Adding an extra light switch

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:04 am

Thinking of adding another set of lights and need to find a way to add another switch.

However, I want to keep the cabin looking clean and original.

My car comes with a fog light switch originally and I'm wondering whether I can install this to replace where my fog light switch is now. I'm assuming that it'll be able to provide a switch for my fog lights and use the other switch for the new set of lights?

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/2250

Has anyone tried this non-Aussie style double switch?

Is what I'm thinking achievable? (I have little knowledge of wiring)

Postby **Okibi** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:57 am

Never tried it but looks simple enough to do.

GP · Postby GP » Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:36 pm

My NA has a couple of spare places for switches, But you haven't mentioned what model you have

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:52 pm

NB8B... which already has a pre-existing fog light switch

GP · Postby GP » Wed Jun 29, 2011 4:25 pm

And no other spares like the NA has?

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:38 pm

Nope, not a thing.

Hence why I think i'll need to swap the 'single' switch that my fog lights are currently attached to with a 'double' switch.

But I wonder how hard it might be to actually DIY that.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 10:47 pm

you did not say what you were fitting. Drving lamp kits or fogs etc all come with full installation instructions. If you were not using the fog lamp switch presumably you can use the aperture. There may also be another position where a rocker switch could be fitted eg driv lamps are usually wired to high beam but can be switched off by the switch in the circuit. As long as you can access the switch it is ok.

I am not sure why you would want the UK switch which also operates rear fogs. There are no fogs on the rear of Au MX5's cars and other makes with them are very annoying. The uk switch is expensive and presumably the 2nd switch only fires the rear fogs which are likely to be a relatively low wattage- may be 21w- I am not really sure. I reckon you would be better to just add another switch and nose around for a suitable position- ask an auto elect for advice.

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 12:09 am

You're right Morlock, I should have clarified.

I'm thinking about a set of LED angel lights and I would still like to keep my fog lights.

So to maintain the OEM look inside the cabin, I was hoping that the UK fog light switch will allow me to keep a button for my existing fog light AND make space for the angel lights by using the rear fog light switch.

I have no idea on whether it'll work though... :oops:

sliq · Postby **sliq** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 1:49 pm

i suppose you can fabricate some sort of bracket to fit the new switches where the footwell lights should go. there's a little recess there that's covered by a plastic bit.

nicholas787 · Postby **nicholas787** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 3:59 pm

You could always run your fog light off the rear de-mister pushbutton. And if you're concerned about running the de mister just put a switch in the wiring behind your head (out of plain sight).

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 6:30 pm

you will not need to go that route for fitment of led drls. Any good set of drls has the wiring diagram included and no need for an additional switch. An example of a buy and fit drl which may be suitable is the Philips Daylight 4 and you can see an online fitment video but they are about $200.Repco has a strip type led in store. You can cut out cardboard of any light unit you are considering to see if it is likely to fit.

My guess is that cheap led set ups will not have a very good output. Technically they should be 500 mm apart which makes it questionable but I doubt anyone will pull you up and measure the lights.

You can definitely keep the fogs.

BadBong · Postby **BadBong** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:06 pm

These are going to be very good angel lights that costs a fair whack.

It does come with a switch but regardless of where I hide it, it'll won't look like part of the car hence that's why i'm hoping that this UK switch would work.

Given my lack of understanding of how switches work, I am wondering whether the 'spare' button of the UK switch would do the trick in operating the angel lights... instead of using the switch that comes with the angel lights.

Any wise words from anyone? :?:

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:32 pm

a switch merely connects/ disconnects power from one side to another. The Philips unit I mentioned is only total 8 watts ie 2of 1X4W. A park light is 5W and a stop light 21W per side and a headlamp bulb is 55w per side so the switch you require only has to rated to <1amp - you could buy this for a less than $10. Still if you have a circuit with info ask an auto elec.

Postby **NitroDann** » Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:18 pm

Yes the uk switch will work. There, feel better now someones said it :mrgreen:

?

You should probably wire it with a relay for good lights to ensure your not pulling a lot of current through it.

Dann

slimx · Postby **slimx** » Fri Jul 01, 2011 5:04 pm

y not just buy yourself a $5 push button switch and just mount it anywhere u want. Who in the right mind would spend 71pounds on a switch..
As for extra lights. I hope you arent hooking up a smiley face LED strip or anything..

Rear fog lights i think would be a nice feature .. i wouldnt know where to put it though.. i guess maybe the side reflectors on the bumper could be converted ..to a "rear fog light"

The only other reasonable extra light switch i reckon would be worth it is .. maybe Angel Eyes? or if could do make it look good.. an Audi styled headlight strip thats mounted IN THE HEADLIGHT itself.