Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

I am looking at adding fogs to my TCH. I am looking at JDM Clear fog lights, any suggestions? Also, they don't come with instructions, any idea where I could find instructions? Where is the best place to add the switch on the dash? I have added fogs to many of my vehicles, however the battery was under the hood, not in the trunk. I assume there is a spot in the fuse box which is hot to tap into or takes a relay? Also any better prices, I have found the JDM's for $82.99 including shipping.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

I too would like to have foglights on our TCH, but I am hesitant to do them as they are not an official Toyota accessory for this car.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Investigate whether they are legal in your state or not. http://search.dmv.org/dmv/fog%20lights

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

I think there were some posts about people purchasing JDM's from Ebay and they worked out well. There is another thread that discussed fog lights....

You might find some of these helpful....

Supplemental Fog Lights
Fog Lights
Current Modified Hybrids and Future Modifications (pages 4 - 5)
Another person who installed fogs

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Thanks all, maybe splicing into the low beams would be an option. I will have to take the time to look at the fuse box and see if there is a spot that is "Hot" that I could wire to that is ignition activated.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

If you do a fog light install, could you take pictures of your steps and post instructions?

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

I can try, I will be doing the spoiler, ground effects, and fogs probably at the same time. I still have to determine which fogs to purchase, and look at the possible wiring alternatives.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Thanks Ronald. I would love to see your implementation.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Because I have gotten so much information from this site, I thought I would finally throw in my own two cents. I totally love my Hybrid and I have made a lot of modifications to it. I just like to mess with stuff.

I added fog lights a while ago and the way I did it was to use the Toyota OEM lights. They are made to fit the cool openings in the lower front of the car and then just buy the rubber pieces used on the Camry XLE or SE. It will look just like it came from the factory. I've gotten a lot of original equipment Toyota stuff from this site: http://www.magauto.com/default.asp?i...catalogid=3408

They have a searchable catalog and many exploded diagrams so you can pick what you want. I even used them to replace my smashed driver’s side mirror - you can order replacement parts by your car color!!!

I was not about to spend the money (or go to the trouble of) replacing my whole steering column with the pillar with the switch. So I found out that the Toyota Fog Light assembly comes with H11 bulbs. A quick search on the web revealed that the Volkswagen MK5 uses H11 Fog lights. You can buy the MK5 harness at: http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/...egory=Lighting and the part you are looking for is the: ECS Fog Light Wiring Harness-H11 Bulbs (ES#7714). The harness comes with the wires, the sockets that fit the H11 bulbs and a nice Bosch relay for switching the lights.

After that, pick a nice dash mounted switch from Pep Boys. I picked one that had a little LED so I knew it was in the "On" Position. I mounted it to the dash panel that snaps out under steering wheel. The little dash switch is powered by tapping into the accessory outlet in the center console. That way the fog lights will go out when you turn the ignition off.

Since I knew I would probably be adding other stuff to the car, I ran a heavy gauge wire from the battery to a new fuse box that I mounted under the driver’s seat. The fog lights are powered through the new fuse box to the Bosch relay. That is important: big power to the lights from their own 15 amp fuse, little power from the Accessory outlet to the switch. You do not want to be running the fog lights off the same fuse as the Accessory outlet!! You’ll blow a fuse if you turn on the fog lights while using your 12V hair dryer!!!

Anyway, it is a little involved, but I really like the fog light look. I bought cool yellow foggers and I love the way they look!! Don’t know if they do a freakin' thing in the fog, but I smile every time I see yellow reflected back from the bumper of the car ahead. So maybe it is just a “make Randy happy” switch!!! :shade:

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Thanks for the info Randyman, my biggest concern now is how to route the wires. I have not had the time to investigate where to run the wires through the firewall, etc. I debated on yellow fog lights, the wife wants clear, you know who will win that one. What color is your TCH, ours is Barcelona Red. It's all about the "make Randy happy" isn't it! Any mods you can do to customize the car to your taste always make you smile! Yes, the fogs really add a nice look to the car. I will probably go with the JDM fogs, they come with the wiring harness and switch.

