Rear Fogs... Again! Help...

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Okay, so now I've learned there was a rear fog option available on some models in '03, which included an indicator on the instrument cluster. Instaed of being operated with a rear fog switch, ala ECSTuning, if worked simultaneously with the front fogs, making use of the front foglight switch position. Anyone have this option, or familiar with it. This actually makes more sense, because there is no reason to use the rear fog without the front fogs and visa-versa.

Now I'm thinking about simply wiring my rear fog into the front fog circuit. Just have to figure out how to delete the headlights when the fogs are on. Is this how the option worked, or were they on with the headlights for show only? Need a wiring schematic for this option.

On another note, saw a rear fog switch that claims to have the ability to delete the DRLs for you DRL deleters.
TVA: Euro Headlight Switch for Beetle

[2004NBTURBOS]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

This actually makes more sense, because there is no reason to use the rear fog without the front fogs and visa-versa.

I have read somewhere that in certain European country's cars parking on the street during certain hours must leave a rear marker light on. Where did you score the switch and lens? I am looking for a good deal on these.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

You may be referring to Germany, where if parking on a unlit road at night you are required to leave the parking lights on. This was actually their original intended use here in the States (over the years, they have evolved to being called running lights, and have been added to the side elevation of our automobiles). I remember a park, where we went "parking" in high school, in Kentucky, that had the law and enforced it.

I bought an import switch (knockoff) for less than two bucks, the international mailing was about $10, but had it in abt a week. Haven't installed it yet to see if it works/fits properly. As to sources for rear fog light, I have several, with prices all over the place. Have to consolidate them and I will try to get you a list. ECS is rediculously priced for the light and the switch. But if you want the fogs to function the proper way, the rear does not need to be independent of the front fogs, if you are using them the way they were intended, as fogs. That's why I started this thread, trying to find out how this option functions, perhaps a different switch. The wiring for the fogs is easy, you just marry the rear fog into the front fog circuit. Just trying to find out if it switches on the fogs and running lights and switches off the headlights as it should. Tico4Life confirmed he has the icon in his cluster. Now we need to find a schematic that shows the rear fog, from the factory. And a VIN for one that has it, to determine if the switch is different.

I do need to get my rear fog bought, I'll dig out my resources and let you know the sources and the prices. It's not just the lense, it's the complete housing with new wiring harness. Have to see one to find out what kind of bulb is used, because it is purportedly hi-intensity (and from the pic I have of one, it is)

Note how much brighter the rear fog is than the tail lights on the same and adjacent car.


MORAV

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Is the bulb and socket there? I'll p/m you my FedEx account number, if you don't mind dropping it by a FedEx Office (old Kinko's), at your convenience. You're not working and I want to send you something though.

[Opelmania]

Hey M. my aftermarket Euroswitch seems like it will work without having it on the headlight setting. No dash light to go on. I don't have the rear fog, but as I recall, there was some kind of jumper wire you needed coming off the switch to get it to work. Hope that helps at least a little bit.

[Yello_jellybean]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

Note how much brighter the rear fog is than the tail lights on the same and adjacent car.


MORAV

This is ABSOLUTELY true. In 2009 on my way back to Colorado from Roswell, HarlequinPixie... aka Tabitha, drove back with the Colorado caravan.... We hit a REALLY nasty rain storm in the middle of nowhere in NM. Visibility was VERY low. I was behind Pixie and she had her rear fog on. It really is a lifesaver in bad weather. I could see her perfectly, whereas I could not see anyone else. This is exactly why I am installing my rear fog BEFORE Roswell this year.

I am waiting for you to get the bugs worked out MORAV.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Evanrude

No bulb. JUST the bare fog light housing, like this...
ECS shows different part for TS than all other models, I suspect this has to do with a different bumper which either affects the mounting or has a different contour or possibly even diameter. While it does say in the description for either, where you are to obtain the bulb socket, I am now assuming the socket is reused from the back-up light. I have to assume also that since your part is identified as the one for the TS it will not work in mine. I would like to have yours in my hand to be able to compare, when I do secure the right one, be it from ECS or elsewhere. The pics of both on the ECS site are the same, but I'm certain the assemblies are not.

