I'm thinking of installing the Mazda OEM rear fog light that's on the European/Asian RX-8. Anyone done this? Is it hard to do? (I know mazdaparts.com sells this, but I heard the instructions only come in Japanese. And I know someone makes a nice rear fog of their own design—but I'm interested in the Mazda unit.) Anyone?

 

sorry for the short hijack, but i was always curious as to why people did that to begin with...even over seas. What good is it to turn a fog light on behind you? Other then to maybe blind a tailgater...

On a more useful note, I thought for sure that there were others on here that have tried to do so...successful or not. Sorry i'm so useless

 

no one really likes the mazda rear foglight. too expensive as it is about 200 bucks.

 

Yup. You can make one for way less!

 

because you can turn the rear foglight in2 a fourth brakelight... looks pretty slick actually...thinkn bout doin 2 it mine when i get it ^_^.

 

I could be wrong but I think it's much easier to see the car in front of you when it's foggy or raining if they've got a rear fog on. The rear fog isn't super bright or white. It's a brighter red light (about the same brightness as when the brakes are depressed, maybe a little brighter).

I don't know how much fog you get, but out here in San Francisco, normal taillights turn into little tiny specs of red during heavy fog and it's harder to judge distance, etc.

 

^^
as he said.

There is a reason that such a rear fog light is standard on many (most?) European models nowadays - it might even be a requirement to have these in some countries where foggy weather is common.

It makes sense when used properly - downside is that it can get really irritating when some idiots use the bright rear fog light even when there is no trace of fog.

 

I have installed the rear fog light. I am planning to do a DIY, but havn't gotten to it yet. (Too busy with work.)

Anyway, I purchased the full kit, not just the fog light. The complete kit comes with dash switch, wiring harness, "light module", and rear fog light.

The real JDM fog light won't work as a good 4th tail light if that is what you are looking for. There is a parabolic reflector in it. It is REALLY bright. If you are looking for a rear light, look at Derwankel's rear "fog light".

(In most states, it's illegal to use the rear fog light, unless you are in a low visibility solution. In some states, it's officiers discretion on if it's legal or "excessive lighting".)

I bought my kit from Canzoomer BTW.

(For pictures of my install, http://gate.crashing.org/~fray/Rear%...ht%20Pictures/)

 

^^ Ditto as above. Extremely happy with mine. Only issue I saw with the Japanese OEM version is that US cars don't have a rear fog indicator light in the dash cluster. Rigging an LED from the power lead is a workaround. The "J" version if for Fog only, if you want a 3rd brakelight check out derwankle's...

 

where'd you guys put the switch? i needa decide on a place for mine.

 

The oem comes with a switch, either a single fog or dual DCS/fog switch. Install it in one of the blanks....

 

ic. i'm getting derwankel's foglight so i will just get a universal switch and put it there.

 

Canzoomer sells the switch itself.. but unless you REALLY want an OEM swtich, don't bother.

 

I want it just for heavy fog—not as a 3rd brake light. (Drivers in this country are EASILY stupid enough to have them turned on when they're not needed—annoying, if not blinding, innocent motorists behind them. ("Golly, look how purdy ma car is with all them lights on! Cool!!") And I'm only interested in an OEM unit. I'm not handy. Not gonna build my own. Not gonna buy someone else's DIY project. I like the way OEM stuff looks, fits and works—even if it IS way overpriced. (I can spot the difference between a factory switch and a generic aftermarket switch in a nano-second. And yeah—it would bother me.)

Why a rear fog light? As others have said, in a really dense, soupy, 37-car-chain reaction-type fog, it lets the guy behind see you a moment or two sooner—maybe enough to avoid rear-ending you. (Of course, we get fog like that here in NY/NJ/CT only once or twice a year. But I'm ****. And I think it's kinda cool looking, even switched off.)

 

That is EXACTLY why I got it.. ohh ya, and it looks cool (even off) as well.

It's fairly easy to install. I have translated instructions if you decide to get it... the only thing non-stock/OEM looking on the install on a US model is the indicator light. In the states I have looked at the laws for, they require a _red_ indicator light for when the fog light is on. The US dash has no such indicator, so you basically have to get a light or LED for the dash. I got mine at radio shack and mounted it in the right most switch blank. Looks good, and is very functional. Unfortunatly I didn't take any pictures of that part of the install, but I can explain it and get pictures if you'd like.

One last note, the lighting control module has a slight incompatibility with the US cars. But it's nothing dangerous or anything. Basically what happens is if you turn your car into running light mode, the fog lights come on 90% of the time.. (unless the switch is in the "on" position, then they're off.)

I think I know the cause of this, but havn't had time to go back and explore. I suspect there is a transistor in there that is floating when the switch is off, since our cars have a relay that normally allow the fogs to come on only when the headlights are on.

Since I don't ever drive with just the running lights on, and the few times I do, I don't mind the front fogs being on... I havn't worried too much.

(FYI the install took me about 4 hours.. and most of that was just because I was taking my time....) The worst part of the install is the wiring in/under the dash.. and cutting out the rear-rotor in the bumper...

 

There are cost-effective "alternatives"

 

That reminds me. If you are attached to the rear rotary accent (the shiney aluminum piece) it does NOT fit with the JDM fog light. I was afraid I was going to miss it.. I don't.

The alternative one shown in the picture above allows for the rear rotary accent.

 

yes, derwankel makes the best!

 

I have to admit, the derwankel alternative is mighty appealing. While I generally favor OEM stuff, I realize that every now and then someone designs their own alternative that's better. (Like Howard in England's stainless steel strakes, for example.) So I have to consider this. I've read all about derwankel's inventions and, clearly he is THE MAN. (As long as I don't buy his and then read how he's "improved" the design 5 months later. That would bother me. No logical reason why, it just would.)

 

it's a part of life... same with cars.

 

i must say that although the thought never really appealed to me at all, i really like the way derwankel's rear light looks. Actaully looks better then i originally imaged...

 

Yes, I agree, it looks fabulous. Even manages to include the rear rotary accent. Hell, if the thing actually spun, it would be perfect.

 

Here's another advertisement for Derwankel! Terrific fit and finish .... and his instructions are in English!

 

wow thats really eye catching!! looks hot!!!