You said the panel on the dash pops out. That's the panel where the ECO switch is? I've been afraid to force anything and we have only had the car for 2 months. It looks like it is seperate from the Knee airbag panel, is that true?

Thanks again.

Ron

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Hey UWAdventurer!!!

My Camry is also Barcelona Red and I love it!!! My last car was a Black Honda Civic and I had it for 11 years: It was time to spice things up!!!

Yeah the panel with the ECO switch is where I installed my LED button. There are two stiffening ridges on the back side and there are some clearance issues with stuff behind the panel so pick your area before you drill. It is made of stiff plastic and will give with a resounding pop. It is scary the first time, now I just popped it off to see where I am going to install the switch for the neon undercarriage lights. Hey the car drives like a space ship – it might as well look like one!!!

If you look in behind the center console, up about a foot below the top of the dash – you will see a rubber bulkhead. The rubber seal has a hole in the middle crammed full of the dash wiring harness. It is too tight to feed your wires through. But if you are diligent, you can work the rubber gasket off and pass your wires through the hole. Cover the wire with a plastic tube or a couple of layers of electrical tape so the edge of the hole won’t chafe through your wire. Then replace the rubber gasket, it will pop in when you push enough of it back through the hole.

It is tricky to get to and I found it easier to recline my seat, put a cushion on the driver side floor and reach this bulkhead on my back. I live in NYC and have to do most of my work while the car is parked on the street. Imagine people walking by my car seeing a pair of sneakers sticking up in the air on the driver’s side!!!

If you found a pair of foggers that you like then definitely go for it. If you have a wife that is into what you are doing, then you are a way ahead of the game. I’m still looking for her!!! I guess I wanted to go with the Toyota OEM stuff because I wanted it to look factory. Will you be able to mount yours in the same place? Either way, they will look cool. Once you install the first item, you just get inspired to keep adding and like you said, why not. We own a great car, we are saving gas – we deserve to be creative with such a great auto!! Good luck, I know it will come out great!!!

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Nice work man. I wish I had the time!!

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Thanks mikieboyblue!! It is nice to start participating in a forum with some many other people who love the Camry Hybrid!! I do spend a lot of time tinkering and I'm glad so far I have mostly success stories. I am going to start posting some threads because I guess if people want to try some of this stuff, I have learned a thing or two. Also I do have a couple of "I would have done it different if I had known" stories!!! Do what your time will let you squeeze in, at least you bought the right car!!!

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Those stories would be great! I know that I fear breaking some piece of plastic on the dash when I wont on cars because they just don't make those clips very strong, or easy to get off.

You are a few hours away from where I live (Poughkeepsie).

I look forward to seeing some of your additional information on the mods you have done.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Hey, I think I figured out how to imbed pictures - here goes!!

Ron, I am attaching a picture of a Barcelona Red Hybrid with yellow foggers. Your wife should at least look and then decide - she is still a treasure because she cares about what you do!!!

Here is the front of my Hybrid with foggers on:

https://www.greenhybrid.com/share/fi...Effects006.jpg

Let me know how you decide!!!

I also installed the ground effects kit last weekend and I'll be starting a thread on that over the weekend.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Nice car, looks like a very familiar color...LOL.

My ground effects is on order, Razzi with "simulated" dual exhaust. That looks like what you installed, correct? Start a thread, I am interested in how difficult it was to install and any suggestions you have for me.

Great info on the lights, thanks! We will decide on the fog light color this weekend probably. Looking at the JDM with super white bulbs. About $85 it looks like.

We have 20% tint on our windows, installed last weekend.

Shhhh.., yes she is a good wife. don't tell her. It's really her car, but she is good about letting me add what I think is needed. Ground effects was a bit of a push, but she does like the look. I'm sure she will help me install everything, she is a hands on girl.

Great car and great look Randyman! Keep the great threads coming!

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Yeah I installed the Razzi Kit and it was pretty easy. I'll go more into it when I start that thread and I'll also attach a pdf (I think that is one of the allowable attachments) of the Razzi instructions.

I think the biggest tip would be if you have 2 jack stands, borrow a pair from a buddy or neighbor. Each piece needs to be secured in the wheel well. So if you can get the car on jack stands, remove all 4 wheels - you could probably do it in about 3 hours!!!

