Scheme of connecting fog lights through the ignition switch. What are fog lights for? Current requirements for mounting additional optics

In bad weather, when the air is saturated with moisture, ordinary white light is scattered and reflected from the water droplets, creating an almost opaque veil.

Special headlights, which are called fog lights, by creating a wide horizontal luminous flux directed at the road, and not into the thickness of the fog, significantly increase visibility. In addition, yellow light is less reflected from water droplets, respectively, the transparency of the light spot improves. Also, the fog lights illuminate the roadside well, which can be very useful on steep and winding roads.

Fog lamp design

There are no significant differences in the design of fog and conventional headlights, the same body, light bulb (light source), reflector and diffuser. The main feature of fog optics is that the light flux should not be directed above horizontal. Good visibility in bad weather is provided by beams with a clear upper boundary, located as close as possible to the road surface.

Since fog usually “spreads” not along the ground itself, but at some distance, the best option for fog lights is optics with ellipsoid reflectors. Unlike round reflectors, they allow you to form a wide horizontal strip of light, well illuminating the road in any weather. To prevent the rays of light from being projected upwards, special screens are provided in the design.

In accordance with current regulations, fog lights must be mounted no higher than the head optics and no more than 0.4 m from the side dimensions of the car. Usually they are mounted as close to the ground as possible. However, it is not recommended to install below 0.25 m because of the high probability of cutting off the headlights by some obstacle or as a result of a defect in the road surface.

Fog lights can be used both conventional halogen and xenon bulbs. There is no reliable data on which lamps are best to use. Naturally, xenon optics shines brighter and more powerfully. But at the same time, she blinds even more. To ensure the normal operation of fog lights, it is necessary to provide additional equipment: fuses, relays, a power button and control indicators.

How to install fog lights with your own hands + Video

The most popular and practical are fog lights with iron reflectors and ordinary glasses that can withstand 55 watt bulbs. The power of these lamps with the correct adjustment of the headlight is quite enough for any conditions. Experienced experts recommend installing domestic models on a car, for example, the same Kirzhach. This choice is determined by both practical and economic considerations. Firstly, imported headlights are more expensive and replacing glass in case of damage will cost a lot. Secondly, domestic devices are more reliable and unpretentious in operation. Thirdly, they are easier to mount and replace if necessary.

Stages and sequence of installation of PTF

Consider step by step how to install fog lights yourself. First, prepare the material and tools. In addition to the foglights themselves, we will need ceramic connectors, relays, a fuse box, corrugation, clamps, a button, wiring, insulation and self-tapping screws. You also need to stock up on a connection diagram in advance, which today is not a problem to download on the Internet. From the tools you should prepare pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, a drill, drills, a ruler and gloves.

Fog lights are usually mounted on or under the bumper. In most models, regular places for installing fog lights are provided, as well as a socket for a relay and a button on the dashboard. If your car has it, then the installation process is greatly simplified.

Before installing the fog lights, you should remove the bulbs from them to avoid damage. When doing this, use gloves so that there is no contact of bare hands with the flask.

    First we prepare the bumper. It must be clean, so wash the car first. We select a stable surface on the bumper and mark symmetrical places for mounting headlights.

    We drill holes, treat with anti-corrosion material and mount the headlights.

    We lay the wiring in accordance with the wiring diagram for this model. Negative wires must be connected to the body, and positive wires must be connected to the power contacts of the relay. All wiring must be well insulated and securely fastened.

    The block with the relay and fuse should be mounted in a convenient place to prevent moisture from entering. In this case, the contact wires must be directed downwards. If your car has standard connectors, then there will be no problems with choosing a place for the relay.

    On the dashboard, we install the button for turning on the fog lights, if it is not provided for by the design.

    Having previously disconnected the positive terminal from the battery, according to the scheme, we connect the power through the fuse.

    We put and check the work.

    After checking the performance and completing all installation activities, it is necessary. If desired, you can additionally buy a can of paint and paint the fog lights in the color of the car body.

