How to replace the fog/high beam bulb on most vehicles
Content
Fog lights have a failed bulb when the light is dim or flickering, and also when the light goes out altogether.
Fog lights and driving lights are types of auxiliary lighting. They can be factory installed or bought by the average person and fitted to a vehicle as an aftermarket supplement. There are many different types and configurations of fog lights and driving lights. The content in this article should cover most of the different types, and the basics it outlines should do the job.
Initially, fog lights were designed to facilitate visibility in foggy conditions. For this reason, most manufacturers usually install fog lamps in the front bumper or on the lower trim. The fog generally becomes less dense as it gets closer to the ground. This is the main reason why fog lights are usually mounted lower on the front of the car than other lights. The light is able to penetrate the less dense fog at the lower level and is able to project its beam much farther.
The field of view for high beam headlights is especially useful when driving in rural areas with a high concentration of wildlife. The extended field of view provided by high beam headlights helps save a little time to avoid these dangers.
Fog lights and driving lights are usually mounted to a vehicle in one of two ways. They can be installed directly into the front bumper or lower trim, which is most commonly found in factory installations, or they can be separately installed, which is most often found in the aftermarket. Some of the symptoms that fog lights may need replacing are when you notice flickering or dimming, or when the light doesn't come on at all.
Thanks to modern technology, lamp life has increased significantly in recent years. With that said, they still won't last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. This article will cover the most common ways to replace bulbs in fog lights or high beams.
Method 1 of 2: Replacing the Fog Lights or Driving Lights Built into the Front Bumper
Necessary materials
- Screwdriver Set
- Socket set
Step 1: Identify the fog light or high beam bulb that needs to be replaced.. Turn on your fog lights or high beams.
It may be necessary to turn the ignition key to the "Run" position before the headlights come on. Go to the front of the car and note which light needs to be replaced.
Step 2: Remove the fog lights or high beam bulb from the back of the housing.. Access the rear of the housing for your desired fog or high beam.
Bulb access may be required from the top of the engine compartment or from below, depending on which bulb is being replaced and its mounting position. Gently turn the bulb ¼ to ½ turn counterclockwise and gently pull out to separate the bulb from the housing.
Step 3: Disconnect the electrical connector from the fog lamp or high beam lamp.. This is usually achieved by pressing the latch of the lock and carefully pulling the plug out of the light bulb.
Step 4: Confirm the replacement of the fog light or high beam bulb.. Visually inspect the replacement fog lamp or high beam bulb.
Compare it to the bulb you removed to make sure it's the correct replacement. Most bulbs have a model or type number on their base.
Step 5: Install the replacement bulb into the housing. It is usually easier to install the lamp back into the housing before reconnecting the electrical connector to the lamp.
Attention: Fog lights and high beams can usually only be installed in one specific direction. The tabs will only line up one way before you can turn them ¼-½ turn to lock them in place.
A warning: Halogen lamps operate at very high temperatures. It is very important not to touch the glass on the bulb, as this will cause oil from your hands to get onto the glass, resulting in a "hot spot" and premature failure of the bulb. In case of contact, clean the glass with alcohol or other suitable degreaser. Let the lamp dry completely and then reinstall it.
Step 6: Connect the electrical connector. Insert the electrical connector back into the lamp, paying attention to correct orientation and ensuring that the connector is fully seated.
Once the connector is fully seated, it should allow the locking tab to lock into place.
Step 7: Check the operation of the replacement fog light or high beam bulb.. Turn the ignition key to the "Run" position.
Turn on your fog lights or high beams. Go to the front of the vehicle and check that the replacement bulb is working.
Step 8: Reinstall everything that was removed during the disassembly process. After a successful replacement, reinstall everything that was removed to gain access to the fog or high beam headlights.
Method 2 of 2: Replacing Fog Light or High Beam Bulb on Offline Units
Necessary materials
- Hex key set
- Screwdriver Set
- Socket set
- Torx wrench set
Step 1. Identify the fog light or high beam bulb that needs to be replaced.. Turn on your fog lights or high beams.
It may be necessary to turn the ignition key to the "Run" position before the headlights come on. Go to the front of the car and note which light needs to be replaced.
- Attention: Some modern fog or driving lights use bulbs that require the procedure described in method 1 above. In method 2, we will focus on sealed lamps.
Step 2: Remove the retaining/trimming ring from the front of the fog lamp or high beam housing.. The front part of the fog or high beam headlights is fastened with any number and type of fasteners.
This can be any number of screws, bolts or nuts that need to be removed in order to gain access to the lamp.
- A warning: Make sure the ignition key is turned off and the switch is in the off position. Some fog lamp and high beam systems operate on high voltage power and accidental impact from these systems can result in bodily injury.
Step 3: Separate the lamp from the body. With all fasteners removed, carefully pull the front of the fog or high beam headlights away from the housing.
The sealed beam can also loosen at this point, so make sure it doesn't fall out of the hull and break. Pull the bulb out of the housing, far enough to expose the electrical connector.
Step 4 Disconnect the electrical connector. Some sealed fog and driving lights use a locking connector, while others use a push fitting or a static fit connector.
Because all wiring and the light bulb are in a housing that is not exposed to the elements, a retainer on the electrical plug is usually not needed.
Step 5: Compare the light bulb you are replacing with the one you removed. Compare the replaced fog or high beam bulb to the one that was removed.
Make sure it is the same diameter, has the same number of connector pins, and has the same layout as the original.
Step 6: Connect the electrical connector to the replacement bulb.. Make sure the connector is fully inserted into the terminals.
If the connector has a retainer, make sure the retainer is locked during installation.
Step 7: Install the replacement fog light or high beam bulb into the housing.. Paying attention to the orientation of the replacement lamp, carefully place the replacement lamp back into the housing.
Be careful not to pinch the wiring between the lamp and housing during reinstallation.
Step 8: Install the fog or high beam retaining frame.. While holding the fog lamp or high beam bulb inside the housing, place the bezel back on the front of the fog lamp or high beam lamp.
Once the bezel is back in place, hold everything in place by the bezel while you reinstall the holding hardware.
Step 9: Check the operation of the replacement fog lights or high beams.. When everything is reset, turn the ignition to the "run" position and turn on the fog lights or high beams.
Go to the front of the car and make sure the headlights are now working.
Whether you're using supplemental lighting in adverse weather conditions, driving down a dark rural road, or just wanting the light to look like fog lights and driving lights, proper maintenance is essential. If at some point you feel that you can replace the fog lamp or high beam bulb with your own hands, contact one of AvtoTachki's professional technicians.
