Fog lamp wiring

I recently bought a pair of fog lamps from ebay but they come without the harness and switch:banghead: . I tought about wiring them myself, but I am a little confused as to how to wire them to a simple switch and to the battery:uhoh: . Also, can I use the oem switch without having to reprogram the BCM? Thank you all in advance.

Well, I bought a kit off ebay and the seller said how easy it was to install yada yada yada...he didn't say a dam thing about having the PCM (or was it BCM) reprogramed or I wouldn't have bought them. It cost $79 at the dealer but to answer your question about the switch...it would be better to take and put a switch in the old switch box and wire it to a relay then try to make the one that plugs into the trucks wiring harness work.

...it would be better to take and put a switch in the old switch box and wire it to a relay then try to make the one that plugs into the trucks wiring harness work.

Wouldn't that eliminate the need for the reprogram? If you run a hot wire to a switch you put in yourself, then to the lights, and ground them, you're not using the harness in the truck, why would the BCM care? Or is that exactly what you're saying? :)

I used the factory fog light switch and wiring and had the BCM programmed. You are exactly correct in that if you run the wire to a separate switch you are bypassing the trucks computer and avoiding the extra expense. There is a chance that your BCM might see the fog lights and not need reflashed but of course...that was not to be in my case.

I didn't like the fact that I had to always turn them on and use the factory SP/ST switch so I wired mine seperately.
If it helps here is a diagram of how to do it.
http://www.classictruckshop.com/clubs/earlyburbs/projects/bosch/foglite.jpg

I bypassed the stock system and wired it this way and I think it cost me an extra $5 for the switch and wire...

I bought a kit on ebay a while back. It came with everything i needed to install it and it looks factory. I did not have to get the BCm reprogrammed. Think I paid like $150 or $175.

yeah I also dont like having to use turn them on the factory way, and thanks a lot for the diagram, I dont know where you guys get these but they certaintly help a lot. However I just had a few doubts about the diagram. I have previously wired sound systems and know a little of electronic, i.e. soldering, positive, negative... lol:iceslolan but I am a little confused in the part of the diagram where the switch goes to the fusebox (what fuse should it go to?), and the indicator I suppose is only to know i have them on right? Also, is the relay supposed to be dangling somewhere (or taped to the truck somewhere) or does it go to the fusebox (i didnt have fog lamps when i bought the truck). And one last thing... is it possible to get the original switch and somehow modify it to work like a regular on/off switch? And sorry for the ignorance but any clarification would be very much appreciated.

The diagram above is a representation of a independant fog light system. The Fuse box shown is just to supply the 12v power to turn the relay on, and could be any 12v constant (or accesory power) needed for the relay. Not the actual fuse box. The indicator is to show that the fog lights are on (not neccesary but very nice to have). The relay can be put anywhere your little heart desires as long as it is wired up correctly, as for it being in the fuse box that is a NO. It is a aftermarket part. And last but not least. It is possible to use any type switch you want (including a factory one) if you run it correctly. Witch should not be to difficult Ie. 2 wires for a switch.

Peace and good luck.

Gary

"It is possible to use any type switch you want (including a factory one)"
I disagree...the switchbox on the dash as a unit plugs into a wiring harness that goes straight to the computer. There is no way to break out the wires...or even know which wires are for the switch. I for one have no desire to play russian roulette with my BCM. After I installed the factory fog light kit including the switchbox and lamps I took the truck to a dealer that I trust (it took awhile to find one and it's a GMC dealer) and had them install the single wire that goes to the underside of the fuse box and set the BCM to turn the lights on and off with the switch...piece or pie...or is that cake...I can never remember.

Hey guys, I've been wondering what do you all mean when you say the fog lights are on all the time? When I bought my kit, it came with everything, when I want the fog lights on I press the fog light button, and when I want them off I don't press the button. My fog lights are not always on, just when I want them.

I disagree...the switchbox on the dash as a unit plugs into a wiring harness that goes straight to the computer. There is no way to break out the wires...or even know which wires are for the switch. I for one have no desire to play russian roulette with my BCM.
It's Called a "Multimeter". Say it with me. Easy no. POSSIBLE YES.

You can't use the factory fog light switch in any way shape or form because it is a momentary contact switch; which means it sends a signal temporarily. It doesn't lock in, in one state or the other. My truck came with no foglights but the location below the Cargo light switch was blank so I very carefully drilled out a hole for that and put in a nice factory looking switch in there.

Let me know if you'd like to see pics.

You can't use the factory fog light switch in any way shape or form because it is a momentary contact switch; which means it sends a signal temporarily. It doesn't lock in, in one state or the other. My truck came with no foglights but the location below the Cargo light switch was blank so I very carefully drilled out a hole for that and put in a nice factory looking switch in there.

