Modifying OEM Fog Lights On-Off Settings

[SixOpRidge]

After installing the fog lights I noticed that they only work when headlights are in the "on" position and the fog light switch is depressed. So I have two questions to ask:

1) Has anyone modified the wiring to turn on the fog lights when the main light switch is set to "parking lights" as well as the "headlights" (low/high beam)?

2) Has anyone modified the wiring to turn on the fog lights when the main light switch is set to "off" and sound the chimes when lights are left on and key is not in the ignition?

I don't know how difficult it would be to modify the wiring in either case, but I don't know a thing about circuit diagrams (page-16 of the instruction sheet) and thought I'd post the questions to all of you smart people on the ROC. Here's a link to the instruction sheet: https://hondacuraworld.hostasaurus.c.../foglights.pdf
Any help would be appreciated.

-SixOpRidge

[captmiddy]

I don't know how to answer the modification questions, but be sure to check the local laws about fog lights. I know in some regions you must have on your headlights before you can have on your fog lights. Always best to make sure you aren't going to get yourself into potential trouble.

As to the chime thing, it would likely be a lot of wire splicing and perhaps some that you shouldn't splice.

[SixOpRidge]

Thanks for pointing this out captmiddy.

According to Nebraska Statutes and Constitution Section 60-6, 225 Spotlights; auxiliary driving lights; signal lights; other devices; intensity and direction. "...Auxiliary driving lights shall be turned off at the same time the motor vehicle's headlights are required to be dimmed when approaching another vehicle from either the front or the rear."

If I interpret this correctly, I can ONLY use my fog lights when the high-beams are on. Well, so much for any mods to the wiring harness...sheesh!

-SixOpRidge

[captmiddy]

Originally Posted by SixOpRidge

Thanks for pointing this out captmiddy.

According to Nebraska Statutes and Constitution Section 60-6, 225 Spotlights; auxiliary driving lights; signal lights; other devices; intensity and direction. "...Auxiliary driving lights shall be turned off at the same time the motor vehicle's headlights are required to be dimmed when approaching another vehicle from either the front or the rear."

If I interpret this correctly, I can ONLY use my fog lights when the high-beams are on. Well, so much for any mods to the wiring harness...sheesh!

-SixOpRidge

I don't think that statue is meant for fog lights. It would never make sense to have fog lights on when you have your headlights on high beam. In fact turning on high beams during fog can blind you to things around you as the light reflects off the fog. There is likely another one intended for fog lights. I know somewhere around here that fog lights are illegal if there isn't fog or reduced visibility caused by mist. They tend to be pretty bright and can blind on coming traffic if used on a clear day/night. I see people with their fog lights on all the time and want to smack them because it certainly makes it hard for others to see and doesn't really improve their visibility. I also believe that the law there requires that your lights be on. I haven't checked with Mass law since I don't have fog lights and it isn't really a concern for me right now.

[bigtars@hotmail.com]

Why is it that some drivers can go coast to coast-border to border with one headlight and then others can't go around the block without their driving-fog lights on? My guess is that users of these lights think " Hey,look at me,I'm cool!!!" Or "Hey look at me, I'm ignorant and have to have my driving lights on all the time". Or maybe the driver is in a fog all the time? They have no consideration for on-coming traffic. Maybe a hammer being introduced to the foglight region would be equal consideration.

[oldguy]

I'm confused as per usual!?#@ Here in Western Carolina, I have never been
blinded by fog lights and thought that they would be a good addition to my RTL. Normally, around here, the lights seem to be pointed downward slightly
not to be annoying, Whats the scoop??? Also, has anyone addressed the day light running issue; that is, you can have your dims or regulars on and leave the vehicle and they turn them selves off in 30 secs and when you start up again they turn themselves on. I hate that dinging reminder and forget to turn my dims on when I start out again.

[captmiddy]

Originally Posted by oldguy

I'm confused as per usual!?#@ Here in Western Carolina, I have never been
blinded by fog lights and thought that they would be a good addition to my RTL. Normally, around here, the lights seem to be pointed downward slightly
not to be annoying, Whats the scoop???

