Question about tail fog lights????

[Doug T]

I want to know:

Question 1, Do the tail fog lights on a Euro LHD MK2 Scirocco illuminate only when the regular tail lights are on?

Question 2, Do both left and right tail fog sides illuminate on Euro models?

Question 3, Do the tail fog lights illuminate differently on UK models?

I have a US spec car and I am adding defeat switches to my tail fog lights.
In the US they run the main power wire to the US/NA side markers, don't install the tail fog light bulb and then run a jumper to the regular tail lights at the connector.
In order to install the tail fog bulb you have cut holes in the rear lens backing cups. I want to know if I should use the tail light power wire with a relay or run a separate power wire to the tail. I have to run power in both configurations but it makes a difference at the fuse box,

Thanks.

[the edmundator]

In the UK, there is only a fog-light on the right-hand side (as you look at the back of the car). On the continent it is the other way round. The rear fog-lights will only come on when the headlights are switched on to dipped-beam. Hope that helps.

No European car has side markers as these are not in common use or a requirement by law.

[Doug T]

The rear fog-lights will only come on when the headlights are switched on to dipped-beam. Hope that helps.

Thanks,
So dipped-beam is the same as low (standard 55W outer front headlights on) or is that the setting for parking lights? I don't understand proper English because I live in the US.

In the UK, there is only a fog-light on the right-hand side (as you look at the back of the car). On the continent it is the other way round.

That is what I recall (single tail fog lamp in front of the driver of the car behind).
In the US you could get pulled over and issued a ticket for having a failed tail light if only one tail fog is on. I will make it so I can turn both on at the same time just to avoid tickets. I can turn off one if I wish just for special occasions like caravans.

No European car has side markers as these are not in common use or a requirement by law.

Yes, I wish WE DID NOT HAVE THEM.

Thanks

[the edmundator]

Yes, dipped-beam is proper headlights (not sidelights).

I think Volvo is the only manufacturer to inflict side markers on the rest of the world. I think they're a requirement in some form on long goods vehicles over here, and trailers.

[DT1]

In order to install the tail fog bulb you have cut holes in the rear lens backing cups.

Just for reference, over here the fog light is designed with a reflector plate lining the cavity to help increase brightness and there is no need to cut any holes.

Having said that it is somewhat annoying that the one that isn't used (left or right depending on country) is blanked off and doesn't have the reflector plate fitted.

The order of lights in the UK is reverse-fog-tail. Your picture goes reverse-tail-fog. Just something I noticed.

[Doug T]

In order to install the tail fog bulb you have cut holes in the rear lens backing cups.

The proper fog light is designed with a reflector plate lining the cavity to help increase brightness and no need to cut any holes.

It is somewhat annoying that the one that isn't used (left or right depending on country) is blanked off and doesn't have the reflector plate fitted.

I have not looked at my reflector for about 15 years but I think the plastic has a plate finish?

The N/A MK2s have the holes blocked. This is what we have to do to get the bulb in.

[DT1]

Here is a pair I prepared earlier (excuse the dust).

The top is the UK left cluster with no fog, the bottom is a Euro left cluster, as you can see the Euro version has the star shaped clips that hold the metal plates in place and the pattern of the fog 'glass' is different compared to the tail light.

Also the aperture for the fog light is larger than the tail light (see my comments about order of lights before).

So when the Scirocco was produced in the US there was no legal requirement for rear fogs? Or am I misunderstanding? Seems like a bit of a pain to have to do all that, at least with us if you want fogs on both sides the wiring is already done even if there is only one fog light legally required.

[Doug T]

What is interesting to me is the the location of the lights.

Your tail lights are in the outer location and our N/A tail lights are in the inner (near the reverse lights) location.

[DT1]

Do you have front fogs fitted? Our fog-light switch is 3 position, off, front only, front and rear.

Maybe you could use a Euro spec switch, save you having to drill holes in the dash for a mod?

[Doug T]

Do you have front fogs fitted? Our fog-light switch is 3 position, off, front only, front and rear.

Maybe you could use a Euro spec switch, save you having to drill holes in the dash for a mod?

I have both the 3 pos and the 2 pos switches. I am going to use the 3 pos switch but I do not have front fog lights.

[DannyH]

The rear fog-lights will only come on when the headlights are switched on to dipped-beam.

are you sure about that cos i thought they came on as long as the lights were on and the fog lamp switch was all the way on?

[DT1]

I have both the 3 pos and the 2 pos switches. I am going to use the 3 pos switch but I do not have front fog lights.

Oh, OK, no problem, just that I read this and thought that you were going to install another switch.

...and add a switch to the tail fogs to turn them on and off.

[Doug T]

I have both the 3 pos and the 2 pos switches. I am going to use the 3 pos switch but I do not have front fog lights.

Oh, OK, no problem, just that I read this and thought that you were going to install another switch.

...and add a switch to the tail fogs to turn them on and off.

Thanks,

I don't like drilling holes in my dash. I have had the switches for 20 years and never used them till now.

So what should I do with the other switch position? Perhaps turn the left bulb on for step one and both for step 2?

[DT1]

Fit some front fogs. Sorry, I'm quite keen on front fogs because of my location by the coast, lots of sea fog (haar).

I'm intrigued by your caravan and special occasions comment earlier, you only need one fog when towing? If you need or can use the single rear fog option then there's no reason not to wire it like that.

Other than that I'm not sure that you have to do anything, you've probably noticed that some people here remove the front fogs for aesthetic reasons and just leave the switch as it is.

[Doug T]

I'm intrigued by your caravan and special occasions comment earlier, you only need one fog when towing? If you need or can use the single rear fog option then there's no reason not to wire it like that.

I live by the ocean. I can see the ocean from my house. I would like to have fog lights but they are expensive and I don't need them most of the time.
For us a caravan is when we have many cars in a line.