How to replace a fog lamp

Replacing the PTF is a simple job that can be done in the garage or near the house, having a standard set of tools at hand. But the situation is often complicated by the fact that in order to remove the fog lamp, you have to disassemble additional elements or even remove the front bumper. Therefore, you should understand the design features of your car model in order to understand how to properly organize the work.

What can be difficult

It all depends on the car, since the location of the foglights, their design and method of attachment can vary greatly. Therefore, it is worth remembering a few simple tips:

1. First you need to study the operating instructions for the car to figure out how to dismantle the old fog lamp and install a new one. A lot of information can be found on thematic forums.
   Replacement can be done on your own in almost any car.
2. If the replacement requires the removal of the bumper, it is this work that will take the most time and effort. You need to find all the fasteners, as well as unscrew the screws that fix the fender liner to the bumper.
3. If the fog lights are removed from the outside, which is typical for most older cars, another problem may arise. Due to the low location of the elements, dirt constantly gets on the fasteners and it can be very difficult to unscrew the screws, especially if this has not been done for many years.

If the fasteners do not lend themselves, it is worth treating them with a liquid key so as not to disrupt the slots in the screws.

What do you need to replace

It all depends on the design of the car and the features of the foglights. Most often, the following is required:

1. Tool set. It is sufficient even in cases where it is necessary to remove the bumper, as well as the lower panels that restrict access. If the fog lights are removed from the outside, one screwdriver may be enough, it all depends on the design.
2. "Liquid Key". Most often, the fasteners do not lend themselves very well. In order not to break anything or damage the threaded connections, it is worth pre-processing them and proceeding to unscrew them after 5-10 minutes.
   If the PTF is held on by latches, it is important not to break them when removed.
3. New parts. The problem may be in a burned out light bulb, then only it will be needed. If the fog light is broken, most often it is changed entirely. But for some options it is possible to purchase glass separately, in which case you will additionally need special glue to fix the new element on the body.
4. In some cases, you will need a jackto remove the front wheels or loosen the fasteners at the bottom of the bumper. But it is best to use a hole in this case.

If the fog lights have been standing for a long time and are quite worn out, if one element fails, it is better to change both, since if you leave one old one, the appearance will turn out to be unattractive.

How to choose the right lamp

If the lamp burns out, in order to change it, you should choose a new option. There are a few tips to keep in mind here:

1. First of all, it is worth finding out what type of lamps are installed. Putting a model with a different base or type of light will not work. The information should be in the instruction manual. Or it can be found in the technical data of the model on specialized sites.
2. Bulbs should be changed in pairs. Then they will serve approximately the same time and the light will not differ. This is especially true for halogen options, in which the spiral becomes thinner over time.
3. When choosing, give preference to models with natural or yellowish light. It illuminates the road much better in low visibility conditions and is less reflected from water droplets.

Most often in fog lamps there are lamps with a waterproof connector.

How to access the headlight

The main part of the work when replacing a fog light or a light bulb in it most often consists in providing access to the structure. There may be several options and each has its own characteristics.

The most convenient option is when the PTF is simply unscrewed and carefully pulled out. There are no particular difficulties, the main thing is not to pull too hard, since you first need to disconnect the wiring.

The most convenient solution is to remove the PTF to the outside.

In many models, you first need to remove the plastic lining that covers the fog lamp mount. Most often, it is fixed with latches, which are most conveniently squeezed out with a thin flat screwdriver.

The cladding snaps off carefully so as not to break the latches.

There are cars in which, in order to provide access to the bulb and remove the PTF, you need to remove the plastic protection from below, usually there are 2-3 screws that need to be unscrewed. In some cars, you will also have to remove the lower fender liner.

There are often special hatches under the fog lights to provide access.

Finally, in the most difficult case, you will have to remove the entire bumper to replace the foglights. But the bulbs can be changed without dismantling the front of the car.

Removing the bumper is the hardest part.

PTF replacement process

Almost always the process consists of the same steps. The difference lies in how much preparation needs to be done. Replacing the fog lamp is easy:

1. First of all, the terminal is removed from the battery. This rule should be observed during any work with the electrician of the machine.
2. Access to the PTF is provided, it all depends on the design of the front end. All options have been described previously.
3. First, the wire connector is removed, often it is removed along with the lamp. It's important not to break the latches, so it's best to figure out how they work first.
4. The headlight is most often held on by 2 screws that must be unscrewed. Often they are severely damaged by corrosion, in which case it is advisable to replace them. And treat the connections with copper or other grease to protect against moisture.
5. Install new headlight in reverse order. But there is one feature - after installation, it is desirable adjust the light for good effect. To do this, a line is drawn on the wall 10 cm below the level of the light bulb in the PTF. Then the car is placed opposite at a distance of 7.6 m and the fog lights are turned on.The upper limit of the luminous flux must coincide with the line, if necessary, the position is adjusted.

PTF adjustment is an important point after replacing them.

It is not difficult to change fog lights or bulbs in them if you understand the design features and the method of removing elements on your car. Usually, the most difficulties arise with unscrewing the screws, so they should be processed in advance with a liquid key.

At the end, a few videos for replacement in specific car models.