Independent fog mod

[FLIPDADY]

Okay who wants to help a brotha out do his IF mod? Jeff wants to do his as well.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=11730.0

[CanadaGTO]

Sniff..... Sniff...... Is that smoke I smell :o

[FLIPDADY]

Sniff..... Sniff......* Is that smoke I smell* :o

Well Jeff and I are trying to find an alternative to this risky mod. So far I've only seen 2 cases where this mod has caused some damage.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Lockdown ~$35 and you get an upgraded relay to avoid the smoking/burning when using non-stock bulbs.

[stas]

Joe, how will this affect the warranty??

[sbmonkey]

I can help if ya want. :) Have done the fuse box wiring 3 times. Only took one try to tap the steering column wire.
An alternative to splicing the steering column wire is to install a separate switch where the dimmer switch is located to control the fog lights.
The only thing I don't know is the max current for that signal wire so you can put a fuse on there to be safer.

[queens49]

Sniff..... Sniff...... Is that smoke I smell :o


I was afraid of doing the mod at first myself because I saw pictures of one melting, but that was because the wire gauge used was wrong. I've used 16 gauge, and 18gauge for the signal wire with no problems

[eguiyab]

Hey Joe.

I did this mod early last year. I always have the fogs on as DRL's. I haven't had a problem yet. I just make sure all the connections are tight and have heat/shrinked wrapped any connecting points.

I've used the proper sized gauge wiring too just to make sure. However I am still running stock bulbs.... If i recall all the issues arise when using aftermarket ones that draw more power than stock.

I've got a set of hoen's sitting in my drawer that haven't gone in yet, and i bought them the first month I"ve had my car in Jan 04. LOL.

[FLIPDADY]

There's gotta be another "safer" way to do this mod.

[queens49]

There's gotta be another "safer" way to do this mod.


There's another method, further into the link you posted. I don't think it's safer for DIY because he was making the connections/changes to the PJB (PJM), the fuse box that's below the glove box. The pics showing the schematics posted were a little blurry, so I didn't want to risk trying it since I couldn't be 100% sure of what it was pointing at etc.

I would of liked a "safer" way as well, but I thought, since so many have posted that they've done it, it must be Ok. Would of heard horror stories of cars catching on fire by now, I hope. Was a little worried about the delayed shut-off though. One time, the fogs didn't go out for like 2 minutes, when I first did it. Not to worried about them now though. Since I don't have HID's yet, I don't use the mod much, but sometimes I do, and forget to turn it off and walk away. Has always turned off, so far though. Knock on wood.

[sbmonkey]

It's connected to the ignition. If they never turn off then there is something else wrong.

[FLIPDADY]

Mod is done after an hour of painstaking labor. I wanted a clean and safe install. Fogs stay on for about 5 seconds after I shut off the car.

Posting pics later on.l

[Broli]

the fogs will stay on until the ecu shuts off
right?

[ArManI]

how to swap the fog with the lowbeam?
i mean that fog will remain DRL as always on, and HID can be turn ON/OFF with the fog's switch on the wheel console~

[DrunknFoo]

the fogs will stay on until the ecu shuts off
right?

Ya pretty much, normally it should be anywhere from 5-10seconds. There were a few times when it took almost a full minute until they went off.
Now, I just manually switch it on and off when I please and for DRLs, what drls? Well I use the fogs only in Durham areas. Is it just me or are GTA officers more lenient than DRP officers?

[sbmonkey]

Mod is done after an hour of painstaking labor. I wanted a clean and safe install. Fogs stay on for about 5 seconds after I shut off the car.

Posting pics later on.l
It's later! Which method did you do?

[FLIPDADY]

It's later!* Which method did you do?


The one on M3F by M3GT.

Haven't had a chance to snap up some good shots yet.

BTW, is there another method where I can keep the amber side lamps on with the fogs Audi-style?

[sp3GT]

I did the independent fog mod today and got my HiD's installed.
I followed the instructions from Mazda3forums (M3-Gt), it seems as if they tell you to tap into the wrong wire.
I tapped into the wrong wire at first, but then finally fixed it. I hope there's no problems.

Btw, will my Hid bulbs burn out if I leave it on the "Auto" switch cuz when i go under a underpass or something the lights will come on then go off?

[b]

It's later! Which method did you do?


The one on M3F by M3GT.

Haven't had a chance to snap up some good shots yet.

BTW, is there another method where I can keep the amber side lamps on with the fogs Audi-style?


My fog lights are on always. I turn it up one notch and I can have my fogs, ambers... but then my back lights come on too. Do you want that or just the fronts? Lockdown did mine... Not sure what method they used...

[sbmonkey]

I don't know how a lot of people tap the wrong wire. I followed M3-GT's instructions and got it on the first try. I'm just glad my car doesn't have DRL. :)