Anyone remember how to...

Posted by: Strom

Anyone remember how to... - 22/01/01 09:35 PM

fix the fog light switch so that you can turn on that wiring system without having the headlights on? The reason I ask is because I am installing some off-road lights on the stock fog wiring, and I want to be able to turn them on separately.
Thanks!

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Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 23/01/01 03:04 AM

Well, I thought I had the quick fix for that figured out but it seems that the 2000 and 2001 are wired differently. Which do you have?

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Posted by: Strom

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 23/01/01 01:30 PM

A 2000 - Thanks for your help!

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Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 23/01/01 06:03 PM

The 2000 is an easier mod. No changes to the wiring harness are necessary. A modified relay gets plugged in where the stock fog light relay was. The lights will then come on whenever the fog light switch is on.

There used to be a thread regarding the relay modification but now I can't find it. I have a modified relay so I'll re-write the procedure. You can do the mod yourself or if you're uncomfortable with the idea I can send you the modified relay I have.

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Posted by: Strom

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 23/01/01 07:20 PM

I would be comfortable doing it - just need to know how! Thanks again!
Brad

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Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 24/01/01 04:57 AM

OK - First get a 4-pin Bosch type relay that comes apart. Some do and some don't. Radio Shack #275-226 seems to work well if you cut the mounting tab off.

Remove the relay cover. On the inside of the relay solder a jumper from pin 86 to pin 87. It doesn't need to be heavy wire. Reinstall the relay cover. The last step is to remove pin 86 from the outside of the relay. Just bend it back and forth until it snaps off. This last step is important to isolate the low beam and fog light circuits.

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Posted by: DaveDatsun

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 24/01/01 07:14 AM

Ken -
I think I'll stop ar RS this afternoon and pick up a relay. One question tho, where is this relay located on the (00) X?

dave and Xtoy - another project

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Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 24/01/01 09:36 AM

The fog light relay in a 2000 is in a small box near the hood hinge on the passenger side. It's the relay closest to the front of the box.

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Posted by: DaveDatsun

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 24/01/01 11:01 AM

Thanks for the info Ken. This time of year, it's no fun spending time looking for a component that 'could' be located almost any place.

dave and Xtoy - lost and found

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Posted by: PoorBoy

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 27/01/01 10:01 AM

Do you know how to modify a 2001 Xterra SE as well?
and after this modification will the fog lights stay on even when you turn the brights on?
and one last question, will this mod void any warranties?

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PoorBoy
=-=-=-=-=-=
2001 SE 4x2
Alpine Green
"Spooky"
http://poorboy.virtualave.net/Xterra/spooky.html

[This message has been edited by PoorBoy (edited January 27, 2001).]
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 27/01/01 12:10 PM

The mod for the 2000 was simple - swapping out a relay. It allowed the fog lights to be turned on at any time. The warranty was preserved because no permanent wiring modifications were made.
The 2001 is wired differently. I don't know just how different it is because my service manual is for a 2000. If I can get my hands on the circuit diagram for a 2001 it won't be hard to mod the 2001 as well.

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Posted by: xterraintx

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 27/01/01 07:36 PM

ElectroKen, Thanks for the help. I was looking for this mod too. This site sure is a God send to us newbies!

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Roger
49/M/Texas
Aztec Red 4X2 3pack
Not really an "Old Fart"
Posted by: DaveDatsun

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 31/01/01 07:25 AM

Ken -
Just wanted to let you know that the relay mod worked as advertised. I can turn on my OEM fog, now back-up lights at any time. Now all I need to do is wire in an indicator light so I won't forget to turn them off.

dave and Xtoy - did he say jumper cables?

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Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 31/01/01 09:36 AM

Guilty as charged!
I've left them on a couple of times since I replaced the relay. Fortunately my brain returned from space quickly enough to save the battery.

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Posted by: p.i.n.o.

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/03/01 04:15 PM

Hey ElectroKen,

You wouldn't happen to have an extra modified relay on hand, would ya? I'll gladly reimburse you for it!



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Paul Crescini
'00 Super Black SE 4wd Auto
http://www.lil-pino.com/xterra.html
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/03/01 06:55 PM

No sweat.
Just send your shipping address to me at:

electroken@aol.com
or
kpontbriant@oemcontrols.com

I'll send you the relay along with my return address. If it works the way you want it to send me $8.

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Posted by: p.i.n.o.

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 02/03/01 11:26 AM

Thanks!

I just emailed you my mailing address.



