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Adjust the (almost) OEM Fog Lights

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by DrScooter, Oct 30, 2011.

  1. DrScooter

    DrScooter Junior Member

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    I purchased the kit from our on-board shop. They are listed (I think) as Fog/Driving lights and further, it does say a broad and far reaching beam. I like them and they put out alot of light. I always run them in the day for bad weather and I like them to light up the night, seems I get that you got your high beams on flash from on-coming traffic at times. I don't want to be annoying :cool: yet I like a bit hotter lights which sometimes are assumed to be brights. That said, when I light it all up Hi/Low and Driving/Fog Lamps the Prius is blinding to on-coming traffic but great out on a lonely stretch of highway late at night and helps me pick up little critters eyes so they don't become a bump in the night.

    However, I'm not too handy and had them mounted by a shop, (not the dealer) so I wonder if they may be aimed too high? I do have my first "Dealer" 5,000 mile review/wheel rotate so I wonder if there is a proper test/adjustment so I can have my lights and be polite. :cool: Fact is, I do take long overnight drives that cover many miles way out in the country so animals are a big concern. I had upgraded "bulbs" in my Honda but the Prius lights do a good job and these Fog/Driving Lights seem to reach and give good peripheral light too.
     
    #1 DrScooter, Oct 30, 2011
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Yes, there is an aiming procedure. It is covered in my document. Follow the Fog Light link in my signature.
     
    #2 spiderman, Oct 30, 2011
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Spiderman, could you update the pdf to show the actual steps for aiming the lights to DOT specs? I know how to do it but some people may not understand that they need to measure the center point of the light housing then mark the wall (25 ft away) 2" lower than the measurement they took on the light housing, etc..
     
    #3 F8L, Oct 30, 2011
  4. DrScooter

    DrScooter Junior Member

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    Spiderman and FL8 thanks, I found it, read the instructions and think when I go into the dealer for my 5,000 visit I'll see if they are so warm, fuzzy and wonderful as they said they would be when selling me the car. I was reading that "other" post on the "Yellow" light covers. In my wasted youth Fogs were always in yellow, not to mention having a bit of extra protection to the lens couldn't hurt. Did not notice where to get them from but will look, guess that's not something "we" sell. :rolleyes:


     
    #4 DrScooter, Oct 31, 2011
  5. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    If the dealer wont do it then report back and we'll help you out. The process is easy but finding a blank wall that is in a dark area and where you can park 25ft away is the hard part. :)
     
    #5 F8L, Oct 31, 2011
  6. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Plan B, assuming the low beams are properly adjusted.....

    Find a convenient dark wall, measure or mark where the low beams shine.

    Measure how far (on the car) the fog lights are mounted below the low beams.

    Adjust the fog lights so they shine that far below the low beams.
     
    #6 xs650, Oct 31, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  7. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    Aren't they supposed turn off with the high beams?
     
    #7 mgb4tim, Oct 31, 2011
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Yes.
     
    #8 F8L, Oct 31, 2011
  9. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    If you hook the fog lights up according to the diagram and hardware that comes with the kit, the fog lights will be on with both the low beams and high beams.

    If you use the fog lights correctly, in fog conditions, then you should not have the high beams on anyway.

    In order to have them switch off with the high beams you would have to add another relay that is connected to the high beam signal wire and switch the fog lights off when the high beams come on. Some on here have added the second relay to do this.
     
    #9 jdcollins5, Oct 31, 2011
  10. mgb4tim

    mgb4tim Noob

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    100% Agreed. I've failed PA inspections because my aux (I added) lighting didn't function as with the use of the highs. I added the relays, like you mentioned, and it went off without a hitch. My wife's Suzuki factory fogs cut out with the highs.

    My post was directed to the OP who mentions they were all on at the same time.
     
    #10 mgb4tim, Oct 31, 2011
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