Here's the reason why OEMs are better than Ebay fog light kits...


Here's what I got:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights001.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights002.jpg


This is before cosmetic make-over:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights003.jpg


The swap begins:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights004.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights005.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights006.jpg


Cover and new lights side-by-side (rear view):

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights007.jpg


More photos of kit:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights008.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights009.jpg


Problem... kit seems to have items missing. Emailed the seller about this, and am awaiting a response. The screws included in this kit are ALL self-tapping screws. Blah! :thumbsdow Besides that, there's no location to even secure the fixture with self-tapping screws (not that I would tear up MY bumper with those). So, I decided to improvise until I get a permanent solution (new screws with washers and nuts. Not looking good already. Don't laugh, but this will illustrate why OEM is better than SOME low-priced budget kit.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights010.jpg


Yeah... that's just what I used. :eek: No worries, they'll come off for permanent mounting hardware. Here's a couple shots of the fixtures in place.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights011.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights012.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights013.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights014.jpg


I won't comment on the fitments of the inner points of the fixtures. :grumpy: Seems like a slight trim of the backside may help, but I dunno just yet. Let's move on... Snaked the wiring for the fog lights behind the grille & bumper.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights016.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights018.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights019.jpg


And here's the finished (somewhat) exterior portion.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights020.jpg


The switch is NOT the same color as the interior! :thumbsdow What a downer!

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights021.jpg


More to come...

How much did you spend on this kit? Was it worth the difference in price?

Here's more!

2nd half of harness:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights022.jpg

Connector that snaps into the switch

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights023.jpg


Unknowns, but assuming the red wire is for power & white is for switch source. Without instructions, I'm NOT ripping things from under the dash to find anything outside of the obvious:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights024.jpg


This connects to the other half of the harness that's secured under the hood of the car right now:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights025.jpg

How much did you spend on this kit? Was it worth the difference in price?
Dang, man... you must watching the forums and getting instant updates on new topics... you're a quick responder. :yes:

To answer your questions, right at $100. As of yet, I won't say that it's a total waste (yet). There may have been a shipping intervention. Noticed that the box was torn on one side, and there's a possibility that contents may have fallen out during shipment. I don't know. I'm trying to refrain from passing judgment until I hear from the seller. Trying to give them every opportunity to respond with their side. :thmsup:

Well...you were posting right after I got home from work. I usually check in when I get home. Lot's of cool stuff happens here when I'm gone!

Hope they work out for you. They may be even better than the OEM ones as I've seen several threads where the lenses have broke due to rocks and such on the road.

excellant write up, i'm considering an ebay kit for my '06 or the inspire fogs. would it be worth it to just have this installed at the dealer?

Did you watch the video on www.diyhonda.com that describes this particular install. I have no idea if the OEM kit is at all similar to your kit, but it may help you in some way. Especially since it doesn't seem like your kit came with any type of instructions.

Thats too bad that you paid $100 for your aftermarket kit. I got lucky and won an OEM kit on eBay for ~$130, but it was for the '03-05. Hopefully your kit will work out in the end though.

Here's DIYHonda's Fog Light Install vid (http://www.diyhonda.com/podcasts/episode36_accord_fog_lights.wmv). Someone on the other thread mentioned something about Accords existing wiring for fog lights... would be nice to have a schematic of this. Maybe that vid's kit was an OEM kit. Mine isn't. This is a two piece harness that has a direct connection to a connector that's on the other harness that is attached to the fog lights. If there's a different method for install, it'd be nice to know. Still waiting on a reply from the seller regarding the lack of some hardware and instructions.

your install is kinda wrong...you have to dremel out the little latches for the fog light install so that it has a flusher fit....if u can't find the pdf on collegehillshonda then i can post it up...but try look over that ...

I agree. You need to trim the tabs on the bumper to make the fog lights fit flush. Try that a report back.