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Paul Crescini
'00 Super Black SE 4wd Auto
http://www.lil-pino.com/xterra.html
Posted by: xterraintx

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 03/03/01 03:41 AM

Worked Great!!!

Many Thanks!

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Roger
SWXC member #37
TMTC member #951
Posted by: O'Polka

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 03/03/01 09:18 AM

Run a jumper from the ac fuse to the coil energized post of the relay. your lights will be on whenever your X is on. I will post a pic as soon as I get down to the parking lot.


Quote:
Originally posted by PoorBoy:
Do you know how to modify a 2001 Xterra SE as well?
and after this modification will the fog lights stay on even when you turn the brights on?
and one last question, will this mod void any warranties?





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John O'Polka
http://www.SWXC.org Member #28
Texas Motorized Trails Colition (TMTC) Member #940
2001 SE 4x4
Goldrush smile
jgopolka@swbell.net
http://www.geocities.com/opolka_2000/
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1435837
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 03/03/01 11:07 AM

I don't know how the switch works on the X, but on my car, the fogs work the same way: the low beam headlights must be on for the fogs to work. There was a wire coming from the hi/low beam switch that provides power to the fog light switch while the low beams are on.

All I did was cut this wire coming from the low beams, and replace it with a splice from a nearby ignition source wire, so my fog lights will work whenever the key is turned on and the fog light switch is on, but will turn off when I turn the car off. Foolproof. A wiring diagram helps.

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Posted by: defibvt

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 03/03/01 12:02 PM

Hey Electroken,

I am interested in this mod. Could I buy a relay from you. Electrical car stuff is not my strong point. Also I have a Cobra 75 WX ST, I was wondering where the best place is draw power so that it will retain any memory for my preferred CB channels.

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'00 Solar Yellow XE
Automatic
3-pack
I love the smell of napalm in the morning...smells like..victory.

[This message has been edited by DeFibVT (edited 03-03-2001).]
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 03/03/01 01:35 PM

A convenient place to get unswitched power on a 2000 X is at the power socket relay. This relay is light blue and can be found just above where the parking brake shaft enters the dash. Tap off of the red/white striped wire right at the relay socket. An insulation displacement connector like Radio Shack #64-3052 will work. That red/white wire is fused for 20 amps. The fuse is in the relay box just behind the battery.

As far as the relay goes, no problem. Just send your shipping address to electroken@aol.com and I'll send you a relay. If it does what you want it to do send me $8.

So far this honor system thing has worked pretty well. Is it because:
a) Xterra owners are just swell people?
or
b) Getting a global reputation for being a scumbag is undesirable?

Must be a)...


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Posted by: defibvt

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 03/03/01 03:40 PM

Thanks Ken,

Mailing address is on its way.

Happy Xing.

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There are only three sports-Mountain climbing, bullfighting, and motor racing-all the others being games. --Ernest "Papa" Hemingway
Posted by: p.i.n.o.

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 10/03/01 07:47 PM

Hey Ken,
I just received the relay today. Thanks!!

I just have one question. I've located the fog relay that I am supposed to replace with the one you sent me. The problem is that I cannot figure out how to remove the relay. (please forgive my ignorance. i would normally try and figure it out by myself but it's late and it's cold) Is there some kind of tab that I have to depress to remove the relay? I tried to pull it out but I don't want to use too much force for fear of breaking something.

I appreciate your help. I'll mail your money on Monday.

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Paul Crescini
'00 Super Black SE 4wd Auto
http://www.lil-pino.com/xterra.html
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 11/03/01 01:10 PM

Yes, there is one locking tab on the original relay socket. It's on the side of the relay socket facing the engine. I believe that you push the tab away from the relay.
The new relay does not have provisions for a latch and doesn't seem to need it. With the cover on the relay box the relays have nowhere to go.

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Posted by: Nuk'em

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 04/04/01 08:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ElectroKen:
The mod for the 2000 was simple - swapping out a relay. It allowed the fog lights to be turned on at any time. The warranty was preserved because no permanent wiring modifications were made.
The 2001 is wired differently. I don't know just how different it is because my service manual is for a 2000. If I can get my hands on the circuit diagram for a 2001 it won't be hard to mod the 2001 as well.


ElectroKen, I have a wiring diagram for the front fog lamps for the '01 Xterra. I'd like to email it to you and see if you can come up with a "fix" for the fog light/low beam interdependance prob.




