HID Fog light kit issue
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 21
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HID Fog light kit issue
Im having an issue where #6 fuse under the hood always sorts after like 10 seconds of use of the lights. The lights work but the fuse always sorts. In #6 there is a 10A and I'm guess this kit draws more amps so is it possible to throw in a 15A??
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Thank You
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
regardless of what some manufacturers may say, look at the wiring on the fog lights, its way too small to run an HID kit.
some HIDs behave differently than others, but many draw a lot of current when starting up. mine (fog lights only) actually draw 20+ amps for about 10 seconds then settle down to 7 to 8, that's a 35W cheap kit. the more expensive kits I've seen work much better and with less initial current draw. the ones I have on my headlights are pretty good.
the fog light wiring is 20 or 22 awg from the looks of it, don't increase the fuse rating, its at its limit as it is. to run HID fogs to do it the right way you need to buy or build a relay harness with larger wire (16 awg minimum), a dedicated fuse, and getting power right from the battery or B+ terminal in the underhood fuse box. use the factory wire only to switch on your relay. trying to pull 15-20A through a 20 awg wire is a bad idea.
a relay harness will also help with the lights cutting out, if they don't get good power they might flicker or go out, and they will not be getting good power through wire as small as the factory fog lights circuit.
some HIDs behave differently than others, but many draw a lot of current when starting up. mine (fog lights only) actually draw 20+ amps for about 10 seconds then settle down to 7 to 8, that's a 35W cheap kit. the more expensive kits I've seen work much better and with less initial current draw. the ones I have on my headlights are pretty good.
the fog light wiring is 20 or 22 awg from the looks of it, don't increase the fuse rating, its at its limit as it is. to run HID fogs to do it the right way you need to buy or build a relay harness with larger wire (16 awg minimum), a dedicated fuse, and getting power right from the battery or B+ terminal in the underhood fuse box. use the factory wire only to switch on your relay. trying to pull 15-20A through a 20 awg wire is a bad idea.
a relay harness will also help with the lights cutting out, if they don't get good power they might flicker or go out, and they will not be getting good power through wire as small as the factory fog lights circuit.
