Modifying OEM Fog Lights On-Off Settings

5000 Views 16 Replies 11 Participants Last post by celler, Sep 10, 2005

SixOpRidge

Discussion Starter · Aug 23, 2005

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.com/Merchant2/instructions/ridgeline/foglights.pdf
Any help would be appreciated.

-SixOpRidge

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

captmiddy

· #2 · Aug 23, 2005

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

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 23, 2005

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

· #4 · Aug 23, 2005

SixOpRidge said:
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.

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[email protected]

· #5 · Aug 23, 2005

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

· #6 · Aug 23, 2005

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

· #7 · Aug 23, 2005

oldguy said:
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.

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G

· #8 · Aug 23, 2005

[email protected] said:
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.

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Tex's Ridge

· #9 · Aug 23, 2005

ladyridge said:
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

· #10 · Aug 23, 2005

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...

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methodtim

· #11 · Aug 24, 2005

flymuck said:
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...

That happened to me in the truck before as well. I didn't realize that when you push the "multi-function column" foward, it turns your high-beams constantly (I know I should have noticed, Toyotas have been like that forever and I've owned a few) and I was just tired or zonked and didn't even notice my high beams were on until I got home from a 45 mile drive one night. Doh!

Sparks

· #12 · Aug 24, 2005

Uh oh, this thread struck a nerve.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong, but I believe that most states DOT driver’s manuals will agree...

1) FOG lights are to be used when there is FOG present or when conditions warrant their use to provide additional light to the front side of the vehicle which will help the driver to see the white FOG line on the side of the road or lane. Fog lights have a wide low pattern that projects light primarily to the (front) side of the vehicle and immediately in front of the vehicle, much more so than the standard low beam headlights. Driving lights have just the opposite pattern and are intended to put additional light far ahead of the vehicle, beyond the normal reach of the high beams. They do not put additional light to the side of the vehicle. Most states require that the low beams must be on when the Fog lights are on. Unfortunately, whoever wrote that law and wired vehicles so that fog lights can not be on when only the "parking" lights are on has never gotten caught by surprise and driven in the mountains in fog that is so thick that it is difficult to see anything with the headlights on. Pennsylvania requires the low beams to be on when the fog lights are on. I will admit that there are times that I turn mine on when there is no fog. I keep my finger on the off button and turn them off as soon as I identify anything moving ahead. Those times are when deer are a particularly high threat (dusk and dawn when they are in the Rut), and when driving on dark unlit side streets in this college town. Students tend to walk, run or ride anything with wheels, in unpredictable ways, usually while talking on their cell phone or listening to their iPod and are generally completely oblivious to the world around them. The fog lights do light up sneakers pretty well at night.

I find it annoying to have a vehicle coming toward me with their FOG lights on when there is no need for them to be on. It is particularly annoying on dark narrow roads. The effect is very similar when someone is behind me with their G*# D&[email protected] FOG lights on and there ain't no G*# D&[email protected] FOG!

It is FAR WORSE on a motorcycle. It is really miserable (and dangerous) when it is raining and someone has their fog lights on. Bikes don't have windshield wipers. Every drop of water (or bug, or scratch) on your glasses or face shield lights up like a flashlight shining in your eyes. For those that don’t ride motorcycles, please give us a break. Please turn you fog lights off when you see a motorcycle approaching or when you are behind one, even if it is not raining. The same thing can be said, to a lesser extent, for cars with dirty, scratched or broken windshields, or simply have old worn out windshield wipers. Your fog lights do not help me to see better. They blind me! When we are that close to each other, your FOG light are not helping you either.

The bottom line is, please leave your fog lights off when they are not actually needed. When they are on, please be considerate of others and turn them off when there are other people within sight.

2) Who drives with their parking lights on? Are ya savin' electricity? They are called "Parking" lights for a reason. If there is a need for "Parking" lights, there is a need for headlights. In most states it is a ticketable offense to drive while parking, I mean to drive with only the parking lights on. At dawn and at dusk, our eyes have the greatest difficulty with determining distance and closing speeds of approaching vehicles due to the limited depth of field that our eyes have in very low light conditions. Headlights help, parking lights are confusing because they tend to blend into the background. Parking lights can easily be confused with headlights that are a greater distance away and are traveling at a much slower rate.

3) Fog lights can be wired to turn on when only the parking lights are on, but do so at your own risk – of a ticket. It is a fairly simple thing to do. It still may be worth doing if you find that you get caught in very thick fog from time to time. Just be aware.

I would love to see a law that required fog lights to turn off and stay off when the vehicle is turned off. They should have to be turned on manually each time that they are needed and not come on every time that the headlights are turned on. If all vehicles were wired that way, we really would be saving electricity – and gas – but that is the topic for another thread! (Oh please, not again!)

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Lingered_I

· #13 · Aug 24, 2005

Simple rule of thumb - fog lamps should only be used when visibility is less than 300ft. That gives you just under twice the braking distance from 50mph that you would normally need should something appear in front of you. If you're driving at more than 50mph when visibility is less then 300ft then you derserve all that's coming to you. And if you can clearly see another vehicle in front of you, you should turn off your fog lamps because they can surely see you too.

RivaDragon

· #14 · Aug 24, 2005

SixOpRidge, look at my rear window.

SixOpRidge

Discussion Starter · #15 · Aug 24, 2005

captmiddy said:
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.

I just searched a little more but didn't come across anything referring to fog lights. But you're probably right...it doesn't make sense to have the high beam and fog lights on simultaneously. I tried this last night and the fog lights automatically turn off when high beams are on. I'll just leave things as they are since I try my best not to break any laws intentionally

-SixOpRidge

SixOpRidge

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 24, 2005

RivaDragon said:
SixOpRidge, look at my rear window.

Sweet! I thought I saw a photo of your truck with the Autobot logo some time ago, but totally forgot about it. I had the Autobot sticker (color) on my '91 Blazer before I sold it, and have been meaning to apply my Decepticon sticker on the rear-center window for awhile. I may just do that and post a pic

I used to be an avid collector of all kinds of Japanese toys but had to put it on the back burner ever since we bought our first house...then a new RL. If you want to know how much of a geek I was, check out this link: http://mykooltoyz.tripod.com.

-SixOpRidge

celler

· #17 · Sep 10, 2005

I have no comment on the legality of this, but I used these instructions to modify the foglights I installed on our 2002 Odyssey. Worked like a charm. I have no idea whether these insructions are compatible with the foglight wiring harness on the Ridgeline. Maybe someone can try it and let us know.

Craig.

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