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Nuk'em
Solar Yellow '01
EX 4x4 3 pack
Posted by: highlanderkid

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 05/04/01 12:01 AM

Hey Nuk'em, would ya mind terribly sending me a copy of that diagram too. highlanderkid@hotmail.com
Got some ideas myself, besides sometimes two heads are better than one. Thanks.

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2001 V6 5spd XE 4X4 3pk
Just Bada$$ Blue

"Scottish by birth, English by law, Highlander by the grace of God!"
Posted by: Olegkha

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 05/04/01 04:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Nuk'em:

ElectroKen, I have a wiring diagram for the front fog lamps for the '01 Xterra. I'd like to email it to you and see if you can come up with a "fix" for the fog light/low beam interdependance prob.


I am just very curious where did you get the wiring diagram for 2001 ?

all i see is 2000
and if you ask a dealer to send you a CD for 2001, you will still get 2000



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Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 05/04/01 09:14 AM

I'm curious about the wiring differences myself. Send it on over to:
kpontbriant@oemcontrols.com

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Posted by: Nuk'em

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 05/04/01 08:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Olegkha:
I am just very curious where did you get the wiring diagram for 2001 ?

all i see is 2000
and if you ask a dealer to send you a CD for 2001, you will still get 2000


Olegkha, I know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows a guy......if you know what I mean.




------------------
Nuk'em
Solar Yellow '01
EX 4x4 3 pack
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 06/04/01 06:34 AM

Nuk'em

The diagram that you sent is an exact match to the one in my printed 2000 manual. I believe that the 2001 is different because the modified relay fix that I came up with for the '00 doesn't work on the '01.
Based on feedback from others that have tried to use the relay mod the differences seem to be:

In the '00 (your diagram) one side of the fog light relay coil is connected to +12V through the low beam switch. The other side of the relay coil is connected to ground through the fog light switch.

In the '01 it seems that one side of the fog light relay coil is grounded. The other side gets +12V through the low beam switch and the fog light switch in series. In a way this makes more sense for Nissan because there is one less wire passing through the firewall using this method.

I think I'm going to have to find someone willing to let me poke around in their '01 to verify these differences.

Ken


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Posted by: gothamist

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 06/04/01 08:03 AM

ElectroKen--if you want me to start poking around things w/ a multimeter just let me know, I'd certainly be willing to help out. (I have a 2001.)

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Vikram/gothamist -- MAXC member
http://www.4x4LO.com
Posted by: Nuk'em

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 06/04/01 06:42 PM

Ken. I got that diagram directly from a Nissan service department computer. Makes me wonder if I'd want them to work on any electrical probs I might have.

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Nuk'em
Solar Yellow '01
XE 4x4 3 pack
Posted by: irsa76

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 10/04/01 01:34 AM

Don't knock the poor dealer service department. As a dealer tech first for Mitsubishi/Mazda and now for Benz/Saab I can assure you that Factory trained techs know what they are doing. It's not unusal for makers upgrade the cars numerous times before they remember to rewrite the service books. Don't be suprised if a revised manual is at the dealer now.

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wish I could get an X here!
Posted by: Chris Mc

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 12/04/01 06:32 AM

Any update for an easy mod to the fog lights for the 01's? I'd really like to use my fog lights when the headlights are off or on HI. I'd be glad to help in any way, but I don't much about volts and amps...

------------------
"Do not meddle in the affairs of sysadmins, for they are subtle and quick to anger."
Join the Heartland Xterra Owners Club at www.hxoc.net
Posted by: rob in Austin

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 12/04/01 07:17 AM

Count me as interested in this mod also. (for '01's, that is.) Thanks

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"Xterra Pride"
"all your beers are belong to us"
Posted by: pepper kay

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 12/04/01 09:07 AM

Count me in as well ... any info is greatly appreciated ...

Thanks in advance !

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Pepper Kay
'01 XE 3 pack 4x4
auto - SWXC #39
Posted by: liv2x

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 12/04/01 04:28 PM

Make that one more that is interested in 01' mod

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01 Alpine Green SE 4x4 Auto
Posted by: highlanderkid

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 13/04/01 07:36 PM

It appears everyone is definately interested in this I looked it over some, but havent gotten a chance to really dig into it yet. I agree it does apear that the 01 is wired diferent than the 00, I'm trying to locate an easy way to supply power from the ign. switch to the fog light switch, this would be the most appealing fix to me, though it may not be easily accomplished. Especially without updated wiring diagrams, none the less I'll keep looking.