Since I only had two stands, I was constantly lifting the car, installing one wheel taking off another. I was exhausted cracking and tightenting lug nuts!!!

A wife that is not only into car tinkering, will let you play with her car and will even help you do it - you are just too lucky!!!

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Randyman, I have ramps and jack stands, sounds like I'm in business.

What did you use to clean and wipe the wax off the body to ensure the tape would stick on the Razzi? My kit may should be here in about a week. I am going to take my time and look over the instructions and round up some additional help to do the install. I want to make sure I have everything I need before I start the installation.

I showed Mama (the wife) your pic. She likes the sporty look, I think she still wants the clear lights though. I figured the yellow would make the car "different" from the others, maybe if I keep talking... I tried on the Razzi spoiler but she liked the stock, so stock it is!

Did you install the simulated exhaust also? Looks like there is a mount point above the plastic panel on the rear drivers side.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Purchased the JDM clear fog lights today on EBAY. The wife wanted clear, however if we change our mind I see there are yellow bulbs on the net that can be purchased. Looks like there was good feedback on these from other purchasers. Will look at the wiring when it warms up. :sun:

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

What would a dealer charge to install a set of fog lights on a TCH?? Is it something that can be done at home in an hour or so or will it take 5-6 hours?? I looked at where the fog lights go and there is not much access to that area on the car. Any help would be appreciated!! ;)

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

I don't know what the dealer would charge, everything I have asked about was extremely expensive. I will do it myself and have the sense of satisfaction when I'm finished. Fogs will take a while to install because everything is so tight, I will take the time to figure out exactly how I will run things before I start, so I imagine it will be several hours.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Hi Chris,

I am not really sure how much the dealer would charge, but I had one guy give me a WAG (Wild A__ Guess) of around $1000. But keep in mind they are talking about the official fog light installation – the lights, the harness and replacing the steering column pillars with the ones with the fog light switches. You can’t really ask a Toyota Mechanic to go “off the reservation”. You may be able to find some local mechanic to do a custom job that is cheaper.

What I described in the earlier threads is a custom job. Toyota OEM fog lights, Volkswagen MK5 wire harness and a little switch on your dash. I think the overall cost was probably about $250.

It was about 5 hours work because I was making it up as I went along. Access to the fog light bays is pretty easy actually. You have to remove the two panels under the front of the car - a bunch of screws and a few of those pop out fasteners. Running the wires from the dash was a little more work. Read my thread about getting to the bulkhead behind the dash. It was a lot of time under the dash.

Like a lot of these projects you have to stick with it. Luckily there is a lot of advice in this forum and people who are willing to share their experiences.

I hope that helps,
Randyman :)

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Got my fogs installed except for running the wires through the fiewall and installing the switch. Figured out the wiring before I started the install since there were no wiring instructions. Nice OEM set from Ebay. I am debating about splicing into the parking lights to power the relay. Thoughts anyone? That would eliminate the swith and running the wiring through the firewall. They would also go out with the lights.

Any help on aiming the fogs when I'm done? I usually back my car about 25 feet from my garage door and aim them below my main lights. The lights have adjusting knobs on the bottom, should be easy enough.

Found the main battery lug in the fuse box under the hood. Ran my main 12V feed for the lights off it through the relay. A lot easier than running off the battery in the trunk. I haven't had a chance to take pics of the install, I am having trouble sizing them to be useable after attaching them. Not so good on the computer. I will try to write up the install instructions after I'm finished. It pretty straight forward.

I'm waiting on a replacement bezel, one was broken when I received it, the Ebay seller is replacing it.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

please share some pics and your wiring installation when you already installed your foglights. Im also planning to get one but im hesitant to install one because i dont know how to do the wirings

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Finished my fog light install. Looks nice. It's raining, so I will get them aimed in a couple of days, plus I've been working 7 days a week. Tired.

Special thanks Mikieboyblue and Randyman for your help and experience. Several others offered suggestions and help, thanks to you also.

