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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: West Haverstraw, New York
A better idea would be to wire a relay to the fog lamps.
Then direct wire the additional fog/ driving lamps to the battery
with an in-line fuse.
Doing it this way does a couple of things.
1. no additional switches required.
2. no flicker from the engine,(because of the load.)
3. Your not over-loading the fog light circuit with too many lights.
4. you'll have piece of mind by knowing you fused the added lights.
IMO this is the easiest/ simplest way to build an aux. lighting circuit.
Good Luck.
Then direct wire the additional fog/ driving lamps to the battery
with an in-line fuse.
Doing it this way does a couple of things.
1. no additional switches required.
2. no flicker from the engine,(because of the load.)
3. Your not over-loading the fog light circuit with too many lights.
4. you'll have piece of mind by knowing you fused the added lights.
IMO this is the easiest/ simplest way to build an aux. lighting circuit.
Good Luck.
Last edited by BoneShkr; Aug 26, 2012 at 07:53 PM. Reason: fixed typos
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Originally Posted by BoneShkr
A better idea would be to wire a relay to the fog lamps.
Then direct wire the additional fog/ driving lamps to the battery
with an in-line fuse.
Doing it this way does a couple of things.
1. no additional switches required.
2. no flicker from the engine,(because of the load.)
3. Your not over-loading the fog light circuit with too many lights.
4. you'll have piece of mind by knowing you fused the added lights.
IMO this is the easiest/ simplest way to build an aux. lighting circuit.
Good Luck.
Then direct wire the additional fog/ driving lamps to the battery
with an in-line fuse.
Doing it this way does a couple of things.
1. no additional switches required.
2. no flicker from the engine,(because of the load.)
3. Your not over-loading the fog light circuit with too many lights.
4. you'll have piece of mind by knowing you fused the added lights.
IMO this is the easiest/ simplest way to build an aux. lighting circuit.
Good Luck.
Thanks,
Dominic.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: West Haverstraw, New York
Originally Posted by DJR
I don't know for sure, but I think the wiring for the OEM fogs on my 2011 JKU is crap. I have burnt out both bulbs on several occasions. I have even completely replaced the light unit on one side but that didn't help either. I have now purchased aftermarket fogs I plan on installing directly to the battery but I was wondering if I can still use the factory switch to turn it on. Sounds like your post says I still can. Is this correct? The direct wiring to the battery would solve the load issue and splicing into the fog lamps would still let me use the OEM on/off switch? Sorry for the rookie question, but how does the relay work? Any pictures?
Thanks,
Dominic.
A relay is a switch. It allows a low current go to your switch,(on the dash) and directs a high current to go from the battery to the lights.
You need to fuse the positive lead from the battery to the relay, if you want to wire your
Circuit safely.
A good gauge of wire to run from the battery to the relay and from the relay to the lights is 12. Especially if you plan on installing off
-road lights. Depending on how many amps you'll be drawing, and the length of wire, 12
Gauge is the safest way to go. Keep it simple,
Make the positive leads Red and the negative
Black. The frame,& engine block are a good
Source for a ground. "scuff" the area you want
To attach a ground to and use dielectric grease
To keep moisture out of you connection points.