99+ Fog Lights are junk.

GOH10 Runner · 01-24-2008, 03:20 PM

First Off I just bought/installed these brand new fog lights in october.

Two Days ago right side light went out.

Bought two brand new Hella H3 bulbs to go in both sides. Went to install and found both to be terribly corroded and wet inside. cleaned both a little and installed the lights. Today get home and right one is out AGAIN! Remove bulb to find that it is completely fine, I even hook it up to the other side to make sure, it works. I clean the other side and go to hook it back up and i try to hook up one of the connectors and it just snaps off...i barely applied any pressure. That should not of broken off and these brand new lights, which were installed correctly by the dealer should not of gone out or been corroded like they were. Just an fyi for anyone who is looking at buying a set of OEM fog lights.

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Ian Rogers · 01-24-2008, 04:57 PM

wow... my OEM 2000 fog lights work great, I changed the bulbs to 100w ones 6 mo ago. I put some anti-seize on the screws and have had no trouble yet, knock on wood.

luxdlx · 01-24-2008, 08:49 PM

Mine didnt work when I bought the 02. Got under for a look and found a big corrosion hole in one. Never have replaced them. Too expensive.

2000t4rAKS · 01-25-2008, 07:49 AM

Ian,

My 2000 fog lamps work no problem, I am just disappointed about how it only lights up three feet in front of the runner. Did you just replace the bulb with 100W, on a STOCK wiring harness? If so, how are your fog light wiring holdin up? I have heard horror stories about people repalcing just the bulbs and melting their stock wiring harnesses.

austin

hillbilly · 01-25-2008, 08:06 AM

Welcome to the club...

Like many, the OEM fog lights on my '01 have failed numerous times over the last 7 years because the body/components have severely rotted/corroded from road sludge. Each time I've been able to repair 'em, but this last time I decided its time to see if I could find replacements.

The 3G's OEM fog light bodies are actually Hella Micro DE (55W H3's). I ran into a pretty good deal on a set of these at Amazon with free shipping. The kit includes 2 lamps and everything you need to install these from scratch.

They arrived yesterday and I compared the lamp body numbers/markings to my OEMs. Sure enough, they're indentical. So, if you already have 3G OEM fog light brackets, and want/need to replace your fogs, these are a direct replacement.

Call me cheap, but I not willing to drop $400-$700 bones on Xenon's...

pfdaxe · 01-25-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000t4rAKS

Ian,

My 2000 fog lamps work no problem, I am just disappointed about how it only lights up three feet in front of the runner. Did you just replace the bulb with 100W, on a STOCK wiring harness? If so, how are your fog light wiring holdin up? I have heard horror stories about people repalcing just the bulbs and melting their stock wiring harnesses.

austin

I run 100w bulbs for the last several years with stock harness and no probs.

pfdaxe · 01-25-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillbilly

Welcome to the club...

Like many, the OEM fog lights on my '01 have failed numerous times over the last 7 years because the body/components have severely rotted/corroded from road sludge. Each time I've been able to repair 'em, but this last time I decided its time to see if I could find replacements.

The 3G's OEM fog light bodies are actually Hella Micro DE (55W H3's). I ran into a pretty good deal on a set of these at Amazon with free shipping. The kit includes 2 lamps and everything you need to install these from scratch.

They arrived yesterday and I compared the lamp body numbers/markings to my OEMs. Sure enough, they're indentical. So, if you already have 3G OEM fog light brackets, and want/need to replace your fogs, these are a direct replacement.

Call me cheap, but I not willing to drop $400-$700 bones on Xenon's...

Are the ones your just received the same length (from the lens to the rear) as OEM? I thought these were longer...

cackalak han · 01-25-2008, 09:08 AM

Nice find Hillbilly! I'd also suggest protecting the lens with some thick protectant like lamin-x or the likes. One of my fogs has a cracked lens from road debris.

2000t4rAKS · 01-25-2008, 09:21 AM

pfdaxe,
thanks for the confirmation...I guess I can replace my H3 55W with 100W bulbs. Just out of curiosity though, did you just go with Hellas 100W bulbs and do they have it in more of a yellow tint? Hopefully, the 100W bulbs will project the light more forward. I am also wondering if there is anyway to aim our fog lights??? Thanks again fellas.

hillbilly,
I don't plan on dropping a couple hundred on Xenon's especailly if what I need is that yellow tint for bad driving conditions. Anyway, what do you think of the ones that you just bought, have you already installed them? If so, how is the light output, is the cutoff further down the road??? Thanks.

