[MacDogg]

How to: Wire Fog lights as DRL's (SXL)

I can now run with only the fogs on or I can run with fogs, the LED strip (not sure what it is called) and parking lights with no headlights.
With the switch on OFF or AUTO, only the fogs are on outside in the daylight.

Disclaimer: This guide is for information only. What you do or have done to your vehicle is your responsibility. I cannot be held responsible for any issues related to this How to.
Click on the small pictures in the steps to link to the bigger picture.

Thanks to Theil24 for providing the picture of the Cadenza with the fuse box and wiring information.

Let's get started.
Tools: Phillips screwdriver, wire cutters, barrel crimper (if you use barrel connectors), electrical tape, add-a-circuit, 2x10 amp fuses, wire loom, wire and maybe some other stuff I cannot remember.

1. (OPTIONAL) Jack up the passenger (or driver) side of the vehicle to allow more more room under the front fog light.
2. Remove two plastic screws holding the plastic guard to allow access to the fog light plug.
   
3. Unplug fog light plug by pressing down on the top of the plug and pulling it out.
   
4. Remove electrical tape from around the wire loom and pull the red wire out of the loom.
5. Use whatever method you want to:
   • Cut the red wire
   • Protect/cover/seal the red wire on the opposite end of the plug that you just cut. This could become hot and you don't want it touching anything or getting wet.
   • Connect new wire to the red wire you just cut, on the plug side. Make sure you have enough wire to run it to the fuse box which ever way you want.
   • Run the new wire to the fuse box but do not connect it to anything.
   • Cover the new wire with wire loom or similar to protect it from chaffing or heat.
6. Replace fog light plug into the fog light.
7. Replace two plastic screws in the guard under the fog light.
8. (OPTIONAL) Lower car and remove jack.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 on drivers side
10. Connect the two new wires from the fog lamps to the barrel (or other) end of the add-a-circuit.
11. Insert two 10 amp fuses into add-a-circuit and install add-a-circuit into the open fuse holder in fuse box.
    

This should complete the installation.
Make sure all wires are protected.
Turn the car on and test the fog lights.
A few pictures from to show how my wiring looks:
Might be hard to see, but I have it zip tied, you can see the white zip tie above and to the right of the coolant reservoir.

 

[K5 Optima Store]

Very nice write up!

 

[rmartinez05]

Thanks for the installation instructions MacDogg!! I'm guessing this is reversible for when I return my leased vehicle. I would just have to reconnect the red wires at the fog light before I turn in the vehicle?

 

[MacDogg]

Thanks for the installation instructions MacDogg!! I'm guessing this is reversible for when I return my leased vehicle. I would just have to reconnect the red wires at the fog light before I turn in the vehicle?

Absolutely. I will be in the same boat in three years, too.

 

[rmartinez05]

Absolutely. I will be in the same boat in three years, too.

Hey @MacDogg, I'm going to try and do this, but I am no electrician!! I'm ordering parts online to pickup at Autozone. What gauge wire do we have to use to run from the fog light to the fuse box? Did you use an ATC or ATM (don't know the difference) add-a-circuit fuse tap? What size butt connector comes out of the add-a-circuit?

Sorry for all the questions!

 

[MacDogg]

Hey @MacDogg, I'm going to try and do this, but I am no electrician!! I'm ordering parts online to pickup at Autozone. What gauge wire do we have to use to run from the fog light to the fuse box? Did you use an ATC or ATM (don't know the difference) add-a-circuit fuse tap? What size butt connector comes out of the add-a-circuit?

Sorry for all the questions!

I used a Cooper Bussmann/ATM fuse tap from Autozone. I had some wire already in my toolbox and used that and I do not know the gauge wire it was, my best guess was 14 as it was a little larger than the fog wires.
The butt connector on the end of the add a circuit...I would guess is 14-16 since I have a small container of them that are blue and it says 14-16.

