Q about fog ligts on a 2K2 (newbie)

[Joe_R]

New to the scene so bare with me.

I'm going to put fog lights on my 2K2 XLT Explorer. I originally was going to get the stock fogs. Are they real bad or do they do a decent job? I know aftermarkets are most always better but how is the positioning of the stock mounting?

Are foctory fogs worth the cash?

Is the truck is pre-wired for factory fogs? Or am I going to have to run the wire?

Would these have to wire to a relay?

Is a new factory switch needed? There doesn't seem to be a fog position on my current switch..it's got auto, off, park,on.

Thanks.

 

[Timmy]

I would say go with stock, and you have an XLT so I'm pretty positive that it already has the harness with it and try pulling out on the switch, if it doesn't pull out, you will need a new switch.

 

[Bill Kemp]

I would go with aftermarket lights. You may pay a bit more but your gonna get a better more powerfull light.
Either Catz or PIAA. They come with wireing harnesses that are easy and understandable directions. It isnt too hard.

 

[Joe_R]

I pulled out the switch tonight and read the manual. I don't have the right switch. I'll have to check to see if they are wired. Still not sure. I like aftermarket performance but I like the look of stock. Maybe throw in some Sylvania Silverstars in the factory fogs? That's what I'm running high/low.
Does anyone have the schematics forthe wire harness? Any tips to locate the wiring harness if it's there?

 

[JDraper]

IMHO, the factory fogs aren't worth the $$ compared to aftermarket. I have an '01 with a set of KC Series 50 fogs mounted in the factory locations. The pair with wiring harness ran around $100. KC makes decent lights (with a 23 year warranty covering everything down to broken lens's and rusting housings), as does PIAA and Hella. All of them will well outperform the factory lights.

 

[Joe_R]

Sounds good. I guess I could buy new inserts and cut / mount fogs into the factory spot.

Now, do you guys use an auxiliary switch or are they wired into the stock switch? I'd like to wire them into the stock switch if possible. Otherwise, my wife may never use them.
I've done this in the past with a Jetta and Maxima...using the existing switch. Need to know if you have to cut into a relay or run right to the switch and which pins are which on which on the stock switch.
Thanks.

 

[Joe_R]

Bumpety bump. Talked to the dealer todat. Putting in factory fogs woul cost well over $400. He said the buld and housing are like $160 each plus a switch and wiring harness.
Looks like aftermarket PIAA's are going to happen. Now I just need to wire them into the factory switch.

 

[JasonF]

You should not have to wire them Into the actual switch. Most good quality light kits include a relay that uses a "sensor" lead to turn on the power from the battery to the fogs. Just connect this sensor to the low or high beam lead at your bulbs (whatever position you want them on) and you should be all set. I wanted mine to be able to work in park/low/high so I connected the sensor lead to the panel lights and now I can switch the fogs on and off in any of these 3 settings using the switch that came on the fogs' harness.

Jason