Fog (?) lights

i feel your pain...
this has been discussed in great length and i've attached a few threads for you to reference below.
bottom line, new bulbs don't appear to make a difference, but rather a complete re-build/conversion to HID.'
see discussions:
http://priuschat.com/forums/newbie-forum/45086-i-want-install-fog-lights-2008-prius.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/55747-2008-pri-fog-light-bulb-replacement.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/55126-fog-light-assembly-how-remove.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/32898-fog-light-cracked.html

 

I can't address Prius specifically. My oldest car has aftermarket fogs, while the less old one has factory fogs. The former are very good in foul weather, the later are awful, more decoration than useful. And after checking out factory fogs on other vehicles, I've concluded that most factory "fog" lights are decorations meant to be legal in all 50 states, including the few where fog lights are illegal.

My factory fogs don't need different bulbs, they need different aim (and possibly a different reflector). But they are very well mechanically engineered to block any attempts to insert shims to raise the aim. Shimming will just lower them.

No more factory fog lights for me.

 

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-main-forum/17460-how-do-you-remove-replace-fog-lamps.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/25807-hid-foglight-install.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/13161-my-official-prius-mods-thread.html

 

I changed my fog bulbs for Silverstar Ultras. Its relatively easy to change, but the results weren't that noticable. It looks better from outside the car, since the projected color more closely matches the HIDs. I did all four on my wife's Outback, and with the fogs and headlights on, the change was noticable. The fogs actually illuminate in front of the road! Not so with the Prius. I'd look at some aftermarket driving lights, and lose the OEM fogs, though I haven't done it myself.

 

http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...-converting-fog-lights-full-tiem-drl-use.html

at least allows you to turn on the fog lights without the headlights. I guess if you left the fog light setting on all the time, it would do what you want.

 

I installed a 9006 bulb HID kit from eBay in the factory fog light housings and the difference is HUGE! They went from lights that you couldn't tell the difference between on/off, to now almost overpowering the HID low beams. I have driven away with only the fog lights on and barely noticed that the low beams were off. (I installed the diode mod that allows the fogs to be on independent of the low beams)

 

Note that in most jurisdictions driving or fog lights can only be on when the headlamps are on. I've read of many owners having to convert them back after receiving a ticket!

Note also that "fog lights" really should be "yellower" rather than "bluer". So HID choice becomes more critical. Driving lights not so much.

Note also that good "driving lights" (good meaning bright enough to actually help you see) WILL attract the attention of the constabulary. Deserved or not.

 

Here's the link to the diode mod for independent operation of the fog lights: Fog lights

Sorry, I don't have photos of my installation, but the only thing you need to do is stick the ballasts to a flat surface with double-sided tape. I stuck the right ballast to the white plastic air intake resonator right behind the right fog light, and to part of the metal structure right behind the left fog light. It was pretty easy to do. The diode installation for the fog light mod was difficult, however, do the location of the wires behind the junction box under the dash.