How to Replace Fog Lights on Vehicles

by Contributing WriterUpdated June 12, 2017

Fog lights might add a certain stylistic touch to your Vehicles but they also serve an important job. They keep you safe during adverse driving conditions (like fog and rain) by providing extra illumination on the roadway. Over time the bulbs will burn out; replace them as soon as possible. Unfortunately, on most Sante Vehicles models, access to the fog lights doesn't come easily: You must detach the front bumper, according to Vehicles.

Under The Hood:

 How to Replace Fog Lights on a Subaru Impreza WRX

Lift one side of the front of the WRX, using a low-profile, 2-ton or greater capacity jack. Place a jack stand beneath the lower control arm for support during this project.

Lay under the front bumper of the WRX and position your body so that you can physically access the rear of the fog lamp housing. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove the bulb and socket from the rear of the fog lamp assembly.

Unplug the old bulb from the bulb socket and install a new bulb.

Reinstall the new light bulb and the bulb socket into the fog lamp housing. Turn the bulb socket clockwise until it locks into place. Turn the fog lamps on to test the new bulb. Lower the vehicle only after you know the new bulb is working.

Repeat Steps 1 through 5 to complete the replacement of the fog lamp on the other side of the WRX.

Items you will need

  • 2-ton or greater capacity, low-profile jack

  • Low-profile jack stand

  • Pliers

  • New fog lamps (2002-2007= H3 bulbs / 2008-2010= 9006 H.I.D. bulbs)

 How to Replace the Fog Lights on a Nissan Maxima

Turn the fog lights and the engine off before beginning.

Look underneath the fog light assembly to find the access panel. The panel must be removed to replace the fog lights.

Remove the screw on the outside edge of the panel, and then remove the 10-mm bolt. Once these are removed, there will be a single clip left. Use the screwdriver to pry the clip off. Remove the access panel to access the rear of the fog light assembly.

Use the socket wrench to remove the two 10-mm bolts mounting the assembly to the car. Unhook the wiring module from the assembly. Push the rear of the fog light assembly forward to access the bulb.

Twist the clip on the rear of the assembly to unhook the fog light bulb, and then install the new bulb (H11).

Repeat the procedure for both fog lights. Installation of the fog light assembly is the reverse of removal.

Items you will need

  • Socket wrench

  • Screwdriver

  • Bulb number H11

 How to Replace Fog Lights in a Hyundai Santa Fe

Open and prop up the hood of the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Locate the headlight assembly on the side of the car in need of the replace the fog light.

Pull out the three headlight mounting bolts, using a ratchet and socket.

Use a screwdriver to twist out the six screws atop the front bumper cover. Pull the front bumper cover away from the vehicle.

Remove the five screws that secure the front bumper to the vehicle, using the screwdriver. Also remove the two screws on the outside edge of the front wheel guard. Set aside both the front bumper and the front wheel guard. Now you have direct access to the fog light assembly.

Pull out the fog light assembly by hand.

Turn the assembly over, and twist the bulb half a turn counterclockwise with your hand to pull it out of the assembly. Detach the bulb from the wiring connector.

Attach the replacement fog bulb to the connector, then slide it into the assembly. Turn it clockwise to lock it into place.

Return the parts to the Santa Fe in reverse order of removal.

Close the hood, and try out the Santa Fe fog lights by turning them on from inside the vehicle.

Items you will need

  • Ratchet and socket

  • Screwdriver

  • Replacement fog light

 How to Replace Fog Lights on a Honda Pilot

Insert a screwdriver into one of the two screws in the outer fog light cover. Twist out the screw counterclockwise to remove it; repeat this for the other screw. Lift the fog light cover away from the trim and set it (and the two screws) aside. This will reveal two more screws in the assembly.

Remove the two additional screws in the fog light assembly, again using the screwdriver, so that you can pull the light assembly out of the housing. Put this pair of screws with the others in a safe place.

Pull apart the wiring harnesses by hand. The assembly will now be completely free. Carefully set it on the ground, upside-down.

Use the screwdriver to twist out the five screws on the rear cover of the fog light. You can put this set of screws with the rest of your growing screw collection.

Lift the rear cover off the fog light assembly.

Unfasten the retainer spring by hand, which will free the bulb.

Insert the replacement fog light without touching the bulb directly with your hand. Align the tab on the assembly with the notch in the bulb. Reinstall all parts in reverse of removal, making sure all screws are tightly secured.

Test the fog lights on the Honda Pilot by turning them on at the switch inside the passenger cabin.

Items you will need

  • Screwdriver

  • Replacement fog light

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