-austin

pfdaxe · 01-25-2008, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000t4rAKS

pfdaxe,
thanks for the confirmation...I guess I can replace my H3 55W with 100W bulbs. Just out of curiosity though, did you just go with Hellas 100W bulbs and do they have it in more of a yellow tint? Hopefully, the 100W bulbs will project the light more forward. I am also wondering if there is anyway to aim our fog lights??? Thanks again fellas.

hillbilly,
I don't plan on dropping a couple hundred on Xenon's especailly if what I need is that yellow tint for bad driving conditions. Anyway, what do you think of the ones that you just bought, have you already installed them? If so, how is the light output, is the cutoff further down the road??? Thanks.

-austin

Halogens will for the most part always have a yellowish tint. There is an aiming screw on the side of the housings for the fogs. Check out my thread for me chatter about the Hella lights:

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/hella-mic...models-135563/

2000t4rAKS · 01-25-2008, 11:05 AM

Yea, I did check out the ther thread. If I really wanted the yellow/amber tint...I could always go with YellowStars.

hillbilly · 01-25-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfdaxe

Are the ones your just received the same length (from the lens to the rear) as OEM? I thought these were longer...

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000t4rAKS

hillbilly,
I don't plan on dropping a couple hundred on Xenon's especailly if what I need is that yellow tint for bad driving conditions. Anyway, what do you think of the ones that you just bought, have you already installed them? If so, how is the light output, is the cutoff further down the road??? Thanks.

-austin

As I mentioned earlier, the I Hella Micro DE's I bought/received from Amazon are EXACTLY the same as the OEM. Right down to the numbers on the lamp bodies. I haven't installed them yet (sanded/painted the brackets), but considering they're identical, I doubt I'll have any issues.

pfdaxe · 01-25-2008, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillbilly

As I mentioned earlier, the I Hella Micro DE's I bought/received from Amazon are EXACTLY the same as the OEM. Right down to the numbers on the lamp bodies. I haven't installed them yet (sanded/painted the brackets), but considering they're identical, I doubt I'll have any issues.

Ok thanks. I'll buy the more $$$ ones because you can't fit an HID bulb into the OEM fogs. The ones they sell for a few $$$ more must be longer...

Fo_SheeZy · 01-25-2008, 01:14 PM

Anybody have these?? Will they be an exact replacement or will I have to modify the brackets in any way?

http://www.amazon.com/Hella-Micro-Ha...1180566&sr=8-1

hillbilly · 01-25-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fo_SheeZy

Anybody have these?? Will they be an exact replacement or will I have to modify the brackets in any way?

http://www.amazon.com/Hella-Micro-Ha...1180566&sr=8-1

Those appear to be the same as the $94 I mentioned above (and they come with free shipping). Why pay more?

gpcollen1 · 01-25-2008, 01:40 PM

Anyone try these? How can you go wrong for $50?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOYOT...4677QQtcZphoto

KZN185W · 01-25-2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillbilly

As I mentioned earlier, the I Hella Micro DE's I bought/received from Amazon are EXACTLY the same as the OEM. Right down to the numbers on the lamp bodies. I haven't installed them yet (sanded/painted the brackets), but considering they're identical, I doubt I'll have any issues.

uuumm, I looked at the Hella Micro DE and they're different from the OEM fogs. For one thing, the OEM adjustment screw is spring loaded. The Hella Micro DE bracket is "somewhat" similar to the one Jason B. is selling.

Fo_SheeZy · 01-25-2008, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillbilly

Those appear to be the same as the $94 I mentioned above (and they come with free shipping). Why pay more?

The ones I posted have a more clearer lens, and I believe they are newer.

pfdaxe · 01-26-2008, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillbilly

As I mentioned earlier, the I Hella Micro DE's I bought/received from Amazon are EXACTLY the same as the OEM. Right down to the numbers on the lamp bodies. I haven't installed them yet (sanded/painted the brackets), but considering they're identical, I doubt I'll have any issues.

HB:

Can you post a pic of the Hellas you received from the side? I'd like to see the length of them

Belize Off Road Team · 01-26-2008, 06:25 AM

Where were those Hella fogs made? ones made in the states aren't that great. if they came from Germany or Mexico they often last longer and are less likely to corrode. i know from personal experiance.

