I just want the Fog lights on...

[i3enny]

I havent been able to get just the fog lights on.... I have figured out all other configurations with DRL, headlamp, etc, but not solely fog lights. Im in the GT with factory fogs..... Even with the Ebrake up one click, the drls turn off, but you cant switch on just fogs.... any one figure it out yet? or is it even possible? Maybe with DRL deactivated first?

 

[Dr_Watson]

Put them on when its foggy, otherwise they are annoying to other road users!

 

[SayNoToPistons]

Factory Mazda fog lights are nothing but ornaments. They are completely useless as far as night time light output goes. That is with or without the glare shield cap that is only available for North America.

You can rewire your fog lights. Locate the fuse block and fog light relay, then crimp tap the hot wire to the power source of your liking. Be it parking lights, ACC, DRL etc etc... You are practically jumping the fog light relay. If you happen to give the dealership an excuse to check your fuse block with the wires tapped, then you might have some problems involving warranty...

 

[MikeM.]

Factory Mazda fog lights are nothing but ornaments. They are completely useless as far as night time light output goes.

They are for really heavy fog in which case speeds will be very low. Their light pattern is at least as useful as the factory fogs on my Ford F-150 and Volvo S80.

Please leave them off if it's not foggy.

 

[erhayes]

In some States or Countries it is illegal to have fog light on if it is not foggy.

 

[SayNoToPistons]

They are for really heavy fog in which case speeds will be very low. Their light pattern is at least as useful as the factory fogs on my Ford F-150 and Volvo S80.

Please leave them off if it's not foggy.

Having driven with only the Mazda fog lights (same housing) with the glare cap in heavy fog in HEAVY San Diego fog in the evening at low local speeds, they are completely useless.

 

[i3enny]

I completely understand the uselessness of these bulbs for visibility. Im not concerned about them helping me see, I was curious if there was a way to simply have them on without the main beams on. It sounds like sayNotoPistons answered my question the best with a NO.

 

[nXt]

I completely understand the uselessness of these bulbs for visibility. Im not concerned about them helping me see, I was curious if there was a way to simply have them on without the main beams on. It sounds like sayNotoPistons answered my question the best with a NO.

It's a NO the way it is, but it's a YES but you have to reroute some wires.
There is a How-To in the CX9 forums.
I did something similar to my 2004 Mazda3i when I got it a long time ago.

 

[ta240]

Put them on when its foggy, otherwise they are annoying to other road users!

I agree, I wish lights would be looked at as a useful safety item and not a decoration that is there to be modified, tinted, re-aimed or made to say "look at me"

 

[SayNoToPistons]

I completely understand the uselessness of these bulbs for visibility. Im not concerned about them helping me see, I was curious if there was a way to simply have them on without the main beams on. It sounds like sayNotoPistons answered my question the best with a NO.

Well, it was a yes. Just the matter of tapping which power source to your fog lights.


No idea why some of you are complaining about looking at Mazda's foglights head on. They produce less glare and visibility than the freaking DRL's. Hell, they can replace the DRL's without distracting others. Not something I would do though. This is coming from someone that has a pure hatred for those that have poorly aimed headlights (be it HID or halogen).

 

[MikeM.]

No idea why some of you are complaining about looking at Mazda's foglights head on.

On an unlit road that is wet, fog lights create a bright spot of glare in front of on-coming vehicles. If it is actively raining the glare is worse. This glare is additive to the normal glare from headlights yet the fogs do not contribute to the offenders vision in any significant way. Thus a net negative for safety, vision and driver enjoyment.

They produce less glare and visibility than the freaking DRL's. Hell, they can replace the DRL's without distracting others.

Glare is not an issue in daylight. DRL's are designed to be visible in daylight while not consuming excessive amperage. Fogs are not as effective as DRL's in this regard.

 

[Mistersix]

I did this to my six years ago and if i recall correctly it was as no pistons said. I think i rewired the ground to the drls so once they were on the fogs could be turned on or off. If there were a how to to do this for the 5 i would. I like to run the drls and fogs when its dusk or dawn. They're so tame they make no difference in any situation and are clearly for decoration so that's how i use them.