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How To: 3rd gen Factory Fog Light Install on Sedan

15K views 14 replies 6 participants last post by  novanutcase 
#1 ·
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.
 
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#2 ·
I have seen a loaded tracer wagon with fogs, so wagons may have gotten the wiring but no fogs from the factory. Ethans car is an exception, not the rule.
 
#3 ·
Not saying it was. I am currently at 3 escort wagons with power options, but no fog light harness in the front. We'll see if I can find one next time I am at the JY
 
#4 ·
remember the green 99 tracer wagon in york for $3300 with leather, 15" sport wheels, fog lights, etc?
 
#5 ·
I killed those brain cells long ago. That is why I worded it the way I did. If someone can prove that at some point between 97-99 a wagon had the harness stock, I'll be glad to edit my original post. It is highly possible at this point, but I just haven't seen it yet. The next trip to the JY should put a nail in the coffin one way or the other.

I would go through my brochures, but unfortunately they are all for Escorts.
 
#7 ·
yep, there is one... dunno how the wiring is done though.

Just checked Cory's mother's wagon while I was over at the shop today. Her tray is different than mine, no wiring up front, and not even a fuse in the fuse box.
 
#9 ·
both at least 98's, both with the flower wheels. The green one is loaded, I am guessing the gold one is as well. My guess is that they are both 99's
 
#11 ·
ok, I invested in some tracer brochures. From my research, I have found that fog lights were available on the 99 LS Sport wagon. 97 did not have available fog lights for the wagon(only the Tracer Trio sedan). I am still trying to find out for sure on the 98's. The brochure that I got for that year was pretty much useless.
 
#12 ·
He
ok, I invested in some tracer brochures. From my research, I have found that fog lights were available on the 99 LS Sport wagon. 97 did not have available fog lights for the wagon(only the Tracer Trio sedan). I am still trying to find out for sure on the 98's. The brochure that I got for that year was pretty much useless.
Hey I wanted to ask where did you get the relay from the JY?
 
#14 · (Edited)
Automotive parking light Tire Wheel Car Vehicle
View attachment 1292 View attachment 1292 Hey all! I just came across this excellent write up. I have a 97 Tracer wagon with 74,000 miles I got about a year ago from the original 74 year old owner. The car came with with a 4 inch think folder of records. It was special ordered: Boysenberry Blue, all power options, the trio wheels, cruise, ABS, 4 wheel disc, and a 5 speed stick. OK so I just got some NOS fog lights on eBay for Christmas... and my wagon IS pre-wired for fogs, and the fuse is in the holder. My question is in mounting the brackets. There are 2 threaded holes per side in the car which line up with holes in the brackets, and a metal "peg" thing on the bracket that needs some kind of anchor in the car. Any clue what size bolt / thread to get and what does this peg go into? There is just a large metal hole in the car where that goes... I am assuming it is a rubber anchor or something. Any clue where to get this obscure stuff? Thanks!
 
#15 · (Edited)
Resurrecting an old thread.

I acquired a turn signal assembly from a ZX2 Sport that has the fog light switch on the stem. I wanted to swap it out with the stock stem I currently have on the wagon. It was not wired for fogs from the factory.

I don't have the EVTM for my model and year but was wondering if someone had the schematic for the fog lights. I wired a set of fogs to a switch on the dash but would like to rewire it to the OEM switch. I think what I would like to do is to just connect the existing wiring I installed to the switch directly but I need to be sure which of the wires on the stem assembly correspond to the fog switch. As far as I understand it, it's the little two wire plug that plugs into the factory wired portion of the inner loom but since my wagon wasn't equipped with fog wiring I'm going to have to cut off the connector and solder the wiring directly to the stem assembly wiring.

*****EDIT*****

So I sprung for an EVTM for my year wagon and installed the stem I pulled out of the ZX2 Sport. Works awesome and no more aftermarket switch. Looks like it came like that from the factory!

John
 
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