    Self-replacement fog lamp

    As a rule, it is necessary to change the foglight in case of damage or failure. Before changing the fog lamp, do not rush to immediately dismantle the device. First you need to identify the cause of the malfunction. Perhaps the lamp just burned out or a wiring problem.

    If you still need to make a replacement, you should prepare screwdrivers, pliers or pliers and the appropriate keys for this car model.

    First of all, we prepare the car. It must be installed so as to get the most convenient access to the fog lights. Depending on the specific model, you may have to turn the front wheels completely in one direction or another. Sometimes, in order to gain access to the optics, it is necessary to remove the bumper, fender liner, and so on. Comfortable conditions for replacing fog lights can be created by first raising the front of the car with a jack. At the same time, do not forget to securely fix the car in this position with an additional emphasis.

      Disconnect the AB power supply.

      If the foglight is covered with a protective grille, unscrew its mount and remove it.

      We disconnect the power harness block, unscrew the fastening screws or compress the spring latches (depending on the specific model) and pull out the fog lamp. In some cases, you must first remove the optics, and then disconnect the wiring.

      After that, we mount the new headlight in the reverse order.

    As a rule, the procedure for replacing the fog lamp itself takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Most of the time is spent on providing access to the front optics. This is especially true of foreign cars in which fog lights are built into the bumper. After replacing the fog lamp, do not forget to adjust the headlight beam.

Fog lights are not mandatory equipment of the car. However, their presence will make travel more comfortable and safer. Installation does not require special skills. Installing and connecting PTF to the wiring is quite feasible at home. To do this, you will need a mounting kit for connecting fog lights, simple plumbing tools and insulation.

What are foglights for?

The car's standard headlights provide sufficient visibility in clear weather. However, in bad weather, he is of little use. The problem is that the beams of the dipped and main beam lamps are reflected from fog drops or snowflakes, creating a “white shroud” in front of the car.

This is the result of two factors:

  • narrow optical beam is better reflected from the surface;
  • high-mounted headlights illuminate an area with a high concentration of fog droplets.

PTFs are specially designed for operation in severe weather conditions. And it's not about the yellow filters, which some drivers consider a panacea in foggy weather. No wonder the traffic rules allow the installation of PTF in two colors - white and yellow.

Such headlights cope with bad weather due to a couple of important properties:

  • Beam width. The wide beam is less reflected from water and ice and does not create a "white veil".
  • Fixing height. The concentration of fog near the ground is lower. Therefore, a low location allows you to highlight under the veil.

The last point is especially important. If you install the PTF at the level of the headlights, they will not cope with their task.

In addition to the front PTFs, which improve visibility from the driver's seat, rear fog lights are used, duplicating the dimensions. They clearly indicate the car in conditions of poor visibility, but have excessive brightness. Therefore, they should not be turned on in clear weather.

Requirements for installing fog lights

PTFs consist of three housings with a base for mounting the lamp, a reflector and a glass diffuser, which provide the desired shape of the light beam. Features of operation and the purpose of foglights imposes special requirements on them, which are reflected in the current rules of the road:

  • you can install no more than 2 headlights;
  • PTF should be fastened with an indent of 40 cm from the side edges of the car and above 25 cm from the road surface;
  • the beam must be directed lower than the low beam headlights;
  • visibility angles cannot go beyond the following values: -10…+15 degrees and -10..+45 vertically and horizontally, respectively.

In the bumper of modern cars there are special places for mounting fog lights. In their absence, foglights should be mounted according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Main requirements:

  • rigid fastening of PTF on brackets;
  • fuse protection;
  • the correct angles of the direction of the light beams.

PTF connection via relay and button

There are several options for pairing the PTF with the vehicle's on-board network. Connecting fog lights through a relay using a separate button is the most convenient, safe and correct solution. To do the job you will need:

  • fog lights;
  • connecting terminals;
  • 15 amp fuse;
  • four-pin relay;
  • connection block;
  • wires;
  • insulation or heat shrink tubing.

