Fog Light Installation (OEM)
09-17-2004, 07:30 PM
#1
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Fog Light Installation (OEM)
I received my fog lights from http://www.mcgeorgeparts.com/ a few days ago and installed them today. Here are some step by step pics of what I did.
First, I strongly suggest that you purchase (if you don't already have) a jack and jack stands or a pair of wheel ramps since you have to work on the underside of the front. I got some ramps for $20 before the install.
As per the instructions, disconnect the battery of course. Next get underneath the car and remove the 2 plastic covers on the bottom. You'll need a Philips, 10mm socket and a flathead for the plastic push pins. After removing the covers, keep track of where the screws go and pop off the original grill. The instructions recommended a special tool, but I just used my fingers with ease.
On the driver's side wheel well, look for the grounding mount. The ground for the wire harness will be attached here.
Next look for the connector wrapped in black tape. Remove the tape and connect this end to the wire harness
Pop in the new grill and use the clips to hold the grill in. Make sure you put the clips in the correct slot. It might be easier if you remove the grill from its frame, attached it with the clips, and then put the grill back on. (see example below...clip in the pic goes on the left, not the right as I learned the hard way)
Slide the bulbs into the slots and should click right in.
Next run the wires from the along the top bumper and attach to the existing wires with zip ties. Connect the lights to the wires and you should be done for now with the front.
The easiest part is the internal wiring. On the driver's side, pull off the side cover, reach in and pop off the mirror switch panel. With the 3 way wire that comes with the kit, connect one end to the relay, another to the car's white connecter, and the other end to the switch. After the relay is connected, clip it in on the left hand side
Put the covers back on and reconnect the battery and test everything. Once everything is working fine, put the platic covers underneath and you should be all set. Just remember to reset all the windows after reconnecting the battery.
Here are some shots at night.
First, I strongly suggest that you purchase (if you don't already have) a jack and jack stands or a pair of wheel ramps since you have to work on the underside of the front. I got some ramps for $20 before the install.
As per the instructions, disconnect the battery of course. Next get underneath the car and remove the 2 plastic covers on the bottom. You'll need a Philips, 10mm socket and a flathead for the plastic push pins. After removing the covers, keep track of where the screws go and pop off the original grill. The instructions recommended a special tool, but I just used my fingers with ease.
On the driver's side wheel well, look for the grounding mount. The ground for the wire harness will be attached here.
Next look for the connector wrapped in black tape. Remove the tape and connect this end to the wire harness
Pop in the new grill and use the clips to hold the grill in. Make sure you put the clips in the correct slot. It might be easier if you remove the grill from its frame, attached it with the clips, and then put the grill back on. (see example below...clip in the pic goes on the left, not the right as I learned the hard way)
Slide the bulbs into the slots and should click right in.
Next run the wires from the along the top bumper and attach to the existing wires with zip ties. Connect the lights to the wires and you should be done for now with the front.
The easiest part is the internal wiring. On the driver's side, pull off the side cover, reach in and pop off the mirror switch panel. With the 3 way wire that comes with the kit, connect one end to the relay, another to the car's white connecter, and the other end to the switch. After the relay is connected, clip it in on the left hand side
Put the covers back on and reconnect the battery and test everything. Once everything is working fine, put the platic covers underneath and you should be all set. Just remember to reset all the windows after reconnecting the battery.
Here are some shots at night.
09-19-2004, 08:05 AM
#10
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Originally Posted by putz
thanks for the great how-to. the color of your head lights and fog lights look different. are your head light bulbs aftermarket and your fog light bulbs stock?
Also, the foglights cannot be turned on by itself. It will only come on if the normal beams are on. If you turn on the high beams, the fog lights shut off.
09-19-2004, 09:41 AM
#11
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Nice job on the install. :D but...........those fog lights are kinda plain. Also, they are a little on the big side, don't you think? IMO, they make the car less attractive. They should have put them in the little air dams on the sides instead. I don't know, I am not impressed with the design at all.
09-20-2004, 01:15 AM
#12
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Nice job with the fogs. I really like the color of your headlights so I went out and bough some Silverstars today.
Has anyone found a "whiter" replacement for the parking lights? Thats the only part messing up the color on my new lights. I couldn't find any bulbs to those specs at the auto parts store.
- Jim
Has anyone found a "whiter" replacement for the parking lights? Thats the only part messing up the color on my new lights. I couldn't find any bulbs to those specs at the auto parts store.
- Jim
09-20-2004, 04:19 AM
#13
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I saw these and tought they fit the lines of the tC a little betterhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting But I can't find them anywhere!!! Has anyone seen these yet??
09-20-2004, 04:53 AM
#14
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I always hear about Sylvania Silverstars but am not sure what color light they produce... They aren't ricer blue are they? Also, don't they burn out much faster than stock bulbs?
If the answer to both questions is no, I might buy some
If the answer to both questions is no, I might buy some
09-20-2004, 05:21 AM
#15
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I just replaced my headlights with Silverstars and they look great. Now if only I could find the bulbs for the parking lights in that color. If anyone knows if they exist please tell me!
Thanks!
- Jim
Thanks!
- Jim
09-22-2004, 07:04 PM
#17
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Anyone know the dimensions of the air dams? I thought about trying to fit the fogs off an IS300 in there. Don't have my car yet, so I can't measure it myself.
Still, your fogs look pretty nice. Good Job! :D
Still, your fogs look pretty nice. Good Job! :D
10-23-2004, 03:39 AM
#18
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I bought my fog light kit and installed it today after work. The cost was $339 plus shipping. The cost installed from the dealer is $425 plus tax. It works out to about $100 more to have the dealer install. If you have a lot of free time, do it yourself, it is not that difficult. It took me three hours working at a leisurely pace. If time is important ot you, let the dealer do it. If I had to do it all over again, I would pay the dealer instead of spending the better part of three hours under the car in 90 degree weather.
Easy parts:
Taking the existing grille out.
Installing the new grille.
Installing the lights in the new grille.
Attaching the wiring harness in the dash.
Difficult parts:
Removing the two panels underneath the car.
Getting the clips in on the new grille.
Hooking up the wiring harness in the fender well.
Routing the harness up to the top of the bumper.
Securing the harness in place.
Replacing the two panels underneath the car.
Aiming the lights.
I do love the feeling of doing the job on my own but I really did not have three hours to blow. I was almost certain that this was a one to two hour job at the most.
Now I have to tackle the rear sway bar. I am praying that his is a bit easier.
Easy parts:
Taking the existing grille out.
Installing the new grille.
Installing the lights in the new grille.
Attaching the wiring harness in the dash.
Difficult parts:
Removing the two panels underneath the car.
Getting the clips in on the new grille.
Hooking up the wiring harness in the fender well.
Routing the harness up to the top of the bumper.
Securing the harness in place.
Replacing the two panels underneath the car.
Aiming the lights.
I do love the feeling of doing the job on my own but I really did not have three hours to blow. I was almost certain that this was a one to two hour job at the most.
Now I have to tackle the rear sway bar. I am praying that his is a bit easier.
