Foglights not working

WestCoastSVX · #1 03-12-2002, 08:59 AM

Like many of us, any time my headlights are on, I have the foglights on. The other day I noticed one of my foglights was out. I turned off the fog switch so it didn't look "off balance" and went with just headlights until I had time to change the bulb. (as we all know the fogs are a PITA to change) I changed the bulb and went to test it, only to find both sides were not lit up now.

Never had something like that happen before. I happened to have another pair of stock bulbs on hand so after another day I tried again, this time replacing both sides before turning the switch back on. Still nothing!

As far as I could tell, the bulb I replaced the other day still looks OK too, not burned out, but I'm no expert. I haven't checked the two in there now, but they were fine when I put them in. I have no idea about this, can something suddenly go bad in a connection somewhere, or the switch or what? The only other thing is when I went in the car and hit the fog light switch on the dash, there was a faint "click" a second or two after I hit the switch. I was by myself so I do not know if the fog lights briefly lit before that click or not. And I never have paid much attention so maybe that click is normal. Just trying to give you guys as much info as possible...
Thanks!

Seraph · #2 03-12-2002, 09:38 AM

Troy,
I assume you already checked your fuse but check that again I guess. That faint click might be the fuse going out. I don't hear clicks when i turn them on. Otherwise, get a volt meter and check for voltage.

Lwin

#3 03-12-2002, 10:52 AM

Troy, before swapping bulbs, I'd make sure you have 12 volts to the sockets. If you don't have a voltmeter, maybe you can find someone who does. I'm not near any manual or my car now, but if there is a fuse, check that, and I suspect there is a relay as well since, on my SVX anyway, the fogs go off if the brights come on (i suspect to limit the current draw). The clicking may also be a sign of there being a relay.

#4 03-12-2002, 12:23 PM

As I remember from putting in new PIAA bulbs. There are some little wires in the housing that need to be routed properly. I pinched one and blew the fuse the first time.

B.

kuoh · #5 03-12-2002, 01:08 PM

When a fuse blows, there is a often a "pop" that can also sound like a click. Chances are that when he changed the first bulb, he shorted it and caused the fuse to blow, which would explain the subsequent results.

KuoH

Quote:

Originally posted by Seraphim
Troy,
I assume you already checked your fuse but check that again I guess. That faint click might be the fuse going out. I don't hear clicks when i turn them on. Otherwise, get a volt meter and check for voltage.

Lwin

kuoh · #6 03-12-2002, 01:10 PM

That little wire is the positive side of the bulb. The base of the bulb is the negative or ground side. If the wire is pinched or touching any part of the base or the clip that holds the bulb in, you'll have a short circuit and a blown fuse.

KuoH

Quote:

Originally posted by Boone
As I remember from putting in new PIAA bulbs. There are some little wires in the housing that need to be routed properly. I pinched one and blew the fuse the first time. B.

#7 03-12-2002, 01:37 PM

Yep, the only hassle was taking them both apart to find the short. It's very tight. Fuse is marked under the dash.

benebob · #8 07-25-2002, 11:54 AM

took my car to for its post- 10th anniverary meet cleaning last night and found that neither of my fog lights are working. Hoping its just the fuse.

benebob · #9 07-25-2002, 06:13 PM

Well I checked the fuse and she blew all right. Tried to put two new ones in and they both blew. Anybody have a wiring diagram for the lighting. Better yet any of you PA boys good at wiring? I just don't have the patience for it for some reason..