Fog Lights
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
I too was concerned about that. I talked to a lighting designer friend who thought it unlikely, and here's why.
To figure out the amount of power used you take the bulb's wattage and divide by the volts. Since a stock 9145 bulb is 45 watts, it used 3.75A. A 9005 is a 60 watt, which uses 5A. This is only a 1.25A difference. Even across the circuit with two bulbs it’s only a 2.5A increase.
Also, the 18 guage wiring used for the factory fog lamps is rated for approx 15 AMPS at 12V DC. (18G wire is rated for 10A @ 120V.)
The only difference I noticed, besides MUCH brighter fog lights are that the lenses get slightly warmer to touch. I have had no trouble in almost a year of use. And, no one flashes their lights at me either.
One more note. I did the same switch on my ’03 Cobra, and I took readings with my infrared thermometer and noticed no difference in the temp of the wires at the rear of the lamps.
To figure out the amount of power used you take the bulb's wattage and divide by the volts. Since a stock 9145 bulb is 45 watts, it used 3.75A. A 9005 is a 60 watt, which uses 5A. This is only a 1.25A difference. Even across the circuit with two bulbs it’s only a 2.5A increase.
Also, the 18 guage wiring used for the factory fog lamps is rated for approx 15 AMPS at 12V DC. (18G wire is rated for 10A @ 120V.)
The only difference I noticed, besides MUCH brighter fog lights are that the lenses get slightly warmer to touch. I have had no trouble in almost a year of use. And, no one flashes their lights at me either.
One more note. I did the same switch on my ’03 Cobra, and I took readings with my infrared thermometer and noticed no difference in the temp of the wires at the rear of the lamps.
Last edited by Matt M, PA; Nov 1, 2005 at 01:28 PM.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 499
Likes: 20
From: Laguna Hills and Payson
I have had silverstar 9005 replacements in there a year with no probs...
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Quietman
www.roenation.com
2005 EXCURSION Eddie Bauer 4X4 PSD
4" FabTech lift/level, Bilstein mono-gas shocks, Rancho Steering Stabilizer
Silverstars, BFG 295/75/16 AT KO's on Factory Mags
LANDYOT Generation II Radius Rods, Ford factory hood insulator
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Quietman
www.roenation.com
2005 EXCURSION Eddie Bauer 4X4 PSD
4" FabTech lift/level, Bilstein mono-gas shocks, Rancho Steering Stabilizer
Silverstars, BFG 295/75/16 AT KO's on Factory Mags
LANDYOT Generation II Radius Rods, Ford factory hood insulator
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
I never did a voltage check, but at least in my case, it's the Ford kit as my '05 XLT did not come with foglamps, so I know it was wired straight to the battery.
I used regular 9005s as my 2005 takes that new H13 bulb that cannot be made into Silverstars according to the DOT regs. I did get a pair of Xtravision H13s.
I used regular 9005s as my 2005 takes that new H13 bulb that cannot be made into Silverstars according to the DOT regs. I did get a pair of Xtravision H13s.
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Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 22
I just upgraded to all Sylvania Silverstars in the headlamps and fog lights 3 weeks ago.
I went with all stock bulbs just so I did not have to worry about anything. I came to this conclusion in that I wanted more "downrange" light rather than brighter "fog lamp" light. I felt that the difference between 45 and 60 watts was not enough to worry about... but I am sure it does make a difference... more wattage is more light.
I was concered about heat in the light assembly as my fogs and headlamps are set for automatic and they all stay on quite a bit of time. If I was one who used the fogs only when needed... then the larger wattage would be OK I guess.
Have not heard of anyone buring up their wiring with the 9005's, but I decided to stay with stock.
P.S. - look at the sylvania.com website. They have a rebate form you can print for each pair of bulbs you buy.
Good luck,
Jeff
I went with all stock bulbs just so I did not have to worry about anything. I came to this conclusion in that I wanted more "downrange" light rather than brighter "fog lamp" light. I felt that the difference between 45 and 60 watts was not enough to worry about... but I am sure it does make a difference... more wattage is more light.
I was concered about heat in the light assembly as my fogs and headlamps are set for automatic and they all stay on quite a bit of time. If I was one who used the fogs only when needed... then the larger wattage would be OK I guess.
Have not heard of anyone buring up their wiring with the 9005's, but I decided to stay with stock.
P.S. - look at the sylvania.com website. They have a rebate form you can print for each pair of bulbs you buy.
