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I've had the fog light mod done to my GS for probably 3 or 4 months now with no issues whatsoever; I use my fogs as my DRLs. Today I noticed that they weren't on when I pulled into my garage so I checked the bulbs, they were still good. I could still hear the relay clicking so I knew my wiring was probably fine, that is until I looked at the wires. So this is what I find, wires for #3 and #4 on the fog light mod (the two vertical plugs) looked like this:
I freaked out and immediately returned it to stock and thankfully I didn't short anything out. Fogs still work with headlights on as usual.
That being said, can anyone offer the slightest bit of advice as to why my wires turned black and the shrink tubing melted? There was connections on the exposed wires but they fell off when I took them off the relay. There wasn't any open wires or anything, my fog lights still work and the fuse isn't blown. I did the fog light mod on my 01 ES with these exact wires and connectors and never had a problem after a year. I'm just glad nothing got shorted out, I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.
Not sure what the "Fog light mod" is. How much current are you drawing? What kind of crimp tool are you using? Doesn't look like much of a crimp was done. Are you using a ratcheting crimp tool?
Also, is that really speaker wire or lamp cord that you are using? Seriously?
Not sure what the "Fog light mod" is. How much current are you drawing? What kind of crimp tool are you using? Doesn't look like much of a crimp was done. Are you using a ratcheting crimp tool?
Also, is that really speaker wire or lamp cord that you are using? Seriously?
Look up the fog light mod on bananags, allows you to use the fog lights independently of the headlights. I used pliers to crimp them, hard to tell since they melted. No idea how much current was being drawn, I'll test that shortly. It's 16 gauge speaker wire that I used. What do you suggest I use then?
Look here I used 16 gauge wire, I'm pretty sure that's what the directions say and its also between 14-18 gauge unless I'm mistaken..
Depends on how much current the lights are using and how long the run 16 Gauge is likely fine for up to 10A and I would bump up to 14 for up to 20A.
You don't use pliers to make crimps. You use the proper tool. Also, I suggest using the waterproof ancor crimps that you can seal with a heat gun after using the proper tool.
These guys sell wire that is fully tinned and they sell the crimps that I would use.
Needless to say I won't be returning this mod to my car. I'm curious as to what the difference is between crimping with pliers and crimping with a crimping tool, because either way the metal is getting connected.
Needless to say I won't be returning this mod to my car. I'm curious as to what the difference is between crimping with pliers and crimping with a crimping tool, because either way the metal is getting connected.
Its the same difference as using the proper tool and not using the proper tool. Do use pliers to take off your lug nuts? I am sure you can do it but it doesn't mean its the proper way.
Do you use a torque wrench when you work on on your car...see my point?
I asked as to why my wiring turned black not about the superiority of your electrical tools to mine. I understand I didn't use a "ratcheting crimp tool" that's because I didn't want to spend $60 on a tool I'll use a handful of times, but I really doubt that would make a difference in this case.
The reason it turned black is because you had a ton of current going through a resistive connection due to your inadequate crimp and it got hot.
You would have been better off soldering the connector which is also not the proper way of making the connection. Still would have been better than what you did. You are lucky you didn't cause a fire in your car.
Well I'm observant so good thing I caught it when I did. Guess I got my answer then, I'll be sure to wire this stuff up right next time (if there is one)
Exactly, I'm going out on a limb but I'm guessing not too many other people know the proper way of wiring up things like this. I thought I knew a good amount about wiring but I was wrong.
Just like everything, proper tools, proper supplies and the proper technique.
I am an electrical engineer so I have been exposed to all of this for a very long time. I am also a boater so all the wiring I do on a boat needs to stand up to a harsh environment...as does a car.
Sorry for read that this happen to you. I have the same diy from bananas GS as well for to many years and I need to say, Thanks God that still working fine. If I remember, I never need to do what are you do on the foglight, I did it, inside the car. That is wierd for me, the way that I see you picture and your wires connection?? You maybe, and I say maybe did it something wrong to the beginning of your diy and lucky that no damage something else. But Thanks for let everyone knows about it.
To bruceb58,
That is what I'm, a electrical enginner.
Wow it's been a long time since I've been to BananaGS' website. I remember doing the Fog light mods for some of the members on here. Never had an issue though.
02-26-16, 02:56 PM
Fog Light Mod gone wrong
