Fog lamp wiring

Chevy Power 06 · #1 08-10-2006, 02:59 AM

I recently bought a pair of fog lamps from ebay but they come without the harness and switch

. 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

. Also, can I use the oem switch without having to reprogram the BCM? Thank you all in advance.

Sonny01 · #2 08-10-2006, 07:29 AM

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.

guumbah · #3 08-10-2006, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonny01

...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?

Sonny01 · #4 08-10-2006, 10:21 AM

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.

chuck16 · #5 08-10-2006, 11:25 AM

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.

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

mayito · #6 08-10-2006, 01:39 PM

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.

Chevy Power 06 · #7 08-12-2006, 03:36 AM

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

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.

garyindiane · #8 08-12-2006, 08:32 AM

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

Sonny01 · #9 08-12-2006, 09:27 AM

"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.

mayito · #10 08-12-2006, 01:54 PM

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.

garyindiane · #11 08-14-2006, 04:42 AM

Quote:

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.

chuck16 · #12 08-14-2006, 12:31 PM

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.

kenwood guy · #13 08-16-2006, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck16

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

Sonny01 · #14 08-16-2006, 03:20 PM

"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...

chuck16 · #15 08-16-2006, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwood guy

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!

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???

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