Materials are included in the installation kit and are sold in one set with PTF.

From the tool you need screwdrivers, pliers and a knife for stripping wire insulation.

Proper vehicle equipment is a guarantee of safety for both the driver and his passengers. Even mild weather changes can reduce visibility while driving, making driving dangerous for all road users, including the driver.

Why do you need fog lights on a car

In bad weather, in snowy or rainy weather, the light of the distant and dipped headlights scatter, creating a veil that complicates the visibility of the driver. Installing foglights is the best solution to improve visibility on the road, both at night and in bad weather. The main purpose of such headlights is to supply light. With the right settings, fog lights can illuminate up to 10 meters of the road in front of you and up to 5 meters to the sides. The basic equipment of many cars does not provide for such an upgrade, but you can equip the car with fog lights yourself at the lowest cost.

The principle of connecting foglights

To equip a car with fog lights, you will need:

  • wires;
  • insulating tape;
  • fog lights;
  • power button;
  • relay and foglight block;
  • fuse (15 amp).

If there are no special places for fog lights on the bumper of the car, you need to drill them yourself in symmetrical places, or buy such lights that are simply screwed to the bumper.

The car must be driven onto the overpass and the mass disconnected from the battery so that there is no short circuit during repair work.

Instructions for installing foglights on a car through a relay.

  • It is necessary to remove the main panel, under which the lamps from the backlight of the furnace regulator are located. Light bulbs can be put aside, they will not be needed further.
  • Now you need to find a two-pin connector. It is located at the end of the wire from the backlight. You will need to run your hand over it to find the necessary detail.
  • We connect the first wire from the relay to a two-pin connector, and attach the second wire to the PTF power button.
  • To establish a 12-volt network in the system from dimensions and 84 contacts, you will need to connect the wire to the relay. The relay can be removed in any place convenient for the driver - behind the instrument panel or under it, under the body trim, in the fuse box, etc.

If you connected the radio yourself, there should be no problems. The principle of connection, although not identical, is similar.

  • Now you need to stretch the contact at number 87 to the battery under the pedals or along the wiring to the engine compartment.
  • We stretch contact number 86 to ground to the body.
  • Fog lights have two wires - minus and plus. The latter (“positive”) will need to be connected to each other and sent to the battery.
  • Then you need to send them to the relay and connect to connector number 30.
  • "Minus" is sent to the body.
  • It is necessary to wrap all bare wires with electrical tape and check the reliability of the connections.

If the fog lights do not work, check that the relay connectors are connected correctly. Clicks will be heard when installed correctly.

Here we considered the option of connecting fog lights powered by the interior stove. You can also connect from the rear window heating block. To do this, you will need to use wires from the button for turning on the heated rear window to power it. The connection principle is the same as described above, only using a different power source

In the first version, the fog lights will work in conjunction with the dimensions, and the "recharge" from the rear window heating button assumes that these headlights work from the ignition switch. The second option is better suited for daytime driving, as fog lights can be used instead of running lights, not including dimensions.

Features of installing foglights

  • Fog lights should be installed strictly below the car, so if your car does not have a special place for them, place them as close to the roadway as possible. So, it turns out a "layer" between fog and light, which provides good visibility to the driver. Do not install fog lights above the head lights.
  • It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the headlights, you can also protect them with special safety grilles that will save them from being hit by stones, sticks, etc.
  • To avoid fogging or clouding of the glass, it is recommended to polish with a special solution once every few months. This procedure is especially relevant for drivers who often drive on sand. You may also need such glass treatment after the winter.

Fog lamp setting

After completing the installation of the fog lights, you need to make sure that they work, and then proceed with the adjustment.

  • Park the machine on a level surface in front of a garage, gate, or wall.
  • Check the tire pressure - it should be equal.
  • Measure the distance from the ground to the middle of the headlight.
  • Subtract 5 cm from this value and draw a strip on the wall at a distance corresponding to the value obtained.
  • Turn on the fog lights and position them in such a way that the top line of the luminous flux is on the drawn line.

