2003 headlight switch question
2003 headlight switch question
Ok so my 2WD lariat was factory wired for fogs despite not having them. I bought a new valance and some fog lights and they are installed and hooked up, but now I need a switch. I also have the auto lamps BTW. I'm looking at buying a new factory headlight switch and need some advice!
My question is this - will a switch that just has fog light capability work in my truck, or do I have to buy the one with fog light and auto lamps? I ask because the price is pretty steep with the auto lamps and to tell the truth I never use them anyway as I prefer to be in control of my truck, not the other way around.
My question is this - will a switch that just has fog light capability work in my truck, or do I have to buy the one with fog light and auto lamps? I ask because the price is pretty steep with the auto lamps and to tell the truth I never use them anyway as I prefer to be in control of my truck, not the other way around.
From what I can tell looking at the Main headlamp test chart

And also looking at the autolamp section ( cell 87 ), the autolamp is a stand alone system that has nothing to do with the parking lamps, fog lamp or main headlamps.
The switch when turned to the autolamp setting, powers the autolamp module.
Looks like there is nothing that stops you from installing a main headlamp switch w/ fog vs a main headlamp switch w/ fog & w/ auto.
Actually looks like you could install a switch to power the autolamp module if you really wanted that setting, but I cannot confirm this ( from the main headlamp switch, pin #7 Light green w/ Red stripe wire ).
This is strictly from looking at the test chart and the autolamp cell of the EVTM, there is no actual hands on confirmation with this info, YMMV.

And also looking at the autolamp section ( cell 87 ), the autolamp is a stand alone system that has nothing to do with the parking lamps, fog lamp or main headlamps.
The switch when turned to the autolamp setting, powers the autolamp module.
Looks like there is nothing that stops you from installing a main headlamp switch w/ fog vs a main headlamp switch w/ fog & w/ auto.
Actually looks like you could install a switch to power the autolamp module if you really wanted that setting, but I cannot confirm this ( from the main headlamp switch, pin #7 Light green w/ Red stripe wire ).
This is strictly from looking at the test chart and the autolamp cell of the EVTM, there is no actual hands on confirmation with this info, YMMV.
thanks for that, I'm a complete wiring and electrical noob! I found a couple switches on ebay that based on the picture look like they have auto and fog lamps (I think) but it does nto specifically say so in the auction. Can anyone have a look and tell me? I was under the impression that the little symbol at 10 o'clock was the auto lamps and the lamp on the actual **** indicated the fog lights. Could someone tell me if I have it right or wrong?
Here's the two auctions I'm talking about -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
Here's the two auctions I'm talking about -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
Last edited by meanstreak; Nov 2, 2010 at 07:37 PM.
The top URL says in the description
The Bottom URL the switch looks right ( if that is an actual picture of the switch for sale, not a picture minned off web images ).
The question was asked about fog and autolamp, and the seller only answered the fog part of the question. Either that tells you the picture is not what is actually for sale, or the seller has no clue. Either way I think would stay away from it.
You would want to email or call them to confirm it, but the '01 Expedition headlamp switch w/ auto w/ fog is ~ 74.00 new from Tasca. Get the confirm this is the same for the F-150, or the correct switch for the F-150. You spent this much time & money, an additional 55.00 to get the switch w/ auto and w/ fog is a good idea, and it is new so you know it will work correctly ( not a switch on eBay that might have had a bad ramp job done, and it only works part of the time, maybe ? )
without fog lights, with automatic headlights
The question was asked about fog and autolamp, and the seller only answered the fog part of the question. Either that tells you the picture is not what is actually for sale, or the seller has no clue. Either way I think would stay away from it.
You would want to email or call them to confirm it, but the '01 Expedition headlamp switch w/ auto w/ fog is ~ 74.00 new from Tasca. Get the confirm this is the same for the F-150, or the correct switch for the F-150. You spent this much time & money, an additional 55.00 to get the switch w/ auto and w/ fog is a good idea, and it is new so you know it will work correctly ( not a switch on eBay that might have had a bad ramp job done, and it only works part of the time, maybe ? )
If you decide to go the ebay (used) route, keep in mind that the '97-'99 switches are different than the '00-'03 switches, although externally they look very similiar.
The 97-99 fog lamp switch operation is very different than the 00-03 ( and -4 Heritage & L ) .
The 97-99 MY switches ground on the fog lamp relay ( power from the low beams on the MFS to the switch for the indicator illumination power & to pin 1 on the fog lamp relay, pin 2 is via the switch to ground )
The 00-03 ( 04 H & L ) switches power on the fog lamp relay ( power from the low beams on the MFS to the switch and then to pin #1 on the fog lamp relay, and pin #2 is direct to ground ).
Ok so I went ahead and got a motorcraft switch at the auto parts store. The only other question I have is what method to use to remove the headlight switch on my 2003? I've seen the remove and spin the **** method, will that work on my truck?
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also what fuses/relays need to be placed into the fuse boxes?
That was nice since I'm a wiring noob! If your truck isn't pre-wired for the fogs I'm sure you will have much more work ahead of you but for me it was a piece of cake!
also, i was looking at valances online and i found one that is gray and the other that is dark gray. will there be a diffrence in color?
if there is, do yall know which one belongs with the 01 lariat S.Crews?
if there is, do yall know which one belongs with the 01 lariat S.Crews?



