Lightforces into stock fog light wiring? tj

[AV.NINE]

I've been searching for 2 days with no clear answer. I just bought a set of lightforces. Am I ok to splice these into the stock wiring for the fog lights? If not which part would I need to beef up? I can't find how many amps the system is rated for.

Also the previous owner put some square fog lights on but they won't work. Is there a fuse for them? I believe I know where the relay is (under hood #35)

Thanks!

[w squared]

Lightforces are probably running at 100 watts each. The stock TJ fog lights are probably running at 55 watts each.

55 watts divided by 12 volts =  4.5 amps per bulb = 9 amps for the set

100 watts divided by 12 volts = 8.3 amps per bulb = 17 amps for the set

Check your fuse block to see what size of fuse is being used for the fog lights. If it's a 20 amp fuse, knock yourself out. If it's a 15 amp fuse, you will blow it.

You will honestly get better performance out of those lightforces if you run a completely new homebuilt wiring harness with relatively heavy wire, and just trigger a relay off of the fog light system...that will also prevent any problems you might have with drawing more current thatn the stock wiring was designed for. The relay will probably run you $10, and the wire is probably another $10. Mount an inline 20A fuse close to the positive terminal of the battery, solder and heat-shrink your connections, and Bob's your uncle.

[Slewfoot]

I saw a video on you-tube (can't recall the search text I'd used) that provided instructions to use the factory fog light switch to trigger a relay for more powerful lights.

It's there, but I can't remember the search phrase to get to it.

[Vinman]

You will honestly get better performance out of those lightforces if you run a completely new homebuilt wiring harness with relatively heavy wire, and just trigger a relay off of the fog light system...that will also prevent any problems you might have with drawing more current thatn the stock wiring was designed for. The relay will probably run you $10, and the wire is probably another $10. Mount an inline 20A fuse close to the positive terminal of the battery, solder and heat-shrink your connections, and Bob's your uncle.

Exactly how I would do it.

[AV.NINE]

Thanks for the quick reply. Will check out the fuse tonight. Will dig into running a new relay and wires off the factory switch. I installed my last set in the same fashion but used a aftermarket switch.

Thanks again.

[Tinkerer]

After having to upgrade my headlight wiring in my TJ and looking at the puny wires going to the fog lights, I'd add to the "use a relay and heavier wiring" group.  Never mind the potential to burn out wiring and switches, it will also make a huge difference to the light output, which is what you bought the lights for in the first place!

[FiEND]

if you have a factory foglight switch in the jeep, use that to run the new foglights.

just run a heavy line from battery to relay to foglights and then use the foglight switch / power line to run the new relay.

[AV.NINE]

Any ideas for the guage of wire I should be using? 14?

[yyc_tbird_sc]

I'd say that 16 would be good if you're not going to have too much distance between the lights, relay, and battery....14 should be perfect.

Just in case...on the relay there's the four tabs....
86 - connect to the stock wiring, dash switch, trigger etc...
85 - Ground
87 - To your lights or load
30 - connect to the battery

[AV.NINE]

Big thanks!