S70 Single to Dual Rear Fog Light Conversion

Discussion in 'Volvo S70' started by ccr, Feb 29, 2004.

  1. ccr

    ccr Guest

    Just wondering if anyone else finds it strange that Volvo provides on some
    models a single extra red tail light controlled by a dash switch and called
    a rear fog light, on the left side only. My mechanic suggests just ignoring
    this feature (and never switching it on) to avoid being stopped by police
    who may believe they see a light burned out on the other side. I would like
    a more symmetrical appearance. I find that there is a three-socket circuit
    board on the right side just like the one on the left, and that the extra
    socket is already wired in to the rear fog light switch. The only apparent
    problem is that there is no hole in the lens assembly corresponding to this
    socket. If I can carefully cut an opening here, is there any reason this
    should not be attempted? Has anyone else done this?
     
    ccr, Feb 29, 2004
    #1
  2. ccr

    James Sweet Guest

    Older Volvos (and many other European cars) had two rear foglights, however
    the later ones changed to a single one to prevent confusion with the brake
    lights. Personally I think having just one does little or nothing to prevent
    confusion, just looks like one brakelight is burned out, you should have no
    problem converting it to both sides though, just carefully cut an opening
    for the socket.
     
    James Sweet, Feb 29, 2004
    #2
  3. The fog light package I had installed on my 2000 S-40 includeds an
    extra-bright tail light that can be switched on separately from the front
    fog lights. I use it as extra protection in fog, or in heavy rain or snow.
    I understand that this bright rear light is common in Europe.
     
    Marvin Margoshes, Feb 29, 2004
    #3
  4. I did it and it worked. On some models you need to solder a jumper on
    the circuit board also. I also like the symmetric appearance. One
    interesting side effect is that if someone is tailgating, turning on two
    rear fog lamps will usually make them want to back off. I like that.
     
    Stephen M. Henning, Feb 29, 2004
    #4
  5. Having the asymmetric arrangement has an advantage, however. If you
    need someone to follow you in the dark, you can turn on the rear fog
    light. Even if you both get mixed up in traffic, the driver following
    can usually spot you easily.
     
    Rick Auricchio, Mar 1, 2004
    #5
  6. ccr

    Sean Nugent Guest

    I thought that as well - drilled out the plastic and installed a bulb.
    Result = 2 * fog lights at the rear.

    Sean
     
    Sean Nugent, Mar 4, 2004
    #6
  7. ccr

    Set Square Guest

    This has been discussed many times before and usually results in heated
    arguments - led by those who believe that one fog lamp is safer than two
    since it is less likely to be confused with brake lights. This is apparently
    Volvo's stance in deliberately implementing only one rear fog lamp.

    My 1999 (UK) V70 was supplied with only the RH fog lamp implemented.
    However, the LH fitting had a bulb holder complete with bulb - and the only
    reason the bulb didn't light was that there was a short (deliberate) break
    in the conductor strip feeding it. I was able to bridge this very easily,
    and now have two working fog lamps.

    In the UK, it is legal to have either one or two rear fog lamps and, if
    there is only one, it has to be on the RH side of the centreline. My wife's
    Ford Puma was supplied with two, and my Volvo (Ford!) with only one.
    Personally, I don't buy the argument about one being safer - and prefer to
    maximise my chances of being *seen* from the rear at the earliest
    opportunity.

    Cheers,
    SS
     
    Set Square, Mar 4, 2004
    #7
  8. ccr

    The Boss Guest

    The issue with two rear fog lights isn't that they will be confused with
    brake lights, but that the glare from two lights will mask the lighting
    of the brake lights, so that a following driver won't see the brake
    lights come on. With only one rear fog light, the following driver
    *should* see at least one brake light come on.
    That said, I know where you are coming from, and there is definitely a
    point in what you say. If the foglight is not integrated into the rear
    light cluster near the brake lights, this is not an issue!
    Regards,
    The Boss


    The camshaft timing belt is an abomination spawned by Satan!
     
    The Boss, Mar 4, 2004
    #8
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