Good luck,
Jeff
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 3
From: WARRINGTON, PA
the best way to get more light to the ground is to do what i did. ditched the factory headlight bulbs, and changed over to a real HID system. I had them in my grand prix . now they are in my X. wow what a difference. the problem is finding a 9005 bulb that is the same color as the 4500k bulbs without changing the fogs to HID's. the kit that i have came with a HIGH/LOW controller so i still have high beams. not all HID kits do that. it is a special 9004 dual beam HID bulb and ballast. cost me about $600.. SO well worth it......
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
Jeff, The 9005s in the fog lights made them like driving lights. HUGE difference. A friend that recently bought an '05 SD also switched and was surprised at the difference. (He's a lighting designer, so he of all folks would recognize the difference.) Mine too are left on "auto", and I have found no ill effects in a year. I posted above about power usage, etc.
As fas as HIDs are concerned, unless originally equipped they are illegal. At least in PA, you will not pass inspection and will wind up with tickets.
It is my understanding that HID kits are only low beam, as HIDs work via a "arc" in an environment of gas. Most use a halogen for hi-beams. I have never seen a true dual filament HID bulb.
If indeed a better low beam is the only upgrade, I'd try a pair of 9005s in the fogs first. Buy the least expensive ones you can to try.
As fas as HIDs are concerned, unless originally equipped they are illegal. At least in PA, you will not pass inspection and will wind up with tickets.
It is my understanding that HID kits are only low beam, as HIDs work via a "arc" in an environment of gas. Most use a halogen for hi-beams. I have never seen a true dual filament HID bulb.
If indeed a better low beam is the only upgrade, I'd try a pair of 9005s in the fogs first. Buy the least expensive ones you can to try.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 3
From: WARRINGTON, PA
matt, i have had the HID kit for several years now. as far as being illeagal, i think not. and if that was the case, i'm sure if you got pulled over it wouldn't be the reason on getting pulled over in the first place. and as far as a true high/low beam HID, they make them and i have them. never had problems, worries, nothing. and they are bright as hell. i also have several friends that are police officers in bensalem, lower southampton, and a couple in the 15 in phila. since we seem to be located in the same area, maybe we should meet up one day at banins. and i'll show you the lights.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
racerx7775, there are lots of things that are not strictly legal...but no one bothers you until you are stopped for something else, you;re right about that.
It's interesting that there is a real dual filament system..I had yet to see that.
I was looking into on of those line of LEDs that go between the tailgate and bumper. Again, not legal in PA...unless a policeman wants to hassle ya.
According to some friends that are inspection mechanics...they will not pass inspection unless factory installed. That said, some techs will look the other way...so you can sneak by. Problem is that the tech's license is on the line if it is determined that he passed the vehicle with those lamps installed.
Glad they work for ya. We should meet up on day.
It's interesting that there is a real dual filament system..I had yet to see that.
I was looking into on of those line of LEDs that go between the tailgate and bumper. Again, not legal in PA...unless a policeman wants to hassle ya.
According to some friends that are inspection mechanics...they will not pass inspection unless factory installed. That said, some techs will look the other way...so you can sneak by. Problem is that the tech's license is on the line if it is determined that he passed the vehicle with those lamps installed.
Glad they work for ya. We should meet up on day.
Last edited by Matt M, PA; Nov 2, 2005 at 11:59 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
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From: WARRINGTON, PA
matt, the led's, are you looking to put them on your X? i've never seen them on an suv, only pickups. i dont think that there is room in between the tailgate and the bumper. as far as meeting, i work for SEPTA.....yuck. so i can meet where and when its convienent for ya. let me know.--------------------------------------S E P T A S U C K S------------
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
RACER...I was originally looking to put them on the Ex, and one day Banins had one in stock that I test fitted. There is just enough room, but the viewing angle would be very narrow. When some Middletown Police advised against it...I bagged the idea. I went to the Econoline 3 color tail lights instead.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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Originally Posted by Matt M, PA
RACER...I was originally looking to put them on the Ex, and one day Banins had one in stock that I test fitted. There is just enough room, but the viewing angle would be very narrow. When some Middletown Police advised against it...I bagged the idea. I went to the Econoline 3 color tail lights instead.
Worth the $100 for me because when I apply the brakes they definitely get the attention of drivers behind me during the day and night. Also, each respective side of the row of leds blink independently when you have your left or right turn signal on.