properly as the factory rack is plastic, and cannot torque the bolts down as tight as they should be. This lights may also "wobble" slightly as the factory member does flex a bit.
Q: How do I run the wires to the roof rack?
A: Anyway you want. Some people run the wires through the rood crack to avoid drilling, others have run the wiring all the way to the rear tailgate to avoid drilling. I personally just drilled holes, dropped down the headliner, and ran the wires through there with that method.
Q: What lights will fit in the factory fog openings?
A: All I know is what PIAA's will fit. If you have the rectangular lights (91-98 as I recall) the PIAA 1500's or 980's will fit. If you use the circular lights, the 510's should fit (I've also seen a pair of Pilots that fi tbut don't recall the part number). If you are wondering whether or not you can hok them up to your stock switch, see first question. I've also been told the KC 50 series and the CATZ MSC fog lights will work.
Q: I want to wire more then one set of lights together to use the same switch, is this possible?
A: Yes, but please follow these instructions or you will run the risk of not having enough power to your lights or frying your wiring. Hook up the lights according to the factory spec's, using the relay only for what it's designed for (for example, don't use a relay designed for two lights for four lights). Hook everything up except the switch. Take the hot wire from one switch and splice it into the hot wire from the other switch, then run the switch as normal. This will allow each set of lights to receive the necessary amount of power, but the signal from the switch will reach both relays.
