Newbie - fog light question

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Tools
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Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:05 am

Hello,

Just brought myself a 1990 316i lux, all seems to be in good condition just cant get the fog lights to come on. I think i have checked the correct fuse but it does not seem to be this. Could anyone give me ideas on other things to check and preferably how you do this (im not very mechanically minded and new to bmw's!!)

Are fog lights something which could fail the mot?

Thanks in advance,

Antoine
lukeb
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Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:17 am

what do you need fog lights for anyway? it only seems to be chavs that ever use them!

Have you taken the fog lights out? check the connectors at the back of them and also check the bulbs. Its strange that both aren't working though.
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gazza
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Fri Jun 09, 2006 5:16 pm

try the switch sometimes they just need a clean
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Brianmoooore
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Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:43 pm

Does the warning light in the instrument cluster come on when switch the fogs on?
The way to deal with electrical faults is proper analysis and deduction. Random replacement of parts in the hope of striking lucky is just likely to introduce more faults and cause confusion.
Taylor325i
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Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:47 pm

Front fog lights are not part of an MOT.


Taylor.
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Sanchez
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Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:52 pm

Front fogs collect water in them and if left corrode electrical connections. I Took mine out washed, dried and wire brushed electrical contacts, new bulbs and no probs.
E30Mark
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Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:57 pm

First of all, i assume you have the ignition & the lights on?

Then check for power to the switch, then check the switch operation, if this all checks out OK you have either a duff joint plugging into the fog lamps, or two blown lamps.

Front fogs are not part of the MOT, rear fogs are.

My money is on the switch being knackered :D
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DJ_B4L
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Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:08 pm

i know this might sound funny but check inside the fuse box if you have the fog light relay or check if its ticking when you turn the fog light on

i dont know which on eis the fog light relay it should tell you in the manual think its the k7 or k8

best way get some one to turn the fogs on for you while u keep your finger on the relay or try to hear it click
iDreamBeemer
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 8:15 am

it is the k8 relay
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Tools
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 6:48 pm

so when it comes to doing the mot (which i gotta do soon) even though i have installed front fog lights they do not need to working for it pass?
This would be brilliant if it is the case as it gives me more time to sort the problem out.

Thanks to everyone who has provided so far.

Antoine
Taylor325i
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 7:22 pm

Tools wrote:so when it comes to doing the mot (which i gotta do soon) even though i have installed front fog lights they do not need to working for it pass?
This would be brilliant if it is the case as it gives me more time to sort the problem out.

Thanks to everyone who has provided so far.

Antoine

Correct!



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wildeian
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 7:25 pm

try cleaning the contacts in the switch,

worked for me!
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Brianmoooore
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 8:22 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:Does the warning light in the instrument cluster come on when switch the fogs on?
The way to deal with electrical faults is proper analysis and deduction. Random replacement of parts in the hope of striking lucky is just likely to introduce more faults and cause confusion.
essexboy
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Sat Jun 10, 2006 8:50 pm

before replacing parts i.e switches and relays it would be worth ya while byeing a little 12volt tester the screwdriver with a crocadile clip and light bulb which you connect to earth about a £1 from the market or local odd job shop and see where the power is going and if you got any to start with :)
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