They may be even better than the OEM ones as I've seen several threads where the lenses have broke due to rocks and such on the road.

unfortunately, they're that exact same when it comes to road hazard damage... they wind up looking like someone shot it with a BB gun... :grumpy:

your install is kinda wrong...you have to dremel out the little latches for the fog light install so that it has a flusher fit....if u can't find the pdf on collegehillshonda then i can post it up...but try look over that ...
I agree. You need to trim the tabs on the bumper to make the fog lights fit flush. Try that a report back.


Yesterday

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights013.jpg



I'm not certain on the physical dimensions of the OEMs are, but these actually fit in the area AND clear those tabs that you're saying to cut (wish I could fit my camera in the bumper to show a good pic). Look at the shape of the inner tip of the fixture in the first pic and tell me whether or not you think it's concaved outward. Shaved a bit of the sharp inner edges of the fixture's inward side. This are as close as you're going to get with non-OEMs. Not saying you guys are wrong, but these aren't guaranteed to be the exact design of OEMs. These do not interfere with those tabs. Its a shape issue. I wish this were designed with more of a bezel-type trim look. :D


Today

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLightsFixed001.jpg


That's close enuff fo gov'ment work! :thmsup: More secure hardware goin in later... to get rid of the zip-ties. :lmao: Now... to tackle the wiring issue...:yes:

Here's more!

2nd half of harness:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Accord%20Stuff/EbayFogLights022.jpg


Yeah that looks nearly the same as the one I got...and nothing like the OEM. Essentially I got 1 set of cables that go to the fogs, then connects via that red wire connector to the other set of cables, which then has a relay on it, and a spot for the switch... :dunno:

Going to stop my Honda on Monday and order the OEM harness...as I'm not messing around with my car's electrical system if the harness is that different from stock (different wire colours I can work out, but when its designed completely different...thats another story).

I posted a reply in your thread. I just rewired the harness, eliminated an unnecessary wire, and wired the fogs to come on with the park lamps. I did this for constant on when park lamps and headlights are on, and when the unlock/lock/panic buttons are pressed on the TL remote fob. I wanted them to flash when unlocking the doors (my eye candy).

Anyhow, I'm satisfied with my installation. I passed through the local carwash this evening, and am glad to report that the housings seem to be sealed pretty well.

BTW... If anyone needs a switch, maybe we can work out a small price & shipping. :thmsup:

you could always pop those covers in the oven for a couple minutes on a low temperature to soften them up, then bend them a little so that they fit your bumper a little better. That would be a very simple solution.

does anyone have the instruction for installing OEM fogs??

Here ya go:

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/03accord/06foglights.pdf

I had to print these instructions out again since my friend bought a set of OEM fogs for his '06 EX too. He got them because he was jealous that I have them on my car. :D

I looked at this thread and your pictures. It looks like I just bought the same kit. And it doesn't match the instructions for an 07 4dr.
.
Specifically there is no wire harness for under the dash to connect.
.
They supplied a wire harness that I'm assuming has to be routed thru the firewall. Once thru the firewall the 5 pin connector is connected directly to the switch. I don't trust just connecting it without knowing the wiring diagram.
.
What did you end up doing?

For those that have installed their own foglights, how easy was it? I watched that DIY video, but of course, they make it look easy. I'm by no means a mechanic. I can do simple maintenance like oil changes, but anything more makes me nervous.

I called a dealership last night, and they wanted $578 (parts and installation). I can get OEM foglights for about $250 shipped, which means that most of that amount is labor.

I bought a set of EBay fog lights. The real big issue is this. The wiring doesn't match OEM, nor does it match the OEM installation instructions posted here. I have an 07 4dr.
.
It took me about 4-5 hours of tinkering with my volt/ohm meter to figure out the wiring. Meaning, I looked at the OEM wiring diagram, then compared it against what wiring I got from the EBAY seller. I then wired up what I could, then tested it.
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I tested the relay and the on/off switch. Now that I figured out how it works it's actually not that bad. Except for this. (read on)
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The Ebay kit wiring isn't long enough. This is what I have.
#1) a white wire with plug on end, under the hood.
#2) a red wire with a plug on end, under the hood.
#3) 5 wires in a bundle with a 5 wire connector plug on end, under the hood.

