Just bought a 98 T5, and the right rear Tailight has a 3rd "fog light" bulb. The left rear tail light bracket has a connection for the bulb, but there is no hole in the back of the tailight lens for the bulb to fit into. Do I need to cut the hole, if so with what?

 

I assume you are in the U.S.?

If so then they only allow one here in the U.S.

Some have modified it and made one fit but no one posted instructions on how to do it.

 

Thanks for the fast reply,

I am in the US.

Maybe I should be more clear. The lens is red, I have a switch right of the front fog lights, that operates what should be two additional rear tailights, In the manual they are called "fog lights". On the Driver side of the inner tailight, there are three bulbs on a bracket, and Three holes for bulbs to slide inside the tail light. On the Passenger side, they are three sockets for bulbs, but only two of the holes are "cut out" The other appears the same, but looks like I need to cut it out. It is very strange.

Thanks

 

Yes in the U.S. only the drivers side Rear foglight works. It is sent here that way. Something about Laws in some states that only allows one fog light to be used not both. Thats why only one is cut out and the other isn't.

 

Man I thought the same thing until my son told me exacly what Tech just said. It's weird to have everything except a hole for the bulb, but that's the way they are.

 

The reason that the bracket with all of the wiring for the bulbs is the same, is simple. It is easier to mass produce similar parts than to produce two bulb mounts that are alike in every way (shape, size, etc.) and not make a special left and right side mount. It is also easier to stock one part in the parts department or warehouse with one part number than to stock two different parts. As for the hole not being there, they have to make different left and right side reflectors/lens so they can make that distinction. As for European cars having two rear fog lights, I don't know how true that is. When my family lived in Germany in early 90's we had a Volvo 240 and an Opel that each only had one rear fog light, as did every car that I ever saw driving in the fog. I believe they only give you one rear fog light (super bright red light) so that it is not confused for brake lights. If you had two bright rear red lights, most would think they are seeing brake lights.

Now this brings me to my soap box. In the U.S. we can't get drivers to turn their headlights on in the rain or fog, especially during times of illumination (daytime). The driver thinks, hey I can see I don't need lights. What they don't realize is that the taillights are what really help visibility and reduce accidents. The same goes for front fog lights. I admit I like that front fog lights are nice and to allow you to see a little bit further in the fog, but they don't give you the ability to see great distances. Unfortunately many drivers use fog lights as a license to drive faster in conditions than are safe. Also have you ever been behind a car with a rear fog light on when it wasn't foggy or raining? It is annoyingly bright and is distracting and can almost be blinding at night, so don't use it if conditions don't warrant it.

 

I own a 2004 s60.same deal, only one rear fog light. However, I removed the right tail lamp assembly and noticed that all i needed was a bulb in the empty right foglight socket. So I went to Pepboys, bought the bulb, installed it and now I have the two tail fog lights. I really don't turn them on since I live in South Florida, and we don't get that much fog down here.

It really bothered me with only one rear fog light. Makes your car look like you gotsome sort of electrical problem with the lights working all weird. Nothing like simetrical lighting!!!

 

stupid question: I usually turn on the front fog lights fro driving at night, since the blue h'7s I ahve are more for looks that actual elumintaion. When I switch the front fogs on is it also switching on the back? I never really noticed/thought about it and my car is in the shop so I cant just go out and try it.