So I have the JDM fog lights, they are re-wired to be on whenever. I tapped into the cigarette lighter for the constant power. When I see other XB's with the US fogs on, theirs just seem brighter than mine. Is this because I am using the cigarette lighter as the power source? Also I think the beam pattern is also made for driving on the left hand side. Making the beam patter like this : ------_____
-So are my JDM fogs dimmer only because of the power source used or are these fogs simply just NOT that bright? I had HIDs in them but long story short, it didn't work out.

 

power source has nothing to do with it.

surprised you didn't blow the cig lighter fuse if that's where the power is coming from..

i like the jdm fogs... a friend of mine stuck hids in them... uhm... talk about bright.... probably why you took your's out?

but yeah... shouldn't be a big difference..

 

Ya, the power shouldn't be the cause. It's probably your light bulbs. As for the beam pattern, make sure the bulbs are fitted correctly, and that the lens are also fitted evenly on both sides, giving you an even beam pattern.

 

For some reason, the domestic factory fogs have no silvering or shiny reflecting coating inside. The jdm fogs apparently DO have the expected shiny coating and therefore produce a much stronger, more efficient light output.

Only positive thing I can say about the ones that Scion sells here is that because there is no shiny lining (like the headlights) but only a dull gray paint, the lenses do take on a nice "smoked" appearance LOL.

As far as your question, bossman, I'm surprised to hear that you think the domestic fogs seem brighter than your jdms. Everything I've heard (or read on SL) seems to indicate that the jdms with their proper reflector backing are MUCH brighter than Scion OEM ones.

SIDE NOTE (innocent thread jack?): Fogs typically work best mounted as low as possible to the road surface to minimize bounce-back in fog, rain, snow, etc. The location Scion chose is really not very good, whether you choose OEM or jdm. A lot of us with boxes have taken out the outer pop-out panels in the lower grill and put in some kind of proper fog light (rectangular works best: more reflector/lens area to produce better light coverage) on each side. I have mine switched and relay/wired up into the parking-lights as daytime running lights in low-light or REAL fog/rain/snow conditions. I use the OEM fogs for extra added visibility in REALLY bad fog/rain/snow.

 

TheShortBus- Because of the 'reflective backing' on the JDM fogs, that is why I went with them in hopes they would be brighter, but when they are on...its a dim output onto the road. As for the aiming, I really can't 'aim' them since once the bulb is locked into the fog light assembly, it only has a little give for movement for going over bumbs and that sort....i may just trade these for some USDM fogs if this still bugs me. BUT I did get the light to be illuminated!! lol

 

is that why you got rid of the hid setup? hmmm i gotta rethink the usdm/jdm fog lights

-Sean

 

What type of socket/bulbs are you using?

 

the bulbs that came with the fog lights...so oem 9006 bulbs.

 

USDM ones use 9006 also, so I dont see how the light output is different.

 

bossman,

just occured to me: are you saying that when you stand in front of the car---or are facing your reflection in a store-front window---that the fog lights output appears weak?

or are you saying that when you're driving at night, with the jdm fogs on, that there doesn't seem to be much of a "see-able" beam pattern anywhere out in or along the road surface?

if it's the first one, then i don't know what to tell you.
But if the second case is what you're noticing, welcome to the (domestic) club, buddy. That's why i mentioned Scion's location for factory fogs was a bad one as far as usability vs. looks. There really isn't too much light spread out in front of the box DOWN ON THE ROAD where it should be (easily seen). The aftermarket ones mounted down in the lower valance do a nice job, tho.

 

like im asking....if it deals with my power or grounding source as to the reason why it's not as bright.

 

if you still not satisfied pm me i may want to take the off your hands.

 

Me too. I'll take if if he doesn't want them.

 

Except for the fully mirrored reflector, the JDM fogs are identical with the US version. They are made from the same parts! So, they should look brighter than US version.

As far as aiming goes, both US and JDM can be aimed the same way. Vertical adjustment is done by turning the gear-shaped disk behind them. Looks similar to the adjusters used to adjust the headlights. Maybe yours are just aimed badly.

 

ill take them if you dont like them :-P

 

its not that I dont like them...just for how much I paid, I expected more out of it. I mean I DID pay a fair amount for them so thats why im scratching my head on this issue. I tried looking at where the aiming module is for the fogs but 1. i cant really see inside very well due to the small size of the engine bay and 2. just dont know where the 'adustors' are exactly located.

 

well jdm is always more expensive but in some cases not better for the user. like the actual oem 1st gen headlights. being it's frosted it is pretty dim compared to the newer headlights 2nd gen and us ones.

 

I just switched over to the JDM ones, and they are brighter than the U.S. ones.
And the price for the JDM are only around eight dollars more than the U.S. ones.

 

kewlbox- what did you ground your wire to? I have it set up to where I can use them as DRL's....im still wondering if it has to do with my grounding or power source. Also- I never heard back as to WHERE the adjuster is on the fogs for the beam pattern.

 

I've never taken my fogs out to see if they can be adjusted. Maybe someone else would know?