converting fog lights to driving lights

John cub owner · #1 02-11-2012, 10:29 AM

Today I am picking up my new 2011 Ranger. It is nearly identical to my 2001, except for the color which is silver metallic. That is a nice color that will not show dirt very badly, but in this area it also blends in with many of the faded black top roads. I remember a few years ago when I used to frequent the ranger station forum that someone had come up with a kit to convert the fog lights to driving lights that would let them be used for either purpose. I assume the one used then would not work with current ones, but does anyone have an idea on doing it?

FireRanger · #2 02-11-2012, 10:31 AM

That doesn't make much sense so I'm not sure what you're asking. Describe what you want the lights to do. They will work anytime the parking lights or low beams are on FYI

06fordfx4 · #3 02-11-2012, 10:32 AM

driving lights as in daytime running lights that are always on?
or lights to be used along with the headlights?

FireRanger · #4 02-11-2012, 10:44 AM

Well they can already be used with the headlights. Just push the button and they turn on.

06fordfx4 · #5 02-11-2012, 11:04 AM

Yeah I thought maybe he mean they Always go on when headlights are turned on.

I really don't get the question lol

John cub owner · #6 02-11-2012, 05:01 PM

I believe the current term is running lights. In my younger days they were called driving lights. I want them to come on anytime the truck is running. And also would like to be able to turn them off if not needed. There are times I do not want to be readily noticed. I was thinking about tapping the lead powering the fuel pump to operate a double throw relay which would disconnect the fog lights from the circuit and provide power from an independent fuse. A simple switch someplace on the dash could be used to disable the circuit.

FireRanger · #7 02-11-2012, 05:11 PM

They're called daytime running lights. Driving lights are auxiliary lights designed to supplement headlights. Fog lights are auxiliary lights designed to light up low and close to the truck for inclement weather.

Do not use the fuel pump circuit. There are numerous circuits in the fuse panel you can tap into for this.

crazymays77 · #8 02-11-2012, 05:17 PM

yeah just find a power source that is only on when the key is on and run that to the power side of the fog light button. then you can turn them on and off anytime you want and they will be on when ever the key is on also. pretty simple to do. i would do it but my lights are busted and have not bought new ones yet.

FireRanger · #9 02-11-2012, 05:19 PM

The factory fog light switch is ground side switching.

crazymays77 · #10 02-11-2012, 06:40 PM

oh didnt know that. guess you would have to find the power wire for the fog lights and put that wire there instead. should still be able to do it thou.

FireRanger · #11 02-11-2012, 06:44 PM

Ya. If there was a ground circuit that activated with the key-on, that would be nice. But I can't think of any.

John cub owner · #12 02-19-2012, 03:49 PM

From the info you all have provided, I will need to use a DPDT relay, and control it with a lead that switches hot when the ignition is on . The relay would break both sides of the light circuit, connecting one side to a fused power circuit, and the other side to a ground, since as I understand the fog lights are powered of the headlight circuit, but the switch provides ground. The running lights could be disabled with a toggle switch to either break hot side of relay coil, or ground side, which would restore them to normal fog light operation.

TerrenceStuart · #13 02-21-2012, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John cub owner

There are times I do not want to be readily noticed. .

why, are you doing criminal activities?

RangerEdgeWhite · #14 02-21-2012, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by machine

why, are you doing criminal activities?

ahaha

FireRanger · #15 02-22-2012, 05:49 AM

The switch does not provide ground to the lights. The switch provides ground to the relay.