VW Passat fog lights!

ardle1

Hi I'm just about ready to install aftermarket front fog lights on my 2001 VW Passat.. I have all I need, and the actual fitting is no problem to me, also I would be pretty handy at basic wiring and switch's, my question is, can I install my new fog lights in a simple way without a relay, that's what I was gonna do originally, but I've been hearing stuff about relays and harness's... I will be installing them to their own separate switch and probably directly to my battery, is that ok? Thanks in advance.

colm_mcm

The relay doesn't really add and real work to the job.
You can get a pre-done loom and switch which will take the guesswork out of it.

JimmyCrackCorn

ardle1 wrote: »

Hi I'm just about ready to install aftermarket front fog lights on my 2001 VW Passat.. I have all I need, and the actual fitting is no problem to me, also I would be pretty handy at basic wiring and switch's, my question is, can I install my new fog lights in a simple way without a relay, that's what I was gonna do originally, but I've been hearing stuff about relays and harness's... I will be installing them to their own separate switch and probably directly to my battery, is that ok? Thanks in advance.

You can wire them to the battery and use a switch. Be sure to use the correct wire for the job and above all use fuses and proper connectors and corrugated ducting makes it look neater..

The relay kit is usually used so you can trigger them from another switch like rear fogs.

ardle1

JimmyCrackCorn wrote: »

You can wire them to the battery and use a switch. Be sure to use the correct wire for the job and above all use fuses and proper connectors and corrugated ducting makes it look neater..

The relay kit is usually used so you can trigger them from another switch like rear fogs.

Will I fuse it between battery + and switch or switch + to light or both!

JimmyCrackCorn

Howto on a Can Bus vehicle wit relay.
http://forums.evolutionm.net/lancer-how-tos-installations/431771-how-install-ebay-fog-lights.html


Fuse is as close to the battery positive as possible and the size of the fuse depends on the fog light wattage.


An easy option would be to buy a pre-made ebay harness.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/CHEAP-SHIPPING-HID-Wiring-harness-Loom-with-12v-Relay-for-35w-50w-55w-70w-75w-100w/643396828.html

A hid one is not much different.

ardle1

Thanks for all your help lads, just to get some corrugated ducting/insulation and I'll get stuck in...... No relay needed, wiring straight from battery \fuse/ to switch then on to closest light(fog) then loop to furthest light (fog)....

mickdw

You wouldnt think of getting the original switch from a car with front fogs and wire it that way?

ardle1

mickdw wrote: »

You wouldnt think of getting the original switch from a car with front fogs and wire it that way?

Thanks, I have a switch on the way, proper looking one with fog symbol, if it doesn't arrive good plan.....

ardle1

ardle1 wrote: »

Thanks for all your help lads, just to get some
corrugated ducting/insulation and I'll get stuck in...... No relay needed,
wiring straight from battery \fuse/ to switch then on to closest light(fog) then
loop to furthest light (fog)....

Ok change off plan this is what I'm going with, only issue I will have is,if you look at the plan .... That single wire coming from fuse box to switch! can anyone tell me what its connected to... Is it the main power coming into the fuse box?

P.s That red line is one I've added, just pointing to the wire I'm talking about. And I'll probably be using a regular rectangle fog switch!

colm_mcm

I'd be more inclined to wire it so that when the lights go off, so do the fogs, ie use the lights as your feed for the switch rather than the ignition?


Also, the original front fog switch (where fitted) is on the light switch, one pull out does front fogs, two pulls does front and rear fogs.

JimmyCrackCorn

Its a fuse tap on a switched live like accessories(radio)

http://4x4icon.com/crossfire/pioneer_tuner/buss_fuse_tap.jpg


The idea being that you cant have the lights left on without the engine running as you will have no switching current..

sean1141

You need to swap the wire coming from the fuse box in the picture above with one for the parking lights.

ardle1

colm_mcm wrote: »

I'd be more inclined to wire it so that when the lights go off, so do the fogs, ie use the lights as your feed for the switch rather than the ignition?


Also, the original front fog switch (where fitted) is on the light switch, one pull out does front fogs, two pulls does front and rear fogs.

sean1141 wrote: »

You need to swap the wire coming from the fuse box in the picture above with one for the parking lights.

Right, so I'll tap into the live(+)wire going to my side/parking lights and bring that up to the switch...... Off course makes sense now... Sound lads.. Btw anyone know where I'd get that relay or similar one?

mickdw

Bog standard 4 or 5 pin relay. Any motor factors will have it.
The idea is that only very small current is drawn through the switch circuit.
The main draw is then direct from battery to lights.
Power will be constant to the relay from the battery but will only cross over to lights once relay is energised.