Summary:
This article was written for those who have interest in running their foglights without running their headlights or running-lights in a 2g Mitsubishi Eclipse or Eagle Talon. The article is based off of a 2g, so I don’t know if it is compatible with a 1g, or not.
Please note:
- This mod still uses the factory foglight fuse, so your circuit is still protected.
- This mod still uses the factory foglight switch, so everything will remain very factory looking after the mod.
- Your foglights will remain on when your high beams are switched on
- After this mod, you need to remember to turn off your foglights separately just like how you turn off your headlights when you get out of your car. Your foglights will stay on even when the car is off and the key is removed unless you turn off the foglight switch.
Disclaimer:
Perform any modification to your car at your own risk. If you proceed, you are assuming that you know what you are doing. I am in no way responsible for any damage done to your car. This article was written for informational purposes only.
This modification is for off road purposes only. If you insist on driving on the road with this modification, check your local laws and be aware if you are breaking the law.
With that being said, this is fairly straight forward and an easy modification to perform.
What you will need:
- 1 hour of your time (depending on your mechanical ability and wiring skills)
- 9 inches of 14 gauge wire (red preferably)
- 1 spade, hook, or ring style electrical connector terminal for 14 gauge wire
- Heat shrink tubing and heat-gun
- Electrical tape
- Wire strippers
- Wire cutters
- Flat head screwdriver
- 10mm socket and socket wrench
- Soldering iron and solder (if you opt to solder)
Instructions:
First, disconnect the battery and locate the fuse block (shown below) under the hood.
Now, to make it easier on yourself, remove the fuse block from the bracket that attaches it to the car (10mm bolts).
Now, remove the cover that will expose the back panel of the fuse block. This requires using a flathead screwdriver and unclipping (9) clips all the way around the fuse block. Be careful to not bend them too much, or you may break them.
Now, pull the cover off of the bottom of the fuse block. Locate the largest of the three wires which connects to the foglight fuse underneath the fuse block. The wire is red with a blue stripe. This wire will need to be cut. I recommend cutting it 3 to 4 inches away from the fuse connection.
Now, it is necessary to cap off the cut end of the wire that runs to the main loom. You can do this in whatever means you find efficient. I wrapped it with electrical tape, and then used heat shrink to cover it to be safe. Realize that this wire will be getting 12V power whenever the headlights are on, so take care in making the wire un-exposed.
Now, we need to extend the other end of the cut wire shown below.
We will extend our wire with our 14 gauge wire about 6 inches, so cut a length of wire at least 9 inches. Connect the new wire to the cut wire which runs to the fuse. You can decide how you want to do this, but make sure that the connection is good, and it is well insulated. I soldered the wires together, wrapped them with electrical tape, and put some heat shrink over it just to be safe.
Now, cut the wire to the correct length to run to the terminal shown below which is on the other end of your fuse block. This 10mm bolt will be used as your 12V source.
Put a spade, ring, or hook connector with the appropriate size on the end of your wire. I put some heat shrink over this connection as well. Now, connect the wire with the connector to the 12V source (the 10mm bolt in the picture above and also shown below).
Again, make sure all your connections are strong and well insulated. We don’t want any fires or electrical components to start blowing in your car.
Now would be a good time to connect your battery and test the new wiring. Turn on the fog lights and feel to make sure all the wires you have modified are not getting too warm. Here is a picture of what the completed wiring should look like.
When all is working well and safe, you can now assemble the fuse block back together and reattach it to the bracket. Note that the fog lights will still be running off of the same 15amp fuse that they were using originally.
Again, remember you must turn off your foglights manually now. They will not turn off with your headlights. Also, a warning buzzer WILL NOT sound when you leave them on with the key removed. You have to remember to turn them off when you walk away from your car, or your battery will drain and die. I may write an article on how to put in a warning buzzer for your foglights, or an article to shut them off automatically with the key being removed.
Now, enjoy your cool looking foglights without the headlights.
Best,
Gregory
Foglights Without Headlights
