You will need a relay (atleast rated to 30 amps). Make sure when you tap into the parking lights, use a 2 or 3 amp inline fuse to trigger the relay.

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1999 4x4 F250 LD XLT SuperCab 5.4L, 3.73, 4R100 trans.
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[This message has been edited by Jupiterak (edited 03-10-2001).]

 

ok what's a relay? do I just put it between my tap and the fog lights or what? and what fuse rating should i use in the power box?

i've never done anything like this (can ya tell?)

frank

 

Frank,
A relay provides PROPER amperage to the lights. You can't just tap into the parking lamps and expect the factory wiring to supply proper amps to both the parking lamps and fog lights. You will have problems.
Check the local autoparts store. Usually, the relay comes with a diagram for the "How to."

 

Sorry guys I know this has been covered but I was unable to find anything in my search.

Well, here's my situation. I got a used '97 lariat that from what I can tell was not originally equipped with fog lights. The previous owner replaced the bumper (if that's what it's called) with the appropriate part as if the truck did originally come with the fog lights. So it looks original. Well I guess he never found the time to connect them properly. My plan was simply to connect them into the parking lights so when they came on my fogs would too. I bought some fuses to compensate for the increased current draw.

How feasible is my idea here? I was thinking just splice the parking lamp wire, break out the soldering iron and go at it. I have a digital camera so I could snap some pics if anybody wants to see what's goin' on under the hood or whatever.

Thanks for any help with this. I've been cruising without fog lamps for almost a year now. Doesn't really matter if i get them working or not but I find I like the increased illumination they provide.

 

A relay is simply a electrically activated switch. It uses 12v and a low current to switch a high current on/off.
I don't recommend using the parking lights to turn on the fogs but it's your truck.
You will need:
30A relay, terminals for the relay, 10 ft of heavy duty wire (unless the fogs already have enough), a few feet of regular wire, 2 fuse holders, a big terminal for the battery post and a clip on wire tap.
A good place for the relay is in front of the battery. Lots of room and the light wires are right there. Big wire from + terminal of battery to relay, the Fuse holder with 30A fuse next to the battery connection. Big wire from relay to fogs. Regular wire clipped into parking light wire and going to relay via 1A fuseholder. All grounds to metal part of truck.
For switch control, ignore the parking lot wire stuff. Run a wire with 1A fuse from battery to inside switch. From inside switch to relay. You will need enough wire to reach the inside switch and another terminal for the battery.
Draw it on a piece of paper (or use Autocad) to visualize the wire setup.
Fritz


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2000 F150 XLT 4x2 ExtCab Styleside 4.6l Auto in Island Blue.
Dark Graphite interior, White face gages, Superchip, K&N air filter,
Airbox Mod, Front window tint, PowerAid, Flowmaster 50 SUV,
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JBL comp speakers, Punch subwoofers, Escort 8500 Radar Detector,
ECM Jammer Pod, some nice floormats and lots of payments.

 

Before you go and spend a lot of money and effort, answer this?

Why do you want fog lights?

If it's so you can see when driving in fog -- STOP HERE -- cuz they're absolutely as worthless as **** on a boar!

If you want to make two additional stars in the glasses of those of us who are over 40 as we approach you on the two-laners, then continue with your project.

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Y2K™ Jim - N8JG@Hotmail.com

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"