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2001 V6 5spd XE 4X4 3pk
Just Bada$$ Blue

"Scottish by birth, English by law, Highlander by the grace of God!"
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 17/04/01 07:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gothamist:
ElectroKen--if you want me to start poking around things w/ a multimeter just let me know, I'd certainly be willing to help out. (I have a 2001.)



It looks like we'll have to figure this out without Nissan's help. I think the differences will be seen right at the switches. Unfortunately this will involve removing the steering column covers (still willing?). I'll try to pull the covers this weekend so I can ask some intelligent questions.



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Posted by: ATFrontier

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 20/04/01 03:07 PM

Hey ElectroKen
I gotta say it. I have sat here and read all these threads on the fog light relay situation and you have not scoffed or had one bad reply to say. This tells me you are of a fine character and have the patience of Job.
Keep up the good work!

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01 Goldrush XE w/3 pack
4x2, Silver WAAG front & back, PIAA 520 & 1400 Lights
Posted by: XDaddy

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 20/04/01 05:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by LoganvilleX:
Hey ElectroKen
I gotta say it. I have sat here and read all these threads on the fog light relay situation and you have not scoffed or had one bad reply to say. This tells me you are of a fine character and have the patience of Job.
Keep up the good work!



I agree with Logan. Ken is an "ElectroStud!" Ken I've got one of your first "experimental" relays that you gave to O'Polka for his 2001. It didn't work, so we tried it in mine, and it did (2000). I've still got it and it's awesome. I think I speak for everyone when I say "Thanks" for all your help!!



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00 Bronze 4x4 XE 3pac AT
SWXC Memeber #29
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 21/04/01 04:01 PM

Thanks, but I honestly don't see sainthood anywhere in my future.
Anyway, I made some progress on this subject today. I pulled the covers off of the steering column and figured out all of the bits within. Now someone with a 2001 and a DVM must also remove the cover from their column and take one measurement. Blue has volunteered to drive to my house but that means a 220 mile drive for a five minute measurement.

Here is what someone needs to do:

Remove the 5 Philips head screws from the bottom cover of the steering column. The top cover will then snap off of the bottom and can be removed. Don't look at how easy it would be to steal your X at this point. It will only be depressing.

There are 3 connectors to the headlight/foglight/turn signal switch: one with 8 wires, one with 3 wires and one with 2 wires. The measurement needed is on the 2 wire connector.

With the headlights on (low beam) and the fog lights off I need to know which of the 2 wires in the 2 wire connector is live. It should be only one of them.

Also I need to know if the 8 wire connector has a red wire and a red/black stripe wire at one end. Ignore the silver bands on the wires.


One caution: avoid the solid yellow connectors in the column (and everywhere else) in your Xterra. They are part of the airbag circuit.


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Posted by: Nuk'em

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 29/04/01 02:37 PM

Ken
On the two wire connector the red/black wire is hot when the lights (low beam) are on .... fog lights off. On the eight wire connector there is a red and a red/black wire at the bottom of the connector. I have emailed you a photo of each. I hope this helps. If you need anything else checked out on an '01 drop me a line.

Thanks for your help,
Nuk'em



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Nuk'em
Solar Yellow '01
XE 4x4 3 pack
Posted by: pepper kay

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 29/04/01 08:20 PM

ElectroKen:

We who are interested in all your hard work on the '01 relay for the fog lights, thank you in advance for the time and effort you've expended ...

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Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me"
SWXC #39
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 30/04/01 04:45 AM

Perfect, Nuk'em

I think you gave me all I need to know and you've saved Blue a 220 mile drive at the same time. Let me draw this out now to make sure I've got it right.

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Posted by: pepper kay

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 30/04/01 08:45 AM

ElectroKen, where do I send my money ?? ... this is just too cool

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Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me"
SWXC #39
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 30/04/01 09:29 AM

It doesn't look like you'll be sending me anything. All you'll need is at Radio Shack. Details to follow...

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Posted by: pepper kay

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 30/04/01 02:32 PM

Ah, but I'm electrically 'handicapped' ... I trust the details will make sense to even a klutz as myself ? ...

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Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me" ... SWXC #39
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 05:21 AM

At last I think I can help all of the 2001 X owners who don't like the way their factory fog lights work. You can have the option of running the fog lights anytime OR only when the parking lights are on.

First the disclaimers-
1) I have a 2000 X so I haven't tried this. I do believe that it will work correctly.
2) The modification will involve cutting into the factory wiring harness. If this bothers you DON'T DO IT.