 

[rmartinez05]

I used a Cooper Bussmann/ATM fuse tap from Autozone. I had some wire already in my toolbox and used that and I do not know the gauge wire it was, my best guess was 14 as it was a little larger than the fog wires.
The butt connector on the end of the add a circuit...I would guess is 14-16 since I have a small container of them that are blue and it says 14-16.

@MacDogg... thanks again for the help! It all worked out. Didn't use an add-a-circuit. Just wrapped the wires around a 20amp fuse and stuck it in the slot!! Works as advertised!!

 

[radar124]

Hi; What is 'add-a-circuit' Is It a part that I can buy at the auto store..?

thanks
Jeff

 

[radar124]

Hi; I have a question. When you say to cut the red wire on the plug side, Is that the wire running back to the fuse box???

thanks..Jeff

 

[radar124]

fogs/high beams

Hi; sorry, just one more question. With the lights wired this way, do the fogs shut off when you use your high beams... thanks

 

[radar124]

Hi; With the lights wired this way, do the fogs go off when you use the high beams... thanks...jeff

 

[Theil24]

Hi; With the lights wired this way, do the fogs go off when you use the high beams... thanks...jeff

My LED fogs are wired as DRLs and they turn on when the engine is on and turn off when the engine is off. They stay on when the high beams are on. Basically they are independent of all of the other lights (parking, HIDs).

 

[radar124]

DRL's

thank You. I will try this tomorrow..

 

[MacDogg]

Sorry for the late replies.

Hi; What is 'add-a-circuit' Is It a part that I can buy at the auto store..?
thanks
Jeff

Autozone will have these. Hope this link works, if not it is called a Cooper Bussmann/ATC fuse tap 10 amp.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Cooper-Bussmann-ATC-fuse-tap/_/N-25gqZ1z13vws?itemIdentifier=32414_0_0_

Hi; I have a question. When you say to cut the red wire on the plug side, Is that the wire running back to the fuse box???

thanks..Jeff

Not sure what part you are referring to.
Cut the red wire --> Cut the red wire that is going to the fog light plug.
Connect new wire to the red wire you just cut, on the plug side. --> You new wire, that is coming from the battery, connects to the red wire that is coming out of the plug, not the other end that is dangling loose.

Hi; sorry, just one more question. With the lights wired this way, do the fogs shut off when you use your high beams... thanks

I never looked to see but I assume yes. They come on right away and since they bypass the stock power wire and run straight to the battery they will come on when the car starts.

 

[radar124]

Hi; got It done....Had my dealer do It... He added a relay for protection and everything works perfect. I gave him your Instructions, and he just added to them.. thanks again, now need to get 5000k HID bulbs

 

[rmartinez05]

Hi; sorry, just one more question. With the lights wired this way, do the fogs shut off when you use your high beams... thanks

@radar124 You can purchase an "Add-a-circuit" from most auto parts store. It's pretty much a fuse splitter.

Yes, the red wire running back to the fuse box. Basically, breaking that connection and creating a new one that runs to the add-a-circuit fuse.

Never tried it with the high beams. If DRLs turn off when the high beams are on, then they will probably turn off. I'm curious now. I may try it later.

 

[Yooshaw]

Thanks for the write-up MacDogg. The only thing I did different was wire routing - I routed to the driver side first, then did a run from the driver side foglight to the passenger side, keeping the wire in front of the radiator, and close to the front end. I had to remove the other trim piece on the bottom of the car to gain access to zip tie the wire out of the way.

 

[MadMax]

So I understand this correctly, these lights come on at car startup, and you don't have a switch to shut them off? Would be nice to still be able to use the stalk switch, but have more independence of those lights...but an always on scenario isn't ideal for me.

 

[Yooshaw]

I don't understand how you want them to function. Do you want them to come on with the car, and have a switch to turn them off if you want? If so, a relay could do that easy.

 

[MadMax]

I'd be looking for independent function, but still have control with the stock stalk switch...my Oldsmobile had the ability to turn on just fogs after the running lights were turned on (red and amber only, no headlights). I'd even accept that.