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S70 Single to Dual Rear Fog Light Conversion

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?

Reply to
ccr
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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.

Reply to
James Sweet

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.

Reply to
Marvin Margoshes

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.

Reply to
Stephen M. Henning

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.

Reply to
Rick Auricchio

On Sun, 29 Feb 2004 03:05:47 -0500, "ccr" wibbled about:

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

Sean

Reply to
Sean Nugent

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

Reply to
Set Square

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