Diode Dynamics foglight control independent of headlights.

[Stradbash]

Hello Folks,

I'm getting ready to install the Elite Series DD foglight on my Hybrid Maverick. I would like to be able to have them on when the headlights are off and on whenever the daytime running lights were on. I assume that to accomplish this I would simply hook up both trigger wires (blue and white) to a daytime running light or side marker light wire. Is that so, or would I be inviting a problem that I'm not considering? I'm asking largely because I'm not so familiar with modern automotive electronics. 20 years ago this would have been a no brainer to me, I just want to make sure I'm not going to mess anything up unwittingly. I'll just be using a simple switch on the dashboard and do not plan to use the F-150 switch or Forscan.

Thanks much to anyone who’d be willing to share any of their wisdom about this!

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[Sticks]

I'll try to summarize all options as best as I can, including the F150 switch for anyone else who views this thread.

To have fog lights on with parking lights on:

Option 1. I have both trigger wires tapped into my sidemarker. This is Pin #10 on the 12-pin Molex connector mentioned in the official install instructions. The fog lights are on when either the parking lights or the headlights are on. They will not turn off when the high beam is on.

Option 2. You could do an OEM-style install detailed in this thread:

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...wire-harness-installed-in-maverick-diy.26541/

This requires swapping to a new headlamp switch (~$35), running wires to the BCM, and reprogramming the BCM using Forscan. The foglights will function 100% like they would from Ford, but you would have to reprogram them any time the dealer updates the BCM due to recalls. The lights will basically function like Option 1, but they will also turn off when the high beams are on, which is required in some states. No other option allows them to automatically turn off with high beam because the high beam is LIN controlled-- it does not have a discrete 12V trigger.

To have the fog lights on with DRL:

On the XL and XLT, the low beam also functions as DRL-- since the standard installation procedure taps into the low beam wire, they should also come on with DRL in this case. They will not turn off when the high beam is on.

If you have a Lariat, the fog lights cannot be turned on with DRL because the DRL light blade is not triggered by a discrete 12 volt signal. The DRL blade is triggered via LIN (local interconnect network) digital communication to the lamp, and it draws power from a separate wire that provides constant 12V power to the headlamp when the BCM is energized. I don't currently know of any LIN-decoding modules available that would easily enable the DRL or high beam to become discrete triggers.


To have fog lights on with parking lights and DRL:

Trigger the fog lights using a fuse tap to a source that turns on with ignition. The fog lights would be on at all times when the vehicle is running, including with the high beam on. Do not tap the constant-power wire on the headlamp-- it can stay on for a long time after the truck is turned off.

OR you must have an XL or XLT and reasonable wiring skills. Use Option 1 or 2 as triggers in addition to the low beam wire. You must use appropriate Diodes in line with each trigger to prevent backflow of current. They will not turn off with high beam on if you use Option 1.

 

[Stradbash]

Perfect and wonderfully thorough!

Thanks Much!!!

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