Conference vmsnet::car$note:carbuffs

    
    Hi.
    
    I own a 1990 Maxima GXE, and I would like to install fog lights similar
    to the SE version.  I'd prefer to use the dash cutout for the stock
    foglight switch too.  Has anyone tried this before?  Is the wiring
    harness already plumbed in behind the dash and into the engine bay?  
    
    Also, are there existing holes under the bumper designed for mounting
    lights?
    
    Thanks.
                       
    Joel  

    
    Joel,
    
    I would guess that the wiring is all there (I own two Nissans if that
    counts for anything :^). I'd  also bet that it would be much easier to
    install Nissan lights/mounting brackets/switch than an aftermarket
    setup. Personally, I'd go to a salvage yard before going new too...as
    dealer accessories can be pricey...
    
    /Charlie
    
    P.S. Beware that if you use the factory wiring for the driving lamps,
         you will probably only be able to use them with the low beams on.
         Seems to be the "typical" Nissan factory setup...FWIW

    
    	I think that's pretty standard right across the board, so it
    	seems.
    
    	My '93 Duster and '87 Supra both behave that way.
    

    
     Interesting... I wonder if there is some type of law or safety standard
     manufacturers are following?                     

To understand this, you need to see the difference between *functional* fog
lights and *decorative* fog lights.  The latter make the car look "cool" and
the former helps you see in the fog.  I'm only speaking for functional fog
lights. 

The way they work is to throw a very wide, short beam of light close to the
ground to help you see the road and the sides of the road when foggy. Your low
beams give you some visibility as well, but at a higher level than the road.
They work with the fog lights to help you see the rear of trucks, other cars,
etc. Once you turn on the brights, light starts refracting off fog droplets and
you can't see anything but white glare.  Real fog lights work very well and can
be very valuable in twisting rural mountain roads on foggy nights. 

Jim 

    
     Yes, I plan to get real fog lights....probably Bosch or Hella.  I hope
     they market styles with low-profile housings, as they'll be hanging
     from the bumper.  BTW, most european cars come equipped with a
     load-sensing relay that automatically cancels the fogs when the high 
     beams are used.   Would a dealership be honest with me and tell me what's
     involved with adding fog lights?
    
     Joel
    
    
         
    
       

    
    FWIW, my factory lights are Bosch. As far as asking a dealer goes, I 
    think Nissan sells the lights as an accessory, I'd stop by and see a
    parts dept. guy (face to face...not on the phone) and ask about the 
    light kit. You can find out a price before you go scouting the
    junkyards too :^).
    
    

    and ask what a kit includes too...this will give me a better idea of
    what's required to hook them up.
    
    I'll stop by today and inquire.
    
    txs/Joel

    Back a number of years ago when I was still rallying, part of the tech
    inspection for cars was to check to be sure all auxillary lamps were
    controlled by the high beam switch.  It didn't matter if it was a
    semi-pro event on roads, or a stage rallye on closed roads.  As long as
    the cars were being operated during any part of the event on public
    roads, the lights had to be wired to that spec.  I seem to remember 
    Vermont, in particullar, having that as a requirement.  I suspect it is 
    that lowest common-denominator thinking which has most factory installed 
    aux lamps controlled by the high beam switch.  
    
    Of course nothing says you can't get creative and put a three position
    switch, ON-OFF-ON in the same circuit as the aux lamps.  The lamps go
    to the common lead, and power is supplied to one "on" position from the
    high beam feed, and power is supplied to the other "on" position from a
    separate power lead, not controlled by the high beam switch.  To pass
    tech inspection you flip the switch to the preferred position.
    
    In really foggy conditions, and in heavy falling snow, the low beams
    can create too much dazzle and the fog lamps work best with only the
    parking lamps. 
    
    djc
    

    
      re: >In really foggy conditions, and in heavy falling snow, the low
          >beams can create too much dazzle and the fog lamps work best
          >with only the parking lamps.
    
      Very true. That's why I was disappointed to discover that my (factory)
      auxillary lights (fog or driving or ?) *only* work with the low beams
      on...The low beams are just too much at times.
    
     
             

    re last few,
    my truck works with low beam or parking lites.
    dave

    Well, I stopped by Ron Bouchard's Nissan yesterday.  The foglight kit
    includes a 10 ft wiring harness.  They were reluctant to tell me if
    it's always required during installation, though.  They also quoted me
    an installation price of $285.  $125 for the kit, and $160 in labor.
    
    I'm also checking the WEB for help on this.  I'm not paying $285, and 
    certainly not $125 with no instructions.
    
    Joel