installing my own fog lights HELP!

[blacknails4x4]

I have a 1992 eddie bauer and i am wanting to add fog lights to my explorer, i need some help though as i have never done anything like this, maybe some write ups? or some links to something thats already been posted would be very helpfull thanks in advance!

 

[Donner]

In the forum that you are in, there are about a dozen stickies. Peep out the fog light mod link there. I think there is one specifically for your gen Ex. Good luck! Also, search the word lighting... a few should come up there. (I have a link about fuses, it's a question. I'm doing the same as you. So far it's pretty easy, but detailed. Take care!)

 

[Tbars4]

...This link should be of help and as mentioned, it is a sticky at the top of the Forum you are in...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203037

 

[Buffalosports]

Here are some I posted. Factory location light changes and Aux lights next the the license plate


Factory Location:
http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213567

Aux. Lights (next to plate):
http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216071

 

[Sandy]

I have a 1992 eddie bauer and i am wanting to add fog lights to my explorer, i need some help though as i have never done anything like this, maybe some write ups? or some links to something thats already been posted would be very helpfull thanks in advance!

RU mtg to the OEM position or just on the front of the vehicle ?

Do U have a harness or plan on making your own ?

An easy do... mount the light, mount the relay and hook up the wires.

Relay pin out on standard automotive relay, 86 - Dash Switch, 85 - Ground, 30 - Fused Battery Positive, 87 - Load or the lights.
Run a ground wire back form the lights to the battery.

I like to setup the relay with a dash switch and make sure it is working properly before attaching the main power from the battery. Once the relay is in place and working you just need to run a fused wire from the battery to the relay and then to the lights.

Let me know if you need more info than this ?

ltr,

 

[Donner]

How's it going?

This is the backup/reverse light, rooftop, 55x2 version. I got a bit of work to do, and it will be controlled by an internal toggle switch.

The backup (not shown) lights will work the R gear (those will be added tomoro) The relays are the key

 

[gmanpaint]

Donner,
Where did you install your toggle switch? I used a rocker for mine.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/album.php?albumid=66&pictureid=476

Also, why run the ground back to the battery? I just dont know is all. I bolted mine from the switch to the bracket behind the radio bezel, which is bolted to the floor pan. Shouldn't that be sufficient ground?

 

[Donner]

I had to change plans, but for right now all toggles are located on the panel to the left of the steering wheel. But they will all end up below the a/c controls...

 

[Sandy]

Grounding is sssssooooo important, maintaining a good ground is key to the lights not only working when you first put them in but also in the future once all the road crude and corrosion has set in.

Road crude and corrosion will cause a bad connection causing the light to give you trouble, taking time to trace the problem.

Running the ground wires back to a common point then to the battery's negative post as a direct ground will eliminate all most of the problems created by grounding through the frame, the bolts and connections.

Is it necessary to get the lights to work, No but it is necessary to maintain a long term use without problems.

Do what you feel is best for you, me I will always have a grounding stud or terminal strip next to the battery.

My latest project is aluminum bodied 82 Jeep Scrambler.
I am using two terminal strips for grounding.
One is located under the hood and one under the dash for internal cab connections.
All of the connections are coated with non-corrosive conductive grease that reduces bad connections caused by corrosion.
I also use External Star Washers on all lugs, one between the Nut or Bolt Head and the Lug and one between the Lug and the Terminal Base.

Again these are over kill steps but they work.

 

[the_doorman]

Power source for Fog lights

What would be the best power source to use for my fog lights? I'd really prefer to use a source that only has power when the key is turned on.

 

[DeRocha]

What would be the best power source to use for my fog lights? I'd really prefer to use a source that only has power when the key is turned on.

There are 2 power sources to be concerned with:

• Low power @ the Switch to activate the relay.
• High power @ the relay to power the lights.

For the switch I would recommend tapping into the parking light circuit. By taping into the Parking light circuit for the Switch's power you will have the benefit of the "Lights On" Warning Chime and lesson the chance of killing your battery by leaving the lights on.

The High power should come from the battery or "+" post on the starter solenoid mounted between the battery & Under hood fuse box.

See the Hella 500s thread for pictures and diagrams.

 

[the_doorman]

There are 2 power sources to be concerned with:

• Low power @ the Switch to activate the relay.
• High power @ the relay to power the lights.

For the switch I would recommend tapping into the parking light circuit. By taping into the Parking light circuit for the Switch's power you will have the benefit of the "Lights On" Warning Chime and lesson the chance of killing your battery by leaving the lights on.

The High power should come from the battery or "+" post on the starter solenoid mounted between the battery & Under hood fuse box.

See the Hella 500s thread for pictures and diagrams.

That sounds good but the rocker switch I'm using isn't lighted. I just have some Standard ambers that each light has 2 wires. Ground and power. The 2 power wires go to a single wire that goes to the switch and then the power wire with fuseable link wire. Should I connect that directly to the battery or tap into the fuse box (or a wire coming from it)?

 

[DeRocha]

That sounds good but the rocker switch I'm using isn't lighted. I just have some Standard ambers that each light has 2 wires. Ground and power. The 2 power wires go to a single wire that goes to the switch and then the power wire with fuseable link wire. Should I connect that directly to the battery or tap into the fuse box (or a wire coming from it)?

You could do either, but I wouldn't. It is generally not recommended to run HIGH power through the switch (and in the cabin). That is why any quality lighting kit will include a 12v relay to provide power to the lights. In the diagram below you would just omit the blue ground wire @ the switch if it isn't lighted.

 

[Sandy]

That sounds good but the rocker switch I'm using isn't lighted.

Doesn't matter, no indicator light just means that you have to know what position of the switch does what or you add an indicator light your choice.

I just have some Standard ambers that each light has 2 wires. Ground and power. The 2 power wires go to a single wire that goes to the switch and then the power wire with fuseable link wire.

DO NOT run the power wire from the battery directly to a dash switch BIG NO NO.
The wire coming from the battery should have a fuse, sized for the current in the circuit and placed in the circuit as close to the battery as possible, then it goes to pin 30 on the relay, from pin 87 to the lights. The dash switch is low current (approximately 1 amp) and will have only one wire coming from it to pin 85 or 86 on the relay.
The switch actuates the relay, the relay control the high current (approximately 30 amps).

Should I connect that directly to the battery or tap into the fuse box (or a wire coming from it)?

Depending on how U want the lights to work is how the wiring goes.

If you want the lights to work with the headlights then use the wiring as mentioned in the earlier posts but If you want the lights to work when you want them to you need to wire differently.
"How" you say... Take a probe and find a location on the Circuit Panel that has power only when the key is on; use that power for the switch power and run the other pin on the switch to pin 85 on the relay, that way the switch will only turn on when the key is in the on position.
If you want the lights to work with the headlights and with a separate manual switch then that will take more wiring and a different switch.

ltr

 

[Enforcer]

I have two kc lights and four roof lights for my 92 ford explorer but no brush guard to put them on is there a nother way to put them on my truck?

 

[slaughterrt]

You can bolt them directly onto your bumper. I recently bolted two 6" rounds onto my bumper. All you do is drill some holes and bolt them on. Run the wires and there you have it. (I am still in the process of wiring them because I am having some wiring malfunctions, but I will get there). Good Luck.