The purpose of this "How To" is to show the steps to add factory fog lights to a 97-99 Escort/Tracer. Some 97-99 Escort and Tracer sedans are pre-wired for factory fog lights. To my knowledge, the Escort/Tracer wagon was not pre-wired for factory fog lights. If someone finds information to the contrary, please let me know and I will modify this. To see if your car is pre-wired, just look behind the bumper at the lower rad support. You will look for this connection on either side:
If your car has this harness, then you are pre-wired for factory fog lights. Here are the parts you will need:
- Fog Light Multifunction Switch
- Relay
- Fog Light Brackets
- Fog Lights
Since I swapped the Tracer bumper on my car, I will be installing Tracer style fog lights. If you have an Escort bumper, this fog lights will not fit properly. You can still use the factory wiring to install your aftermarket fog lights.
The first step is to swap in the fog light multifunction switch. You can use a switch from a Tracer or ZX2. Remove the column surround, and remove the 2 screws and 4 plugs holding the multifunction switch in place. The switch assembly will slide out. Then install the fog light multifunction switch. There is a 2 pin plug that was a total pain in the tail to plug in, until I realized the easy way. Just remove the 2 screws holding the wiper stalk in place, and slide it part way out. This will allow you to plug in the 2 pin plug with ease.
Next check to make sure the fuse is installed in the fuse box. It is in the little fuse block mounted above the larger block. My car had the fuse already installed.
You will then need to install the fog light relay. Look under the dash, to the left of the steering column. You will see a white tray being held in place by a 10mm nut, and a plastic capture.
Remove the nut, and the tray will come down slightly. Pull the tray towards the seat, which will release it from the capture, and it will drop down. You will see 2 open relay slots. The one on the end is a blank, and the one next to it is where you want to plug in your relay. Pictured is the relay plugged in without the housing, then a pic with the housing installed.
**note** It has come to my attention that this tray has changed sometime between the 97-99 model year. The relay that I got is taller with a sleeve going around it. The tray will not accept a relay like this:
I popped the actual relay out of the housing and tested. It functioned properly, so I knew I could use it. I used a dremel to cut the housing down, so that it would plug in properly.
Of course, if you find the correct relay for your car, you wont run into this issue.
Then just set the tray back in the capture, and tighten the 10mm nut to secure it in place.
If you are installing the fog lights on a Tracer or Tracer bumper, remove the grilles from the fog light openings. There are little round captures on posts that hold them in place. Remove the captures, and the covers will come right off.
Next, cut the ties holding the fog light wiring in place on the rad support.
If you are installing the fogs without removing the bumper, you will want to mount the brackets first:
Then just plug the wiring harness into the bulb, and screw the lights on the brackets:
I have some final adjustments to do... but that will come at a later date.
If you are installing fog lights on an Escort bumper, you will need to use aftermarket housings, and patch into the factory wiring. Some 97 Escort front bumpers had removable grilles that would allow for easy aftermarket fog light installation.
This mod took a good bit of research and prep, especially sourcing some of the parts. It is a relatively easy mod though, which could be done in 2 hours, taking your time. Not all Escorts and Tracers are pre-wired for fog lights, so make sure to check before buying the parts. From the looks of it, a fully loaded sedan will be wired for fog lights.
If your car has this harness, then you are pre-wired for factory fog lights. Here are the parts you will need:
- Fog Light Multifunction Switch
- Relay
- Fog Light Brackets
- Fog Lights
Since I swapped the Tracer bumper on my car, I will be installing Tracer style fog lights. If you have an Escort bumper, this fog lights will not fit properly. You can still use the factory wiring to install your aftermarket fog lights.
The first step is to swap in the fog light multifunction switch. You can use a switch from a Tracer or ZX2. Remove the column surround, and remove the 2 screws and 4 plugs holding the multifunction switch in place. The switch assembly will slide out. Then install the fog light multifunction switch. There is a 2 pin plug that was a total pain in the tail to plug in, until I realized the easy way. Just remove the 2 screws holding the wiper stalk in place, and slide it part way out. This will allow you to plug in the 2 pin plug with ease.
Next check to make sure the fuse is installed in the fuse box. It is in the little fuse block mounted above the larger block. My car had the fuse already installed.
You will then need to install the fog light relay. Look under the dash, to the left of the steering column. You will see a white tray being held in place by a 10mm nut, and a plastic capture.
Remove the nut, and the tray will come down slightly. Pull the tray towards the seat, which will release it from the capture, and it will drop down. You will see 2 open relay slots. The one on the end is a blank, and the one next to it is where you want to plug in your relay. Pictured is the relay plugged in without the housing, then a pic with the housing installed.
**note** It has come to my attention that this tray has changed sometime between the 97-99 model year. The relay that I got is taller with a sleeve going around it. The tray will not accept a relay like this:
I popped the actual relay out of the housing and tested. It functioned properly, so I knew I could use it. I used a dremel to cut the housing down, so that it would plug in properly.
Of course, if you find the correct relay for your car, you wont run into this issue.
Then just set the tray back in the capture, and tighten the 10mm nut to secure it in place.
If you are installing the fog lights on a Tracer or Tracer bumper, remove the grilles from the fog light openings. There are little round captures on posts that hold them in place. Remove the captures, and the covers will come right off.
Next, cut the ties holding the fog light wiring in place on the rad support.
If you are installing the fogs without removing the bumper, you will want to mount the brackets first:
Then just plug the wiring harness into the bulb, and screw the lights on the brackets:
I have some final adjustments to do... but that will come at a later date.
If you are installing fog lights on an Escort bumper, you will need to use aftermarket housings, and patch into the factory wiring. Some 97 Escort front bumpers had removable grilles that would allow for easy aftermarket fog light installation.
This mod took a good bit of research and prep, especially sourcing some of the parts. It is a relatively easy mod though, which could be done in 2 hours, taking your time. Not all Escorts and Tracers are pre-wired for fog lights, so make sure to check before buying the parts. From the looks of it, a fully loaded sedan will be wired for fog lights.