Ian Rogers · 01-26-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000t4rAKS

Ian,

My 2000 fog lamps work no problem, I am just disappointed about how it only lights up three feet in front of the runner. Did you just replace the bulb with 100W, on a STOCK wiring harness? If so, how are your fog light wiring holdin up? I have heard horror stories about people repalcing just the bulbs and melting their stock wiring harnesses.

austin

Austin, I am running relays on all my lights (high beams, Low beams, Fog lights) I think just replacing the bulb is asking for trouble, the trucks are under wired as it is. Over loading the harness is just asking for it. It is super simple to wire in relays.

Ian

hillbilly · 01-26-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fo_SheeZy

The ones I posted have a more clearer lens, and I believe they are newer.

Yea, they appear to, but it might just be a better marketing picture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belize Off Road Team

Where were those Hella fogs made? ones made in the states aren't that great. if they came from Germany or Mexico they often last longer and are less likely to corrode. i know from personal experiance.

They're made in Germany. I'm tellin' you, the lamp bodies I linked above are EXACTLY the same as the OEMs. Right down to the numbers imprinted on the lamp bodes. Yea, the brackets that came with them are different, but that's why I mentioned in my original post that if you ALREADY have the OEM brackets, then the ones I linked above are direct replacements.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfdaxe

HB:
Can you post a pic of the Hellas you received from the side? I'd like to see the length of them

If I get some time. Won't be able to host them till Monday, but EVERYTHING about the lamp bodies is indentical.

GOH10 Runner · 01-26-2008, 11:43 PM

So tonight I got in my car and turned on the light and the left fog is blown now too!....they might just be crappy lights

pfdaxe · 01-27-2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillbilly

Yea, they appear to, but it might just be a better marketing picture.

They're made in Germany. I'm tellin' you, the lamp bodies I linked above are EXACTLY the same as the OEMs. Right down to the numbers imprinted on the lamp bodes. Yea, the brackets that came with them are different, but that's why I mentioned in my original post that if you ALREADY have the OEM brackets, then the ones I linked above are direct replacements.

If I get some time. Won't be able to host them till Monday, but EVERYTHING about the lamp bodies is indentical.

Let me ask you this: Do the bulbs mount from the bottom of the housing or from the rear? On the OEM fogs, the bulbs mount from the bottom and the housing is shorter. On the aftermarket Hella Micro DEs, the bulbs mount from the rear of the housing (I just checked mine and compared).

Fo_SheeZy · 01-27-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOH10 Runner

So tonight I got in my car and turned on the light and the left fog is blown now too!....they might just be crappy lights

Those Hella's are very good lights, the best lights you can buy at Advanced Auto Parts/Auto Zone.

01-24-2008, 04:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ian Rogers Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Whittier, Ca Posts: 209	wow... my OEM 2000 fog lights work great, I changed the bulbs to 100w ones 6 mo ago. I put some anti-seize on the screws and have had no trouble yet, knock on wood. __________________ 69' FJ40 "RUSTY" H41,3 speed case, ARB Lockers F/R, 34x9.5 TSL's, Co2, Warn 5687, 2.5 " Parabolic lift, Pertronix Ingitor, 4+ U bolt flip kit, 20 gal. Aux Tank 2000 4-Runner SR5, V6, 5 speed, Highlander edition, S/C, URD 7th, DP TLCA #14752, L.A. Trail Crew Phi Kappa Psi http://www.marksoffroad.net My Parts Source

01-24-2008, 08:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
luxdlx Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CW ohio Posts: 126	Mine didnt work when I bought the 02. Got under for a look and found a big corrosion hole in one. Never have replaced them. Too expensive. __________________ Our rides: Beater-86 2wd 22R 4sp 215K+SOLD, My Toy-94 DLX xcab 4x4 22RE 5sp 70K, Wifey Ride-02 Runner SR5 5VZ 4x4 60K and our newest beater - '94 Runner SR5 3VZ 4x4 125K project.

01-25-2008, 07:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
2000t4rAKS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 292	Ian, My 2000 fog lamps work no problem, I am just disappointed about how it only lights up three feet in front of the runner. Did you just replace the bulb with 100W, on a STOCK wiring harness? If so, how are your fog light wiring holdin up? I have heard horror stories about people repalcing just the bulbs and melting their stock wiring harnesses. austin __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 Kenwood DNX7100 HU Alpine SPR-17S Component Speakers