You will need:
1 butt splice, 18-22AWG, typically red, Radio Shack #64-3108 or equivalent.
1 "tap" connector, 14-18AWG, typically blue, Radio Shack #64-3052 or equivalent.
1 6" piece of 18AWG stranded wire, color matched to your X
electrical tape

The first step is to remove the 5 philips head screws from the bottom of the steering column cover. The two halves will snap apart and the top half can be removed. There are 3 connectors for the turn signal/headlight/foglight switch. We're interested in the one with 2 wires and the one with 8 wires.

On the 2-wire connector harness, cut back the tubing to reveal a couple inches of the wires. They are red/black and red/something else. Cut the red/black wire leaving both ends long enough to work on. Tape up the end that is still connected to the truck harness.
Using the butt splice connect one end of the 6" jumper wire to the stub of red/black wire at the 2-wire connector.

Here is where you need to choose how you want your lights to operate:

For those that want the ability to turn on the fog lights anytime, connect the 6" jumper wire to the purple wire in the 8-pin connector harness using the tap connector. Note that the headlight warning system will NOT remind you to turn the fogs off if you choose this option.

For those that want the ability to use the fog lights whenever the parking lights are on, connect the 6" jumper wire to the blue/red wire in the 8-pin connector harness using the tap connector. In this case the headlight warning system will let you know if you leave the fogs on.

Test it.

Reassemble the column covers.

All Done.

I hope some brave soul will try this and let us all know how it works.

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Posted by: pepper kay

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 06:54 AM

Hey Blue:

If you'll volunteer to meet up with ElectroKen and be the 'test dummy', I'll split your gas expenses 50-50 with you for making the trip ...

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Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me" ... SWXC #39
Posted by: blue

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 07:18 AM

I was just thinking of offering to let him use my truck for the '01 fix. Ken, email me and let's see what we can work out. I'll buy the materials if you do the work

Pepper, don't worry about the gas, hon. It's gonna be a nice ride for me and Boz

blue@boscoe.tv

PS: It would be a great thing to show everyone at ECXC and the plant tour in a few weeks!

------------------
2001 XE-3pk Auto
Just Blue 4x4



[This message has been edited by blue (edited 05-01-2001).]
Posted by: pepper kay

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 09:16 AM

EletroKen ... would posting the pics that Nuk'em sent be of any help to those of us who are eletricaly disabled ?? ... at least we could see what it's supposed to look like when you open everything up ...

------------------
Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me" ... SWXC #39
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 09:48 AM

The pictures that Nuk'em sent me are fabulous close-ups of two connectors. They won't really show the "big picture" you'll see when you pop the cover off of the column.

There isn't anything scary in there. Really! Nothing even close to watching "Alien" for the first time.

YOU CAN DO THIS!

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Posted by: Chris Mc

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 10:38 AM

Ken, you kick ass. I'm doing this when I get home from work. When you say "always on", is that really always, or is it ignition-sensitive?

------------------
"Do not meddle in the affairs of sysadmins, for they are subtle and quick to anger."
Join the Heartland Xterra Owners Club at www.hxoc.net
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 12:45 PM

"Always On" is just that - or at least until the battery is dead. There is no ignition switch dependency.
I have them wired that way in my 2000 X. Unfortunately I have s___ for brains and leave them on often.

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Posted by: Chris Mc

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 03:00 PM

What's the electrical tape for? I'm on my way to the store now, will let you know the results later. If the electrical tape is for sealing up the connectors, I will use heat shrink tube instead.

*edit*
Ahh... figured out you can't get heat shrink tube around a vampire tap on an existing wire... As far as the wiring, if I opt for the ignition-sensed configuration, will the fog lights go on when I have the high beams on? ...or just with the lo-beams and parking lights?
------------------
"got root?"
Join the Heartland Xterra Owners Club at www.hxoc.net

[This message has been edited by Caver-X (edited 05-01-2001).]
Posted by: Chris Mc

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 04:51 PM

Ken, You Da Man! Works great. I went with the purple wire, lights go on anytime. Thanks a bunch for the help! Now I have to stuff all this wire back in the column... That red/black wire coming from the firewall that you had me tape off, do I need it at all? Can I cut it off, or might I need it later? I don't like the idea of it just taped off.

------------------
"got root?"
Join the Heartland Xterra Owners Club at www.hxoc.net

[This message has been edited by Caver-X (edited 05-01-2001).]
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 05:38 PM

The red/black wire remaining in the harness will be live anytime the low beams are on so it should be insulated somehow. If you don't like tape you can put a butt splice on it while leaving the other end open, or just heat shrink it.