To install foglights, you do not need to have special skills, you need to buy a set of high-quality headlights and stock up on tools. Installation of fog lights can be done independently, most importantly, follow the instructions clearly. Fog lights significantly improve visibility on the road at night and in bad weather. By equipping your car with such an element, you will not only simplify the movement for yourself, but other motorists will see you better.

Not all cars in the factory have PTF - fog lights. Meanwhile, this is a rather useful option, which often helps in various situations. However, this is not a serious problem, because sets of such headlights are sold separately in almost any specialized parts store. Do-it-yourself fog lamp installation is a simple and effortless operation.

The cost of such a service in auto repair shops is quite high. In some cases, it can be compared with the cost of the set of such headlights. In such a situation, there are no people who want to spend extra money, and in most cases spend it unjustifiably. In addition, from a technological point of view, there is nothing complicated.

Naturally, the very first step is directly choosing and buying the right kit. Here it is necessary to take into account all the features and requirements: car model, headlight type, mounts, etc. The decision of these issues falls entirely on the shoulders of the motorist.

What can be advised in such a situation?

It is worth looking at all the offers available in stores and car markets. On sale there are ready-made kits specifically for a particular model of machine. Naturally, it is easier to work with them. But in some cases it will be cheaper to purchase a universal set or even look for all the parts separately.

Any fog light kit includes the following parts:

  • Directly the PTFs themselves;
  • A set of wires;
  • Terminals for wires;
  • 4-pin relay;
  • Remote fuse;
  • Switch.

In addition to all of the above, you may need additional connectors, a variety of clamps and fasteners. And, of course, a set of tools must be at hand: a Phillips and flat screwdriver, keys 8 and 10, a knife and pliers.

After purchasing everything you need, once again check the availability of all the parts required for work, as well as their integrity and safety. Only then can you start the installation process. Since you have to work with electrical equipment, it is worth remembering the basic safety rules.

Installation process

Before starting the installation, be sure to disconnect the battery. Otherwise, there is a risk of a short circuit. Next, you need to inspect the car for any malfunctions and mechanical damage that may interfere with work. First of all, attention should be paid to the bumper, because it is on it that new headlights will be attached. Next, you can plan in your mind how exactly the wiring will be laid.

Installing fog lights with your own hands takes place in several main stages:

  • Installation of PTF on the bumper;
  • Installation on the dashboard of a special switch button;
  • Direct connection of connectors and wires.

Of course, it must be borne in mind that in practice everything is far from being as simple as it sounds. All three stages have their own characteristics and difficulties.

Installation of headlights on the bumper

It is necessary to remove the crankcase protection and the bumper itself. The headlights are installed in special places (they are closed with plugs), after which they are fastened with screws. Sometimes it's worth thinking about how best to mount them. Next, the wires under the hood are pulled out. It is better to immediately fasten them with clamps so that they do not interfere. The "minus" wires are connected to the car body.

Once everything is ready, you can install the bumper and crankcase protection in place. Don't forget to connect the wires to the connectors directly on the headlights themselves. Also, the second end of the wires is pulled into the cabin - it will be connected to the button. To do this, use the plug under the wiper motor.

Push button installation

We remove the panel under the steering wheel and the center console trim, as well as other elements that will interfere with work. We take out the plug of the free button and bring the wires of the contacts to it. There may be some difficulties with how to introduce a new element into an existing electrical circuit.

Headlight connection

We open the fuse box and connect the terminal from the PTF power button to the corresponding relay socket (85). The black wire terminal is also connected to the relay, and the other end to the car body or ground. The terminal with two taps of this wire is installed in socket 87, and the taps themselves are installed in the corresponding fuse sockets. We take out the harness from under the hood and connect the terminals to the second fuse sockets. The red wire terminal is connected to socket 30. For this, a connector is used. A relay and two fuses are installed in the fuse box.

