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Fog lights acting up

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Old Sep 11, 2002 | 08:19 PM
  #1  
Punch84's Avatar
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Fog lights acting up

I have a set of PIAA fog lights on my max that all of a sudden won't turn on. The on/off switch still gets power, but the lights don't turn on. I was thinking it might be the bulbs, but two bulbs going out the same time?? Last time I had them on was 3 days ago with no problems, but today they won't turn on. Help please.

Dave.
Old Sep 11, 2002 | 10:03 PM
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Try the main fuse for the foglights.... the illumination is probably a different power source.
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 07:35 AM
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If the kit came with a relay, which with PIAA it most likely did, the relay may have gotten wet or something, or may have just crapped out. You might swing by you local auto part store and pick up a new relay. Try changing em out and see what happens. Hell, even if it doesn't work, it wont hurt haveing the extra relay for when it does happen.
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 07:39 AM
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I believe it may be the relay because everything is hooked up right and no fuse is blown. The bulbs looked like they were still in one piece, but I didn't take the lens off to get a close up view. How much do you guys expect the relay to cost?
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 09:16 AM
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Get a cheap voltmeter first, then check that you're getting power to the relay from both the 'big' power side (the one that ends up powering the lights) and from the 'little' power side (the one connected to the switch)

Then, make sure you're getting power out of the big side when the switch is on.

Finally, make sure you're getting power at the bulbs.

You might be able to hear the relay click if you have someone turn on the switch.
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 10:12 AM
  #6  
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Or... you can actually 'feel' the relay click over in addition to hearing it.
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 12:16 PM
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I'd forgotten that. Absolutely true.
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 01:38 PM
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I actually heard something when I pushed the on/off button this morning. I had my door open and I hear a little "click."
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 01:40 PM
  #9  
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That probably means that your switch has power, is working, and is sending power to the relay.

You may not have power on the fog light side of the relay. You need that voltmeter!
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 09:15 PM
  #10  
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Alright, I got home and checked with the voltmeter. The relay is shot. There's power on the switch side, but none coming out to the fog light side. So, I need to get a new relay. Do you think a Pep Boys or Lee Auto would have new relays? I'm gonna go this weekend, but does anyone have an estimated price? Thanks for all the help.
Old Sep 13, 2002 | 09:03 AM
  #11  
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$2-$8
Old Sep 13, 2002 | 12:51 PM
  #12  
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The relay was free. My local import store caries it and just gave it away. Well, thanks.
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