First it really depends on the angle you meet the vehicle at. Fog lights point more flat than regular low beams do, this is the purpose for them. So what happens is if they are coming up a hill their beams tend to hit you higher than they normally would. The reality is they offer no good to the driver unless it is foggy, yes it is a little (and I do mean little) more light in front of you, but it is in the same region as your low beams are. The purpose of fog lights is to cut forward through the fog in a direction your low beams can't help with and to ensure that you see things out in front of you.

The real issue is for people who are already sensitive to light glare from oncoming vehicles, like myself. Fog lights being on makes it very difficult for me to even continue to see cars in front of me in my own lane let along the oncoming traffic. This could just be a bad choice in glasses by myself but this has always been a problem for me and thus I tend to not drive at night if I can avoid it. And before anyone asks, I have been tested and am perfectly legal to drive at night so I won't be running over your kids, cats or yourself . To me fog lights are almost as bad as someone coming toward me with high beams on.

[LadyRidge]

Originally Posted by bigtars@hotmail.com

Why is it that some drivers can go coast to coast-border to border with one headlight and then others can't go around the block without their driving-fog lights on? My guess is that users of these lights think " Hey,look at me,I'm cool!!!" Or "Hey look at me, I'm ignorant and have to have my driving lights on all the time". Or maybe the driver is in a fog all the time? They have no consideration for on-coming traffic. Maybe a hammer being introduced to the foglight region would be equal consideration.

Hmmmmmmm..my turn.
I have always driven with my headlights on and now I drive with my fog lights on 24/7. I don't pull out of the drive way without them on. My reasons are simple.
1. Courtesy to on coming traffic. As a truck driver of too many years to count and a school bus driver, it's a good habit to get into. I DO have consideration for oncoming traffic that's why I burn them all the time.
2. I got the fog lights because I thought I would be able to run them separate. I have early morning fog in my area every morning and snow that comes down so hard and fast that sometimes I have to drive with NO lights just to be able to see.
3. I DO look cool with my fog lights on.
4. I DO want people to say, "Hey look at me". WHY? I drive a Honda Ridgeline. WE ALL like that attention.
5. I am not in a fog all the time although with my always positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life people may think I am. That's ok..I don't mind.
6. Don't show up in my region with a hammer. We'll have an issue and I don't like issues.
Other than that...can't think of a single reason why I use foglights.

[Tex's Ridge]

Originally Posted by ladyridge

Hmmmmmmm..my turn.
I have always driven with my headlights on and now I drive with my fog lights on 24/7. I don't pull out of the drive way without them on. My reasons are simple.
1. Courtesy to on coming traffic. As a truck driver of too many years to count and a school bus driver, it's a good habit to get into. I DO have consideration for oncoming traffic that's why I burn them all the time.
2. I got the fog lights because I thought I would be able to run them separate. I have early morning fog in my area every morning and snow that comes down so hard and fast that sometimes I have to drive with NO lights just to be able to see.
3. I DO look cool with my fog lights on.
4. I DO want people to say, "Hey look at me". WHY? I drive a Honda Ridgeline. WE ALL like that attention.
5. I am not in a fog all the time although with my always positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life people may think I am. That's ok..I don't mind.
6. Don't show up in my region with a hammer. We'll have an issue and I don't like issues.
Other than that...can't think of a single reason why I use foglights.

It's not nice to mess with the Queen of ROC...back off bigtar!! what kind of name is that? do you have a bunch of tar stashed somewhere?

[flymuck]

I like the fact that the OEM fog lights only work when the headlights are on low beam. That way you can't be a jerk (high beams + fog lights = what's the freakin' point??), not even accidentally. And I see no point at all in using them when there's no fog (which there is daily at my house in the morning, BTW), because they really don't add that much light when there's no fog!

The other day I was really freaked and saddened by the fact that I'd been driving with my high-beams on (my significant other had used the car the night before -- I never leave them on when I turn off the car, in case I don't notice that they're on next time I put the lights on). I saw the blue light in the dash, but for some reason (probably because I've been working 12-hour days, and am physically and mentally drained) I thought it was just the "your lights are on" lights. No one across the road flashed me... it wasn't until someone waved at me when they turned off in front of me that I realized it... and I felt so bad! I never do stuff like that... well, ok, *almost* never, apparently...