Rechecked the accessory plug as recommended, originally had my meter set wrong, DUH! Told you I was tired!! Thanks Mikieboyblue. Used it to close the switch on my relay to supply the battery power to the lights so they cannot be left on if the car is not running.

Installation was not all that bad, just have to be flexible.

Again, thanks all!!!!!

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

I have not looked yet but if i wanted to install the OEM fogs is any of the wiring already there? It would seem that they might put some of the wiring in. As far as the steering column switch. We are talking about the stalk on the left side of the wheel right? So to get the OEM switch I would just need to put a new stalk on that has a switch. My concern is that if I put that switch in, the wiring harness that goes from that switch to where ever, does it already have the wiring for the fogs there? it would seem that it would be more cost effective to just at least run the wiring but not add all the components such as relays, lights etc.. maybe someone could elaborate on this.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Congratulations Ron!!! I know it was tough job to install but I bet you have spent a lot of time in front of your car, admiring your work!!! Please post pictures soon and remember that feeling of pride and satisfaction makes this DIY stuff so much fun!!!

If you are using the Accessory outlet to trigger, did you use the port hole in the firewall? Did you go upside down like I did?

Any word on the Razzi kit? I know it must be driving you nuts. Not sure what the hold up could be. Factory Wings pulled the kit, painted it and sent it in less than 2 weeks. With any of this mail order stuff, if they don't ship it - they can't charge you. That alone is insentive for them to rush. Also the longer they delay, the more a customer has time to have second thoughts!! Let us know how that install goes as well.

Congrats my friend,
Randyman

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Hey Alex,

You can see from my earlier threads I installed the factory lights and did not find the connectors back there. For all of us fog light fans, it seems like the "Holy Grail" and we wish we could just click and snap those things in place.

I've removed the under fairings and never saw anything that looked like a connector waiting for a fog light. I did see connectors attached to a grounding lug. I thought they may be for lights but the Toyota Lights use an H11 connector and there are no H11 connectors anywhere near the front of the car. I went with the VW harness because they happen to use H11 connectors and had a complete fog light kit with a Bosche 12V Relay.

Yeah the "pillar switch" is the steering column switch on the left. I know I looked it up but I forgot how much that costs. After not finding any matching connectors down there, I just went ahead with my own install as described earlier.

I still like my lights and as I said, "I smile everytime I turn them on!!"
Good luck,
Randyman

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Would anybody be generous enough to write up some instructions for how you did this. Some of us non-technical people would greatly appreciate it. For those of that can't read to well pictures would be helpful too!!

I would like to attempt this but have never done any wiring on a vehicle before...other than adding in my IPod interface recently.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Congrats Ronald! I am glad it worked out and all is well. :-D

You're welcome.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

I will try to post some pics and instructions this weekend for those who are asking.

The Razzi kit is in my garage, I have to wait for my help to be available to install it. Leaving on vacation May 30th for 2 glorious weeks in Bonaire scuba diving! I will blow some bubbles for all you guys while I'm there. So, sometime in June I will get it installed.

I will get them aimed this weekend also. It's nice to see lights in to "block spots" in the front of the car. The biggest thing is to take your time on the installation.

Thanks again for the help and kind words everyone!

I will finally get some days off this weekend.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

None of the wiring was there for my installation. I added a seperate switch below the small vent near your right knee. I used that area because the switch supplied goes deep into the dash, and there were steel dash supports in the way in other places. I did not attempt to replace the stalk because you have to disassemble the steering column, and I'm not going there. I did have to extend the wiring because the runs were not long enough in some cases. The kit I bought was nice and fit into the stock mounting points supplied under the car. Only one screw holds them in place, so I added two wire ties to each light "just in case" the screw came loose from vibration. Once you install the new light covers you cannot see the wire ties.

Buy a nice OEM kit if you are going to add fogs. My kit had no instructions, however, if you have some experience, it is self explanitory as to what wires go where. I ordered my kit from Trendgear on Ebay. One of the light bezels arrived damaged, they replaced it. The second one arrived damaged. They have another in route, hopefully it will be intact. The kit was about $63 and $20 shipping. It has H11 super white bulbs, and you can order it in yellow also.