After that, everything is installed in place, a final check of the connections and their integrity is carried out. If everything is in order, then the battery is connected and the performance of the headlights is checked.

Video

The following video is also devoted to the installation of fog lights:

If on modern cars, even in the budget segment, fog lights are basic equipment, then for the VAZ-2114 it is an option. From the factory, foglights are installed only on luxury equipment, and even then, not always. Installing foglights with your own hands will not cause any difficulties if you know some of the nuances and be able to distinguish wires by color. But first, let's select a kit for installation.

We assemble a kit for installing fog lights on the VAZ-2114

Installation of fog lights on the VAZ-2114

Regardless of, how to attach foglights to the bumper of the car, to install them, you must have a certain set of components, without which the installation will be impossible.

The difficulty lies in the fact that the foglights have a rather tangible power for electrical wiring, so the installation of a relay and a special button is mandatory.

Be sure to connect through a relay, otherwise you can get a short circuit (short circuit)

If you do not install a relay, but simply connect the headlights through a button, there will be high current loads on the ignition switch and on the terminals, which can lead to burning of contacts, overheating and damage to the insulation, and this is fraught with a short circuit with all the ensuing consequences.

Complete set of components

To install a pair of foglights on the VAZ-2114, it will be necessary to find a specific set of components, or buy such a set in finished form. Its price is from 500 to 700 rubles, depending on the manufacturer (quality), and it includes this:


And, of course, the fog lights themselves. You can choose them however you like. don't overdo it with power so as not to overload the generator. It has a power reserve, however, it is not designed for a high load, so it is better to refuse xenon light immediately.

Video about choosing the right fog lights

Do-it-yourself PTF connection algorithm on the VAZ-2114

To begin with, it is worth considering the places where the foglights are attached.

The VAZ-2115 bumper already has places for installing additional light; by analogy, you can cut them out in the VAZ-2114 bumper.

You can be smart and install the headlights on the brackets without cutting the bumper, and some headlight kits provide decorative and protective plugs that are easier to install, and such headlights will look neater.

Now the progress of work:

  1. Installing the button in the cabin. On all VAZ-2114 trim levels, there is a place for a button on the tide to the left of the driver on the front panel. Although, the power button can be set arbitrarily, as long as it is convenient to use it.

    The fog lamp button can be installed on the panel instead of the plug

  2. We remove the grille with the speaker on the standard front panel, we find two free connectors - one for turning on the headlights, the second, smaller, for illuminating the button and for indicating the operation of the light.
  3. We install the button in place, connect the chips to the button. Everything is here, you can install the grille in place.

    We connect the foglight button and install it in place

  4. Open the hood, find the mounting block with relays and fuses. Here we will install the foglight relay, unscrew the two nuts securing the unit, raise it.

    We unscrew 2 nuts on the mounting block fastening (marked in red)

  5. On the bottom panel of the block we find two blocks numbered 7 and 8. You can’t make a mistake, since each block is signed from the factory.
  6. We find the wiring harness from our set with four contacts and conduct it from the fog lamp relay to the fuse box.

    We carry out a four-terminal block of harnesses from the relay to the fuse box

  7. We fix the relay on the engine compartment.

    Installing the fog lamp relay

  8. We connect the wires from the relay to connectors 7 and 8 in this order - terminal 30 on the relay to terminal 8 in connector 7, terminal 87 on the relay to connector 1, terminal 85 on the relay to connector 17 of block 7, terminal 86 on the relay goes to ground. Terminals 2 and 3 from block 8 go to the left and right fog lights.

    We connect the wires of the fog lights according to this scheme

  9. We install the ground wires on the fog lights, they are attached to the mounting nuts of the headlights.

The circuit will definitely work when the parking lights are on.

The fog lights will be on when the parking lights are on.

Left adjust the direction of the fog light so that they do not blind oncoming drivers. The process of connecting and selecting fog lights on the VAZ-2114 is shown in more detail and clearly in the video. Good luck to everyone and bright light.

Video