Fog Light Scenario
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Fog Light Scenario
Okay, I am requesting some creative "workaround"-type solutions here. I just recently added OEM Ford fog lights to my 05 5.4 XLT Super Duty, and wired them up to Upfitter 1 so that I can use them as day time running lights, traditional fogs with low beams, or actually have ample light when used with my high beams.
The potential problem here in PA is that fog lights need to go out with your high beams. I think it's highly unlikely I'd ever get nailed for this, especially since they are completely stock. However, I don't know how picky my mechanic will be at my yearly state inspection.
Since I'm using these as a sort of "stock off road light" (I know, they're no where near an off road light) since they can stay on with the high beams, have any of you made covers for your lights to get you through inspections, etc? I'm thinking if I had covers like KC lights or whatever, I could put them on for inspection and then take them off again.
Has anyone done this? Does anyone have any cool ideas?
The potential problem here in PA is that fog lights need to go out with your high beams. I think it's highly unlikely I'd ever get nailed for this, especially since they are completely stock. However, I don't know how picky my mechanic will be at my yearly state inspection.
Since I'm using these as a sort of "stock off road light" (I know, they're no where near an off road light) since they can stay on with the high beams, have any of you made covers for your lights to get you through inspections, etc? I'm thinking if I had covers like KC lights or whatever, I could put them on for inspection and then take them off again.
Has anyone done this? Does anyone have any cool ideas?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,654
Likes: 20
From: Tewksbury, MA
I'm not sure how strict they are but here in MA some mechanics just don't care or if you know someone obviously your good but my cousin failed once for having an offroad light out even though they were not approved for on road use. Regardless if they are legal or not for regular use they had to work...sounds strange to me but if they are anything like that then just say you removed the "covers" to come in for inspection.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
I would use a normally closed relay for the fogs that opens when triggered by the high-beam circuit thus disabling them. you could simply put a toggle switch under your dash to interrupt that trigger anytime other than the inspection. problem solved.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Sneaky and creative, Mr. Weyland. I like it! I think for this first year I might do what was suggested and keep the switch off and my fingers crossed. I could definitely do the relay thing down the road if I need to. How tough is is to tie in the high beam trigger? That's the only part of that mod that would be a little fuzzy for me.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,119
Likes: 652
From: NH
I agree with the use of a relay to kill them. In fact, you could wire it so that with upfitter #1 off, the fog lights would go out when the high beams are on. However, switching #1 on causes them to work with either high or low. Again, I doubt you'd be caught. I run Hella Rallye 3000 8" off-road only lamps here in NH on my Rover, and I used a relay to trigger them to run only when my high beams are on. They are supposed to be covered; I never cover them, even during inspections. I have used a couple of different guys, never had a problem. I make a mental note to kill the high beams whenever I see a hint of another car's headlamps, as they are pretty dazzlingly bright.
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
Considering that they are stock fog lights, the inspector will likely have no idea that they operate from your upfitter switches, and you can just pull the fuse for the upfitters before your inspection in case he/she gets switch happy. In Colorado, we don't have inspections, and off-road lights are not required to be covered.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Central Pa
The fog lights have to work if they are installed on the truck,and have to go out with the high beams.If they work any other way it is rejectable.You can remove the lights before the inspection and then reinstall them after,or wire them up with the relay so they work as required during the inspection.Alot of the pa inspection is dependant on the technician doing the inspection.Some techs let minor things slide others do not.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Thanks for all your input, guys. I believe I have an inspection coming up in the next several months. I'll post here with what happens. I'm thinking my mechanic isn't going to notice. Last year he just put a sticker on it without even looking at anything other than the odometer because I only drove 7500 miles and he knows I take good care of my truck and that it is in top mechanical shape, safety wise. I might have a tougher time once he retires, though...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post