Aftermarket fog light question
#1
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 248
From: DE
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
Aftermarket fog light question
As titled, another fog light question sorry I couldn't find my answer in the search on any website. So will I be able to swab my stock fogs out and replace them with these and still be able to use the factory switch? And if so how do I at doing this? I really like the look and price for these
#2
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,412
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From: York PA/State College PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
I did this. I got bumper mounted round lights at Walmart for 10 dollars each and mounted them up. I wired them to the factory fog light wires. One important thing to note is that despite common sense, for the fog lights, the black wire is positive. The green wire is ground. If you have any other questions let me know, I have pics and a short write up on my build thread
#3
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CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 248
From: DE
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
thank you for providing a Q&A. First off is 100w light too much for the factory wiring? and how do i connect the lights to the factory wire and relay? I would really appreciate if if you could post a link to your short write up
#4
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1
From: York PA/State College PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Originally Posted by unidentifiedbomb
thank you for providing a Q&A. First off is 100w light too much for the factory wiring? and how do i connect the lights to the factory wire and relay? I would really appreciate if if you could post a link to your short write up
To disconnect the factory lights, unbolt them and cut the 2 wires running to the light.
And I'm no good with knowing if X amount of watts is too much for a jeep. I just know mine work lol. I see if I can find out how many watts they are.
#5
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CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 248
From: DE
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
Well I would like to know about the watt/wire to know how it'll work with an extra 45watts at the bulb over the stock fogs, and if there is any difference between your 01' and my 88'
#6
Going for two 55 watt factory lights to two 100 watt replacements is a pretty good jump. I am not familiar with a Cherokees wiring so I can not say if it will be OK.
To figure out the amp draw, add the total watts and divide by the voltage.
Examples:
55 watt x 2 = 110 watt divided by 12 volts = 9.2 amps
100 watt x 2 = 200 watt divided by 12 volts = 16.7 amps
If there is a relay in the factor light circuit there may be a chance you could get by just upgrading the fuse size and using existing wiring. However, I am a fan of playing it safe and adding my own relay with an appropriate sized fuse and wiring from a good power source such as the hot side of the starter relay to the light relay and then to the lights, and then just use the factory wiring to activate the relay which is low amp draw. When it comes to wiring it is always safer to go bigger than needed, and keep the lengths as short as possible. The extra $$ is always a lot cheaper than the possible consequences.
Think of electrical wire and current like a water pipe in your house, it take a lot more pressure to push 10 gallons of water through a 1/4" pipe in the same amout of time as it does a 1" line.
To figure out the amp draw, add the total watts and divide by the voltage.
Examples:
55 watt x 2 = 110 watt divided by 12 volts = 9.2 amps
100 watt x 2 = 200 watt divided by 12 volts = 16.7 amps
If there is a relay in the factor light circuit there may be a chance you could get by just upgrading the fuse size and using existing wiring. However, I am a fan of playing it safe and adding my own relay with an appropriate sized fuse and wiring from a good power source such as the hot side of the starter relay to the light relay and then to the lights, and then just use the factory wiring to activate the relay which is low amp draw. When it comes to wiring it is always safer to go bigger than needed, and keep the lengths as short as possible. The extra $$ is always a lot cheaper than the possible consequences.
Think of electrical wire and current like a water pipe in your house, it take a lot more pressure to push 10 gallons of water through a 1/4" pipe in the same amout of time as it does a 1" line.
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#8
You can go to any parts store and tell them what you are doing and they will have relays. Most are rated at 35 or 40 amp, but you can get higher ones. Hella makes good ones that seem to last, but I have used the cheap ones that come in some of the light kits, but they don't seem to last as long.
http://order.waytekwire.com/productdetail2/M50/75605/SKIRTED%20MINI%20RELAY%2020/40A%20SPDT/
With a 40 amp relay, you can run up to four 100 watt lights. I don't have a write up but if you send me a PM with your contact information so I can get some more information about your Cherokee, I will try to guide you through the electrical installation.
Here is a good source for any of your electrical wiring needs. They have everything you need to do the job. I use them at work.
http://order.waytekwire.com/CGI-BIN/...C4B072+M50+ENG
http://order.waytekwire.com/productdetail2/M50/75605/SKIRTED%20MINI%20RELAY%2020/40A%20SPDT/
With a 40 amp relay, you can run up to four 100 watt lights. I don't have a write up but if you send me a PM with your contact information so I can get some more information about your Cherokee, I will try to guide you through the electrical installation.
Here is a good source for any of your electrical wiring needs. They have everything you need to do the job. I use them at work.
http://order.waytekwire.com/CGI-BIN/...C4B072+M50+ENG
#9
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 248
From: DE
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-...tem-95811.html how about these instead? they are the same design but cheaper and the same factory wattage
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