Your stock harness from your car should just plug right in.
The stock harness does not plug right in, that harness is the lead for the back-up lights wiring. A new separate lead has to be run from the Euro Switch [and now in reading, there is also a South American switch (not the same)] to the new rear fog light assembly. The installation guide from ECS is for a MKIV, which has the unused lens already in place (but without wiring or bulb), and does not cover the NB install. (Figures)

From ECS you can get THIS wire and bulb, and it plugs into your STOCK harness to make that one side work.
Not exactly (see note in red immediately above).
Home Page > Search > Beetle Fog > ES#1251 European Rear Fog Light Kit - 1J0998001

Also, they sell the rear fog like I've got, just the bare piece, for $76 which seems crazy >_<
This is the TS part, but they also sell the one for all other NB models.
Home Page > Search > Beetle Fog > ES#1352 Rear Fog Light Kit - 1C0945711C

See comments, in red, above within quoted post.

The light assembly and the wiring are the simple part of the total equation. What is important, is the switch and how it controls the lights. The necessary switch has to be (3) position [OFF] [Headlights & Parking/Running Lights] {Parking/Running Lights and Fogs (front & rear)], the ideal switch will be (4) position [OFF] [Parking/Running Lights] [Headlights & Parking/Running Lights] [Parking/Running Lights & Fogs (front & rear)] There is no need for separate operation of the front and rear fogs; when you have a need for the front, you likewise have the need for the rear)

I need to look at the knock-off Euro-switch I have and see how it is configured; I may need to know about this South American Fog Light Switch, and I may, and would love to know about the switch that is a part of the rear fog American option on some models, at least available in '03. I have also seen a Euro-fog switch that purports to have the ability for DRL deletion (don't know whether that is permanent or selective - I have a selective delete feature on a switch in one of my GM vehicles). I may end up buying several to compare as the sellers seem to like to sell the products but the item lacks all the description necessary and the Sellers don'thave a clue.

Another option may be to reconfigure the switch by modifying the circuit board on the switch, if the properly configured switch can not be found.

MORAV

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Yello_jellybean

This is ABSOLUTELY true. In 2009 on my way back to Colorado from Roswell, HarlequinPixie... aka Tabitha, drove back with the Colorado caravan.... We hit a REALLY nasty rain storm in the middle of nowhere in NM. Visibility was VERY low. I was behind Pixie and she had her rear fog on. It really is a lifesaver in bad weather. I could see her perfectly, whereas I could not see anyone else. This is exactly why I am installing my rear fog BEFORE Roswell this year.

I am waiting for you to get the bugs worked out MORAV.

It would really help if someone can tell me exactly how all the lights are controlled by the different Euro-switches available. Tico4Life has confirmed he has the rear fog icon in his '03, and he is also wanting to do the Rear Fog mod. Retro-fitting the rear fog and getting that icon activated will be a whole other issue. I need to find a wiring schematic for the '03 option and I really need to know how that switch has the light operation configured. The problem with all our Bugs with front fogs and the standard switch is that the headlights are on when the fogs are on. THIS TOTALLY DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF THE FOGLIGHTS.

Maybe for the sake of all of us interested in doing this mod properly and economically, everyone with a link to a source for any type of Euro-switch and rear fog assembly and harness can post them up in this thread. I have a few, scattered hither and yawn that I will have to dig around and find. I think there may also be an old DIY or two floating around the Org re installation of the ECS unit. I know there was one recently about actually adding an indicator light into the switch for the rear fog.

Lets keep this thread up and active. With everyone's help this can very easily become the final word in the rear fog mod.

By the way everybody, yellow front fogs are the most effective.

MORAV

[Palmettoguy]

Well the rear fog I picked up is marked for a TS on the box, but the part number on the actual part is for a reg beetle...
Anyone w/ a TS fog light wanna trade? Hint, hint...

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Was that hint directed at me or Stephen? He's the one with the TS light! Wonder if his was in a box marked 2.0L but is for the TS. With that in mind, maybe they both came from ECS.

[Mutato]

Great, you got me wanting a rear fog again.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Mutato

Great, you got me wanting a rear fog again.

Well here's your chance to at least get the light assembly at the right price. Stephen is dealing with some health issues and can't work, so money is tight. If your truly interested offer him a fair price and help out a fellow Orger, who has contributed a lot around here.

A great, and practical mod if you drive in fog or inclement weather. Zero-visibilty rain or snow, in addition to just fog.

Stay tuned for follow-ups from my research as to switches and harnesses. I spent some time researching earlier today. Hoping for input from others, what you have found, what you know, and esp if you have done this, the switch that you used and how it operates.

Does everyone know there is a rear fog for the late models? I remember someone mentioning that there wasn't, recently.

M.

[Yello_jellybean]

Hey MORAV, I just went and pulled out my switch that I will be installing soon. It IS a genuine VW/Audi part. (looks just like the one TVA is listing. Not sure if theirs is an actual VAG part or not though) The one I have has the VW Part # listed on the switch. Do you think others may need this info.? I will post the info, if needed.