Let me know if you'd like to see pics.


do they sell fogs that are bright like the 03 silverados??? I want to to buy a kit and put silverstars in them would that come close to being that bright????

by the way my truck is the entry level silverado with no factory fog light switch I would have to get that on ebay too I guess and use a relay

"You can't use the factory fog light switch in any way shape or form because it is a momentary contact switch;"

Thank you Chuck16...you da man...

do they sell fogs that are bright like the 03 silverados??? I want to to buy a kit and put silverstars in them would that come close to being that bright????

by the way my truck is the entry level silverado with no factory fog light switch I would have to get that on ebay too I guess and use a relay

I'll take some pics. The 99-02 fog lights suck! No 2 ways about it. Even changing the bulbs probably won't help you much because of the style of lens that they are. I wish I'd known that before I spent $140 CAN on the factory fog lights.

So I purchased a set of PIAA Solitaire 001's and thought I would mount them to the existing housing and use the front of the stock lights. It looks pretty good except that the PIAA's I purchased SUCK! :banghead:

To this day I haven't found a suitable replacement. I suppose the best way to go is to purchase a new air damn and mount in some nice round driving lights. I will keep you guys posted if I do anything more. Anybody interested in seeing the PIAA's mounted in to the stock Foglight Assemblies???

I would like really like to see a picture of your fog lamps, and by the way im almost through with mine. I already did the holes on the valance and installed the foglamps, I just need some more time to do the whole wirng thing

As promised....
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/217712Foglight.jpg

I cut the back of the housing out with a dremel tool and shaved it until the Light fit. Then I made a small bracket to mount the light into the back of the housing. After I had it in the housing I siliconed all around the light to keep moisture and debris out. This is a nice fit as I can still use the stock adjusters for height. Too bad these little lights suck too. I'm planning on trying again with some different lights in the future but, that probably won't be until this winter. Just trying to find the right light. Tired of forking out $$$ only to be sadly disappointed.

$140 CAN for the original POS Fogs, $60 CAN for the PIAA 001 Solitaires.

The 03' and up stock foggers are nice and have some good intensity it's just too bad they don't fit. I'd like to try some Hella's but, at the sametime I'd like to have the freedom to buy some and then try them out before paying for them. Only if hey...

As promised....
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/217712Foglight.jpg

I cut the back of the housing out with a dremel tool and shaved it until the Light fit. Then I made a small bracket to mount the light into the back of the housing. After I had it in the housing I siliconed all around the light to keep moisture and debris out. This is a nice fit as I can still use the stock adjusters for height. Too bad these little lights suck too. I'm planning on trying again with some different lights in the future but, that probably won't be until this winter. Just trying to find the right light. Tired of forking out $$$ only to be sadly disappointed.

$140 CAN for the original POS Fogs, $60 CAN for the PIAA 001 Solitaires.

The 03' and up stock foggers are nice and have some good intensity it's just too bad they don't fit. I'd like to try some Hella's but, at the sametime I'd like to have the freedom to buy some and then try them out before paying for them. Only if hey...


what if you change out lens????
just an idea??

You mean the reflective part? I don't think it would make a world of difference in any fashion. Even when I just wired them straight off the battery in my shop they were pretty pathetic.

I think I might try the Hella FF75's next....

Chuck, did you ever get the FF75's? If so did you get the fog or driving, and how do you like them?

Chuck, did you ever get the FF75's? If so did you get the fog or driving, and how do you like them?

I didn't purchase the FF75's. I did end up buying the Hella FF100's. They haven't arrived yet but, when they do I'll post pics.

Cheers

Sounds good. If you could post pics and let me know how you like them, that would be great.

I REALLY Wanted to start a new post but, that's not working tonight...

Enjoy

Stock OEM GM Fog lights, GONE!

PIAA Solitaire 100's. GONE!

Hella FF100 Installed! and Happy!

Enjoy

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/217712hella_down_low.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/217712hella_front.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/217712hella_on.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/217712hella_side.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/217712hella_back.jpg

They fit in really nice, were easy to wire and make a hella' of a difference at night. If your in the market for decent replacements these are awesome!

Comments and Questions Welcome.!
Please PM Me if you want High Def Pics. AF only allows 80k pics.

Chuck - Thanks for the pics, the FF100's look awesome.

I am considering a set of FF75 fogs for the outside slots, and a set of FF75 driving lights for the inside slots on the air dam.

Did you get the fog lights or the driving lights?, and if you dont mind me asking, is there any reason you went with the 100s over the 75s? Just curious.

Thanks, and once again, the lights look great.

Chuck - Thanks for the pics, the FF100's look awesome.

I am considering a set of FF75 fogs for the outside slots, and a set of FF75 driving lights for the inside slots on the air dam.

Did you get the fog lights or the driving lights?, and if you dont mind me asking, is there any reason you went with the 100s over the 75s? Just curious.

Thanks, and once again, the lights look great.

Hey Man,
They are a fog light that for some reason acts like a driving light. Has great throw and they are low enough not to be intrusive. I bought the FF100's cause they seemed a bit beefer and bigger than the ff75s. Also, the FF75's looked a little too close to the Factory Fog lights and I was a little gun shy after purchasing the stock bulb housings.

I too thought about adding more to the inner area but, decided that this was enough light, for now. I might add more later but, for now these will do just fine.