Fog lights are auxiliary lighting intended to illuminate the road in foggy weather, allowing the driver to see through the dense fog in the air. They are positioned as low as possible on the front bumper or lower valance. The closer you are to the ground, the less dense the fog usually is.
If your fog light bulbs malfunction, you should replace them as soon as possible. Luckily, replacing a fog light bulb is a relatively easy task that most people can do. This article will show you how to replace a fog light bulb in just a few simple steps.
How to Replace a Fog Light Bulb (Step by Step Guide)
Whether you're looking to upgrade your fog lights or replace a broken one, there are a few tools you'll need to get the job done：
- A correct fog light bulb. To replace your fog light, the first step is to purchase the correct replacement bulb. Consult your car's owner's manual or the dealership to find out what kind of bulb you need. You can find fog light replacement bulbs online at SuncentAuto, which carries a wide range of LED fog light bulbs at affordable prices.
– Your owner's manual. Different cars may have different fog light bulb mounting positions. The owner's manual can help you locate the fog light bulb quickly.
- A Philips screwdriver may be required to remove the old bulb.
- And lastly, you may want to wear gloves to keep your hands clean and protected.
With these tools, you're ready to replace your fog light. The following steps can be applied to most cars.
However, note that the steps for changing your fog light bulb may differ depending on your automobile model. To access your vehicle's fog light bulb, you must reach behind the bumper or from the top of the engine bay. This guide will explain how you can access the bulb behind the bumper.
Step 1: Access and locate the fog light bulb
To reach the bulb easily, you can turn the steering wheel to the right, keeping the wheel away from the fender guard.
Now, look at the bottom of the fender under the car. Use a screwdriver to remove the plastic screws that hold the fender guard and pull the fender down slowly. Remove the guard to ensure you have enough space to access the socket of the fog light bulb.
Step 2: Disconnect the connector from the fog light bulb
You will find there are two lock tabs on the socket plug. Pinch both clips inward, then gently pull the plug vertically down from the bulb plug. Then, unlock the bulb from the fog light housing by gently turning the bulb plug counterclockwise.
Alert: Make sure the ignition switch is in the off position. Some fog lights work at a high current and have a risk of accidental contact, which may result in bodily harm.
Step 3: Insert a new fog light bulb
After you confirm the replacement fog bub is correct, insert the new bulb into the bulb housing with the plug pointing away from you. It is typically easier to insert the bulb back into the housing before you insert the electrical plug again. Make sure the fog bulb is secured and replaced correctly.
Note: It is best to wear a new pair of latex or cloth gloves when handling new light bulbs. Oil or residue on them may produce hot spots on the glass and shorten the bulb's life.
Step 4: Reconnect the electrical connector
Reconnect the connector by pushing the wire plug into the bulb plug until you hear the tabs clicking in place. Ensure that the positioning is correct and the connector is adjoined correctly. They will only fit correctly one way.
Step 5: Reinstall anything removed during the disassembly process
Once the fog light installation is done, carefully reinstall everything back into place. Make sure the parts are restored with the proper location.
Step 6: Test the new fog light bulbs
Verify that fog lights are working correctly by turning them on. Go to the front of the vehicle and confirm that the replacement bulb is working properly.
FAQs about Fog Light Bulb Replacement
Q: Are fog lights easy to replace?
This is a fairly easy fix, and requires few tools. Fog lamps are simple to replace as long as they are typical bulbs and can be removed without removing additional components. For novice DIYers, the task can still be completed in less than an hour.
Q: How much does it cost to replace fog lights?
Usually, If you have your fog light bulb replaced by a mechanic professional at an auto repair center, the installation cost itself is somewhere between $40 to $60. If you are considering the cost of a fog light including the installation by the dealer, then you may end up paying $149 to $500, according to Element Owners Club. Read more>>
Q: How often should I replace my fog light bulb?
The failure rate of any bulb depends on the amount used, the quality of the bulb, and how the vehicle is driven. Also, the vehicle's age, the humidity of the local environment, and whether the vehicle is stored indoors or outdoors all make a difference.
Q: How do I know when my fog light bulb needs to be replaced?
If you notice broken fog light symptoms like fog lights either don't turn on or off, or only one works, you should check and replace the faulty fog light bulbs as soon as possible. It would be best to check your fog light bulbs every six months to ensure they are working properly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, replacing a fog light bulb is not difficult and does not take much time. With a few tools and the correct replacement bulb, anyone can do it. Be sure to consult your car's manual for the location of the fog light bulbs and the type of replacement bulbs you need.