Here is how they need to be connected.
#1) has to be spliced to constant 12 volt supply.
#2) has to be spliced into head light wiring - low beam. That way it has 12 volts when head lights are turned on. #2 energizes the relay which then energizes #1. #1 then sends power to the fog lights.
#3) the 5 wire bundle with a 5 wire connector has to connected to the new on/off switch. The on/off switch mates up with this plug. The new on/off switch goes inside car. The 5 wire connector isn't long enough nor was it meant to pass thru the firewall. The only point where you can pass it thru the firewall is a point where a big factory bundle of wires passes thru. The 5 wire connector won't make it thru.
.
So here is the modification:
- I am going to Homedepot to buy some wires, 18 gauge, maybe 30 feet.
- I am going to cut 7 pieces of wire, all about 5 foot long.
- I am going to mark each wire with black sharpie to match the wire I have to splice each to. And on each end.
- I am going to cut off the plugs on the existing wires. I will leave about one foot of wire on end of 5 wire connector.
- I will solder the 5 wire plug wires to the new 5 wires.
- From inside car and under driver side by pedals, I will push the 7 wires thru the firewall boot via a coat hanger and hence get them under the hood.
- I will splice each to the wires under the hood.
- will go back under the driver side, and find a spot on the fuse box to splice the #1 wire to constant 12 volts.
- I will do same with #2 wire, try to find and splice it to the low beam power and splice.

I hope it all works. Just kidding. It will!

pwell61... I just responded to your PM. I've been away from DA for a while, and am looking through 1700+ new posts (OMG!) Since I've been asked several times about this, here goes:

The harness provided was a 2-piece harness. One is used to connect the fog lights together with a connector that attaches to the provided relay & another connector for ground. The other harness had multiple connectors on it with no description as to what nor where they connected to. Plus it wasn't long enough to route the wire inside for the switch. So, I cut the excess connectors and wire off the main harness, left the longer red wire in tact with the relay, routed the signal wire in the main loom to the inner fender near the driver-side parking lamp connector, and splice-clipped the parking lamp signal to get my 12V to the fogs. There's a ground connection made on this harness as well. :thmsup: Now, my fogs come on anytime the parking lamps are powered on. This also means, my fogs come on anytime the lock/unlock button is pressed on the remote, as well as the panic button. That's lagniappe for me. :D

I guess I could've done a better DIY job by posting pictures, but I'm an engineer that just likes to get it done right then and there, then explain later. :lmao:

Oh... BTW, I have to replace the lens on one of 'em. Something happened on the way home from work last week, and I am now the proud owner of a BUSTED fog light. :bawling: May just wait and buy a DEPO kit. Would like to see an installation in person to see the advantage of it over the cheap kit I bought.

BTW your fog light button appears to be installed up-side-down.




Sal

BTW your fog light button appears to be installed up-side-down.




Sal

I know... it's the only way it actually fit in there without busting up the bezel. When I actually got it in there, the button would stick for some stupid reason. It functioned (physically) without sticking when mounted upside down. Re-read my posts, the switch is not the right switch for the Gen7 Accords. :lmao:

I finally finished my install. It worked out ok. One of these days I'm going to mark up the 07 4dr OEM schematic so future buyers can see how to connect non OEM fog lamps.

Also, my fog light switch is bad. It works when not installed. As soon as I install it in the bezel plate it stops working. Almost acts like the bezel plate causes a short by squeezing something on the insdie of the switch. There is no visible exterior damage to the switch. If I take it back out it works. Weird. I contacted the EBay seller and asked for a replacement. We'll see.

I have a question regarding how to remove the clips that hold down the radiator cover. In the past, I've had problems removing these types of clips... usually ended up breaking them. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to remove them without damaging them?

The DIY video doesn't explain it or show how to remove them closely.

are you referring to the little plastic expanding clips with the plastic stick that slides in causing the clip to expand? I just use a mini flathead screw driver, and GENTLY raise the stick nearly a quarter of an inch, and pull the whole clip out. Works without breaking.