Fog Light Mod gone wrong
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Fog Light Mod gone wrong
Hello guys,
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.
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.
#2
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?
Also, is that really speaker wire or lamp cord that you are using? Seriously?
#3
Advanced
Thread Starter
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?
Also, is that really speaker wire or lamp cord that you are using? Seriously?
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..
Last edited by lostape45; 02-26-16 at 04:08 PM.
#4
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.
http://www.genuinedealz.com/16-14-aw...-female-5-pack
http://www.genuinedealz.com/marine-wire?size=52
This is the crimp tool that I use:
Although not great, it's 100 times better then what you are doing:
http://www.harborfreight.com/ratchet...ool-97420.html
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.
http://www.genuinedealz.com/16-14-aw...-female-5-pack
http://www.genuinedealz.com/marine-wire?size=52
This is the crimp tool that I use:
Although not great, it's 100 times better then what you are doing:
http://www.harborfreight.com/ratchet...ool-97420.html
#5
Advanced
Thread Starter
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.
#6
Do you use a torque wrench when you work on on your car...see my point?
#7
Advanced
Thread Starter
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.
Trending Topics
#8
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials...ical-connector
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.
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.
#11
Advanced
Thread Starter
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.
#12
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.
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.
#13
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
lostape45,
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.
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post