I will post a more complete instruction this weekend and ask, (I mean beg), the wife to help me post pics. LOL!

Actually once I figured out where to bring the two power supplies from it wasn't that bad. I wouldn't wire in the lights without using a relay.

If your interested in adding fog lights, or any modification, go for it. People here will definately help you, just ask your questions. You will have a sense of satisfation when done, and save alot of money.

Thanks everyone and have a great holiday weekend this weekend.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Does this look like the lights you guys got? If so I think I found the EBay sellers supplier. They're in China.

http://www.globalsources.com/gsol/I/...1004844252.htm

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Yes. I had found that website also. Looks like you have to buy in bulk.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Forgot to mention I received my second replacement bezel this evening. It was undamaged.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Hey Dan,

I added fog lights a while ago and I used the Toyota OEM lights and Camry XLE/SE rubber covers. I've gotten a lot of original equipment Toyota stuff from this site: http://www.magauto.com/default.asp?i...catalogid=3408

They have a searchable catalog and many exploded diagrams so you can pick what you want. I even used them to replace my smashed driver’s side mirror - you can order replacement parts by your car color!!!

I saw that the Toyota Fog Light assembly comes with H11 bulbs. A quick search on the web revealed that the Volkswagen MK5 uses H11 Fog lights. You can buy the MK5 harness at: http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/...egory=Lighting and the part you are looking for is the: ECS Fog Light Wiring Harness-H11 Bulbs (ES#7714). The harness comes with the wires, the sockets that fit the H11 bulbs and a nice relay.

No problem with deliveries and I've bought a lot of stuff from MagAuto.com.

The lights in your link look like the OEM lights and I am guessing they fit exactly the same. I think I payed about $250 for the pair of lights and $65 for the harness and relay.

I like the fog like light look and I think the installation is worth the trouble.
Randyman

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Randy,

Thanks for the info. This a great place to come. I just wish I could be as helpful as most of you guys are. I hate to always "take" and not give back.

I'm not sure if we are supposed to link to other forums so I won't post anything here yet but yesterday I was on another Toyota site and found a guy who posted simple instructions with pictures of the fog light install. He ended up running on of the wires directly to one of the fuses for the low beams. He only connected it on one side of the fuse so that way the fuse still functioned properly. Now whenever he has low beams or high beams on the fogs are on. If someone can let me know it ok to link to it I will throw the link up. He did it on a regular Camry but I'm pretty sure it will work on the TCH too.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

Coolshock1, I considered wiring to my low beams, however, I opted to be able to run my fogs independently of my other lights.

Technically it is illegal here to run fogs only or with high beams. I have never seen anyone pulled over for it, even when I was a LEO.

I would assume the wire he ran to the low beams went to his relay to close the switch to allow the battery lead to power the lights. I would not power the lights themselves from the low beam wiring. The bulb wiring can be run from the battery lug in the fuse box under the hood to the relay, then from the relay to the lights. It is very easy to access the positive lug and run the wire down through the bottom of the fuse box (there is already a passage there) to the front of the car. I put a solid round connector on my main light power wire and bent the connector 90 degrees running the wire up from the lug, then right back down through the passage through the bottom of the fuse box. This allows you to replace the fuse box cover without any modifications. There is plenty of room behind the driver side headlight area to mount your relay and run your wiring. That allowed me to position my 15A fuse right next to my fuse box under the hood, very easy to access. I used alot of tape and wire loom to wrap all my wiring. I tied my grounds together under the front of the car and chose to use the factory ground screw under the hood on the driver shock tower. (Look behind the corner of the air box, you will see it, a 10MM screw).

Don't worry about "taking", the day will come when you can help us for sure. Everyone looks at things differently and the observations and experience of everyone makes things easier for us all.

Great people here willing to share experience, they sure have helped me. I am not sure I have helped anyone yet, hopefully something I've said has helped someone, or will some day

Thanks for the vacation wishes, it can't come soon enough.

Re: Adding fog lights-what brand?
 

He didn't go to the lowbeam wire. He went straight to the fuse. If you would like I can send you the link to his installation...pictures and all.