fog/driving lights

[fingers21]

Hi all, I Finally have another explorer. Its a 1998 model and the problem i'm having is, the driving/front fogs come on if I flash full beam, but if i push the stalk back to put full beam on constant, they don't come on. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance

 

[Howard]

I would say it is the multi position switch. You could just re-wire them to come on with full beam.

 

[kevin p]

Sounds like your multi switch has dirty contacts inside. You can take the switch apart and clean it. Otherwise, look at ebay item 250974971398.
Kev

 

[fingers21]

full beam comes on as normal if i push the stalk backwards, just not the driving lights. Hope that makes sense, does that still sound like it could be the multi switch?

 

[Howard]

I agree that it sounds odd, but as they work with the flash position there is obviously nothing wrong with the relay or fuse. The only thing left is the multi switch.

 

[Stenasev]

Hi,

As others have said the (very) likely cause is the multi function switch. However I will stick my neck out and ask if you are really getting main beam with the stalk pushed forward or are the dipped beams stuck on thus no feed for the driving lights. When you flash the dipped beams stay on anyway and the main beams & driving lights come on too.

The feed from the multi switch to the main beam and driving lights comes out on the same wire so whenever the main beam is on the driving are on. This wire is fed by two different sets of contacts, permanent live for flasher and headlight switch feed for dipped/main beam.

SS

 

[simonkn8574]

And to add the sound of condescencion.....

Don't forget the legal implications of linking the fog/driving lights to the main beam.. If Mr. Plod does a roadside check you'll get a 7 day fix it notice (NIP).
We used to give them out for exactly this (and the 4-spots-on-the-roofbar) type of offence. Many MOT centres failed cars on this too.

Just a thought..

SK

 

[fcat]

And to add the sound of condescencion.....

Don't forget the legal implications of linking the fog/driving lights to the main beam.. If Mr. Plod does a roadside check you'll get a 7 day fix it notice (NIP).
We used to give them out for exactly this (and the 4-spots-on-the-roofbar) type of offence. Many MOT centres failed cars on this too.

Just a thought..

SK

Bu don't all explorers come like this ? i know my fog/driving lights come on with the main beam and always have!

 

[simonkn8574]

gotta admit, i've never checked to be honest!
Probably as it's a Yank import it kept something like that. There was a clause in the cause/use/permit part of the 1988 Traffic Act that dealt with "driving lamps" and not FOG lamps... Kinda got a bit hazy these days, hasn't it! (or is that foggy!)

Perhaps it'll be fine.... can only drive it and see!!!

SK

 

[JonC]

Interesting one this!

I wondered about this on and off and my attention to things legal is a bit dated but in the old days; "lamps mounted below 2' may only be used in conditions of fog or falling snow".

Obviously any 1988 amendment would negate that but otherwise, Explorers would be illegal ex-works!

 

[blueka]

They're not fog lights, they're spot lights, they only come on with the high beam.
unless your switch isn't working...


Si

 

[fingers21]

They are spot lights, not fogs and all explorers (UK anyway) should come on with full beam.

Mine still only work when I flash full beam, I have dismantled my multi switch, cleaned it all out and put it back together, but no joy. I guess i'll have to wait until my new one arrives and see if that works.

I did get around to tinting my windows (not fun in the snow), fitting my new sway bar links (again, not fun in the snow) and fixing a few other minor things (dash and switch bulbs blown, new *** lighter etc) so apart from the driving lights, good result today.

 

[simonkn8574]

Hey JonC

Did a little digging into the legality of it and referred to Blacks...

Any aftermarket fog/spot/driving lamps can ONLY be illuminated via a separate switch and not on operation of a Full/Dipped switch. (i.e. wired into the stalk switch)

SO.....

Technically as they are factory-fitted Spots, they are legal....

Well, who-da thought!!
Good to know though.... and saves me looking for the front fog light switch when in the, erm... fog...!!!

SK

 

[JonC]

Hmmmm............sneaky!!

Now here's me, all righteous and nerdy, liking everytihng to be fully integrated and automated and generally pukka.

The previous owner ditched the front skirt - complete with lamps -
and fitted some sad aftermarket s...e fogs in their place but on the original wiring.

So technically, I'm illegal - yay!!

 

[simonkn8574]

Ahh, but technically you're not ADDING anything to the system... Just replacing..

So a first year copper needing to issue a Notice of Intended Prosecution would be forced to offer it, but a seasoned copper allowed to use discretion would probably let it go...

Easy really, if the lights and sirens are behind you and he looks young enough to be your son, floor it! If he looks slow and doddery, pull over...
Simples... ;-)

SK

I should add that the above comment may not represent the rest of Devon & Cornwall Constabulary's opinion on the matter!

 

[JonC]

Easy really, if the lights and sirens are behind you and he looks young enough to be your son, floor it!

Love it!

But Simon, should you really be telling us this - and another thing - "floor it"? Just how long have you owned an Explorer??!!

 

[simonkn8574]

Yep, floor it...

Don't you all have a trailer-ed fuel tank and pipe feed into the explorer???

And 65 can be quite fast......

Oh, and don't worry about what i'm telling you.... I'm the only person in Devon & Cornwall's history that during training when we are allowed to check the Police National Computer for our own name... came up with a hit! Hey! it was 1990, and a fun night full of rural drink-driving/drugs and firearms... oops, I said that out loud didn't i??

SK

 

[JonC]

65?? Hmmmmm.........Explorer Optimum Crusing Speed!!

Two years on and I think I'm still experiencing ocasional bouts of Previous Car Shock Syndrome - previous car being a 2.5 24v Mitsubishi that did 85 in second, would change down at 120 and accellerate if you floored it in top....

All theoretical of course Officer!!

The other thing being, I still cant get over what polar opposite two 1998 cars can be! I love my Explorer but talk about agricultural!!

 

[simonkn8574]

Absolutely!

Read my other embarrassing thread....Sounds like you had an Evo? I swapped my Imprezza for the Explorer. Needs must, and all that!

SK

 

[JonC]

Nawwww.........just yer ordinary, everyday, average 24 valve Galant estate

Or rocket ship, depending on your attitude and the weight of your right foot!!

The luxury and performance of Concorde, without the fuel consumption or parking issues!!

Just a shame about the glass gearbox!