I just bought the fog light part from one of our fellow Orgers, in Canada. I am not sure at this point, if the wiring harness comes with it. I am waiting to see. If not I was gonna buy the one you are showing above, that ECS sells for like 14 bucks.

What I need at this point, is to get info on the actual installation, AND how to get the light to show up on the dash.
When you get this figured out, You WILL be my HERO!

Edit: VW/Audi euro switch Part # 1CO 941 531 A C1A-K 0419

[Mutato]

I would think if you have the euro light switch and once you hook up the right wire the light on the switch should light up. My front fogs do. and there is a light right next to them for the rear.

[Yello_jellybean]

Originally Posted by Mutato

I would think if you have the euro light switch and once you hook up the right wire the light on the switch should light up. My front fogs do. and there is a light right next to them for the rear.

I would guess that the light on the SWITCH does light up. I'm not sure though, considering I don't have it installed yet. MORAV's switch isn't a VAG part though so, his may be slightly different.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Yello_jellybean

Hey MORAV, I just went and pulled out my switch that I will be installing soon. It IS a genuine VW/Audi part. (looks just like the one TVA is listing. Not sure if theirs is an actual VAG part or not though) The one I have has the VW Part # listed on the switch. Do you think others may need this info.? I will post the info, if needed.

I just bought the fog light part from one of our fellow Orgers, in Canada. I am not sure at this point, if the wiring harness comes with it. I am waiting to see. If not I was gonna buy the one you are showing above, that ECS sells for like 14 bucks.

What I need at this point, is to get info on the actual installation, AND how to get the light to show up on the dash.
When you get this figured out, You WILL be my HERO!

The part number, and any info contained with the switch might be useful, at least to me. There are several different variations of the switch out there as far as I can tell, and I assume they may control the lights differently. Not sure if everyone can understand my posts in this regard. I have tried to put them in laypersons terms as best I can. Also tell me exactly how you want your lights to function.

If your trying to light up an icon on the cluster in the '05 your showing as your ride, you are SOL. It was in the '03 cluster, but gone in the '04 and '05, clusters. Changing clusters might be an option, but a very expensive one.

There is a thread somewhere I have to find about lighting the symbol up on the Euro-switch (involved), but as I have stated in above posts, if it is your intent to use the fogs properly, you only need one indicator light indicating that they are all on. The is no need to control the rear seperatly, even though that may be what some switches do.

Post up what you have and stay tuned!

Thanks,

M.

Edit: In the meantime, here is an Org DIY on the switch install. I haven't looked at it since I first got interested to see whatelse it might contain, or how good it is. ECS's DIY on the install for the MkIV wiring is going to be very similar (it's on their site).
EuroSwitch Install - How-To

[Yello_jellybean]

I went ahead and listed the part number for the VAG Euro switch in my above post.

As far as how I want my lights to work, pretty simple I think...
Fog lights on and off, Headlights on and off, rear fogs on and off.... on with my front fogs is okay with me.(I'm sure I would be using them together anyway) I don't care much that the front fogs come on with the headlights, I would be using them with my headlights mostly anyway. It would be cool if the were separate but, not really a big deal to me.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Yello_jellybean

I went ahead and listed the part number for the VAG Euro switch in my above post.

As far as how I want my lights to work, pretty simple I think...
Fog lights on and off, Headlights on and off, rear fogs on and off.... on with my front fogs is okay with me.(I'm sure I would be using them together anyway) I don't care much that the front fogs come on with the headlights, I would be using them with my headlights mostly anyway. It would be cool if the were separate but, not really a big deal to me.

So you understand, the only way foglights work is to be used without the headlights. They serve no functional purpose if the headlights are also on, and they work best if they are yellow. This is the type of switching I am trying to accomplish. You speak as if you want your headlights on at the same time. Doubtful you will be able to have it both ways, and you don't need a Euroswitch if you only want them on with your headlights and don't want separate operation for the rear fog (no purpose).

M.

[Yello_jellybean]

Separate functions are good. I just don't need to make this complicated. If I can get everything to work properly AND have it's own setting, great. If I can, but I have to re-wire my whole car to do it, no thanks. I just don't need anything complicated, at least not for how I would be using it, that is all I am saying.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

This will be easy, promise. A one wire lead from the switch to the foglight. Hopefully a plug and play, completely, possibly a splice into a wire, possibly moving an active pin or two in the female side of the plug at the end of the existing harness lt'll depending on what I find in switches and how right you want to do it. You can do it right now without anymore help from me but I can't tell you how the lights will function. Working on it, hoping for the optimum (correct) set-up at finish.

M.