01-25-2008, 08:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
hillbilly Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lat: 40° 47' 01" Long:-78° 00' 58" Posts: 756	3G Hella Micro DE's Welcome to the club... Like many, the OEM fog lights on my '01 have failed numerous times over the last 7 years because the body/components have severely rotted/corroded from road sludge. Each time I've been able to repair 'em, but this last time I decided its time to see if I could find replacements. The 3G's OEM fog light bodies are actually Hella Micro DE (55W H3's). I ran into a pretty good deal on a set of these at Amazon with free shipping. The kit includes 2 lamps and everything you need to install these from scratch. They arrived yesterday and I compared the lamp body numbers/markings to my OEMs. Sure enough, they're indentical. So, if you already have 3G OEM fog light brackets, and want/need to replace your fogs, these are a direct replacement. Call me cheap, but I not willing to drop $400-$700 bones on Xenon's... __________________ -Scott '01 Black SR5 4x4 w/ Black Pearl's: Detroit Truetrac \| Tundra/OME 890s w/ Tokico Trekmasters \| SS Diff Drop/Panhard \| Tundra rotors/calipers \| Rear Diff Breather Extension \| Hayden cooler \| K&N \| ISR \| Deckplate \| Jet Black PC'd LC 16x8's w/ LT265/75R16 Cooper S/T's "He who wants to protect everything, protects nothing." -Lt. Gen. Adolf Galland, Luftwaffe "There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare." -Sun Tzu, The Art of War

01-25-2008, 09:08 AM	#8 (permalink)
cackalak han Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Salt Lake Posts: 1,768	Nice find Hillbilly! I'd also suggest protecting the lens with some thick protectant like lamin-x or the likes. One of my fogs has a cracked lens from road debris. __________________ 01 Tacoma DC TRD OR 4x4

01-25-2008, 09:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
2000t4rAKS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 292	pfdaxe, thanks for the confirmation...I guess I can replace my H3 55W with 100W bulbs. Just out of curiosity though, did you just go with Hellas 100W bulbs and do they have it in more of a yellow tint? Hopefully, the 100W bulbs will project the light more forward. I am also wondering if there is anyway to aim our fog lights??? Thanks again fellas. hillbilly, I don't plan on dropping a couple hundred on Xenon's especailly if what I need is that yellow tint for bad driving conditions. Anyway, what do you think of the ones that you just bought, have you already installed them? If so, how is the light output, is the cutoff further down the road??? Thanks. -austin __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 Kenwood DNX7100 HU Alpine SPR-17S Component Speakers

01-25-2008, 11:05 AM	#11 (permalink)
2000t4rAKS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 292	Yea, I did check out the ther thread. If I really wanted the yellow/amber tint...I could always go with YellowStars. __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 Kenwood DNX7100 HU Alpine SPR-17S Component Speakers

01-25-2008, 01:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
Fo_SheeZy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 1,598	Anybody have these?? Will they be an exact replacement or will I have to modify the brackets in any way? http://www.amazon.com/Hella-Micro-Ha...1180566&sr=8-1 __________________ *Check out my 2008 Urban 4Runner on CarDomain!!* http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3108855 http://www.myspace.com/bmplayar

01-25-2008, 01:40 PM	#16 (permalink)
gpcollen1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Connecticut (NY State of Mind) Posts: 402	Anyone try these? How can you go wrong for $50? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOYOT...4677QQtcZphoto __________________ '99 SR5 Sport - Desert Dune: AirRaid MIT, OEM Air Filter, Toyo 265/75/16 ATs, Deckplate, PP Springs and Bilsteins, Cheapo nerf bars, Injector replacement impending

01-26-2008, 06:25 AM	#20 (permalink)
Belize Off Road Team Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Corozal Town, Belize Posts: 2,752	Where were those Hella fogs made? ones made in the states aren't that great. if they came from Germany or Mexico they often last longer and are less likely to corrode. i know from personal experiance. __________________ -Phyl 1991 Hilux Surf SSR-G Petrol 3.0L V6 200,000kms l Rancho RS5000 l 31"x10.50"xR15 Pro Comp Xterrain l K&N Air Filter l PP 1" Lift Coil Springs l Optima Blue Top l 12" JBL Subs l Alpine Type R l 80/100W Hella H4 l 1st Gen Roll Bar Mod l FT/RR Diff. Breathers l Smittybilt XRC8 Winch l ARB Bull Bar l トヨタ\|NEVER QUIT

01-26-2008, 11:43 PM	#23 (permalink)
GOH10 Runner Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 229	So tonight I got in my car and turned on the light and the left fog is blown now too!....they might just be crappy lights __________________ Aaron 03 Silver Limited 4WD w/ XREAS SOLD: 99 Black 4Runner SR5 4WD aka TJ SOLD: 98 Anthracite Limited 4WD 98 Land Cruiser

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