Fog lights to daytime driving lights? | Ford Explorer Forums - Serious Explorations

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Fog lights to daytime driving lights?

brianwsnc

Active Member
Joined
May 10, 2011
Messages
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City, State
Winston Salem, NC
Year, Model & Trim Level
2004 Sport Trac Adrenlin
Is there a way to easily switch the Fog lights into Daytime Driving lights?

Or to add them as daytime driving lights, and also have them as Fog lights when you switch on the Headlights?
 






Is there a way to easily switch the Fog lights into Daytime Driving lights?

Or to add them as daytime driving lights, and also have them as Fog lights when you switch on the Headlights?

It should be possible, and easy if you know electronics.
what needs to happen is:
foglights on if no headlights on
- a relay that is controlled by headlight power will do this.
supply power directly to the foglights through this relay, using the normally closed contacts, so if the headlights are powered it will activate the relay and disconnect power.
the power for this relay needs to be a switched source, so maybe another relay that is controlled by the "run" circuit should be used (which will get power from the battery - fused), that way power to foglamps is only there when the key is in run position.

and maybe 2 diodes connected to the high and low beam to control the first relay that is mentioned, since the foglights could come on (when not wanted) if it is connected to only one circuit.

relays are only about $5 each, VF4 is a standard relay, make sure it has the 87a connection, some have protection diodes in them, I like those.
wire - depends on how much is bought.
diodes - maybe $1 (not the ones in the relay)
connectors - ??

edit : doing it this way, original foglight functionality will be retained. ....But the daytime running light module can't be present, or else the power going from the module will let the relay think the headlight is on, and shut off the fogs.
 






Ok, Thanks!
I will have to read this about 10 times to totally understand what I need to do.. but I asked for it and you delivered!
:salute:
Brian B
 






foglamp.jpg


if you look a the bottom of a VF4 relay this is how the contacts should look like.
The diodes usually have a silver band on them, indicated as a line in the drawing.

Connections to diodes should be soldered/crimped, relay connection is a standard spade, so you could get crimp style for the wires

parts you should look for, just a guidline -
fuse holder: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=283-2357-ND
relay: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?lang=en&site=US&KeyWords=pb682-nd&x=0&y=0

diode: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=1N4001FSCT-ND

spade connector: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=WM18262-ND

butt splice for diodes: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=WM18391-ND

maybe something like this to do the ground and power connections: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=WM19146-ND

and wire 12 - 14AWG should do

This post kind of shows what you need to do the job, of course what you buy/make might be a little different.
I've never done this mod, so there's no guarantee/warantee on this free advice.
Modify your vehicle's electrical system at your own risk.

Ask for second opinions, since I've never done this mod, there may be some tweaks/improvements to be had.
 






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