I should also clarify the "parking light" option. The parking lights are on whenever the headlight switch is anywhere but off. This option allows the fog lights to be used with the parking lights, low beams, or high beams.

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[This message has been edited by ElectroKen (edited 05-01-2001).]
Posted by: blue

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 05:50 PM

Well, I guess if you guys have figured it out, there's no reason for me to take my truck down to Ken. And I was getting psyched to show off the mod

------------------
2001 XE-3pk Auto
Just Blue 4x4
Posted by: Chris Mc

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 06:58 PM

Yeah, it was pretty easy. Kinda cramped for space, though. Only problem I had was that I nearly crapped my pants when I accidentally leaned on the horn... (it echos real good in the garage)

------------------
"got root?"
Join the Heartland Xterra Owners Club at www.hxoc.net
Posted by: pepper kay

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 06:59 PM

ElectroKen ... remember that I am old, slow and electrically challenged ...

I just went out, did the routine with the lights ... parking lights come on, then low beams and parking lights, then low beams, parking lights and fog lights, then high beams, parking lights and NO fog lights ...

I presume the same would be true had I put the key in the ignition and moved it to ACCY or ON ...

So, if I muddle my way successfully through the fruits of your hard labor, I will be able to turn the fog lights on, irregardless of the parking lights, low beams and/or high beams, yes ?? ...

Lastly, when you speak of the steering wheel cover, you're talking about the cover over the wheel inside the cabin, I hope ...

Thanks again for all your hard work ... I'm going to pick up everything tomorrow at RS and give this a try ...

------------------
Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me" ... SWXC
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 01/05/01 07:08 PM

I guess I'm in better shape because I'm just old and slow.
The cover that gets removed is the gray plastic "clamshell" cover that surrounds the ignition switch and the steering column. Don't mess with the actual steering wheel cover (where the horn switch is) because the air bag is in there too.
Attaching to the described purple wire will allow the fog lights to operate any time, regardless of any other switch position. Just remember to turn them off.

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Posted by: YellowFireX

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 21/05/01 08:52 PM

Hey Ken,
can you send me a relay for the 2000 fog light mod.
Chad Carson
1410 Grayfox Lane
Spring hill, TN. 37174
Also send me your address so i can send you the $8.oo.
Thanks,
Chad

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Chad
2K yellow X
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 22/05/01 09:36 AM

It's on the way.

Aren't you obligated to drive a Saturn if you live in Spring Hill?

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Posted by: TravelingFool

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 22/05/01 09:55 AM

Ken,

You rule. You RULE!

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kjw & the
PNUTMNM

Blaming Guns for Columbine is like blaming spoons for Rosy O'Donnel
Posted by: SHAN

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 22/05/01 09:57 AM

Thanks,
This mod works great for when your friends drop their pants in the woods and you need a little light

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2000 X, V6, 4X4 of course, black, with body mods;) Thank you, Trees
Posted by: Elroy

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 22/05/01 10:30 AM

Ken, Can you send me an email? I'm interested in one of those relays.

------------------
Eric Mueller
Member - Heartland Xterra Owners Club
Posted by: Saber

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 26/05/01 03:47 PM

Thanks "ElectroKen" on the fog light fix you posted a few posts ago.It's the one for the 2001 Xterra's.
I just tryed it and it works great!!!
Very easy to do too.I was all done in 10 min's.From start to finnish.
I have a 2001 Yellow SE V6 4X4 and did the fix where the fog loghts are on when the park lights are on.
Just letting you and every one know that it's not vrey hard to do and it works great.
Thanks "ElectroKen"
Bill Wheeler
St John's
Newfoundland,Canada
2001 Yellow Xterra SE

------------------
2001 Xterra SE,auto, Solar Yellow
Posted by: pepper kay

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 02/06/01 05:19 PM

ElectroKen and Nuk'em:

ZCaptain and I spent a frustrating 2 hours last night trying Nuk'em's method ... first problem noticed was no red and black wires ... 2 red and gray wires ... best we could do was get the right headlight to turn on by itself or the foglights on without being able to get lo/hi beams ...

We felt lower than a snake's belly, so put everything back properly and I came on home ...

Later in the week, we'll try ElectroKen's method ...

Any suggestions ? ...

------------------
Pepper Kay
Posted by: dvd-man

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 04/06/01 07:16 PM

Thanks EK,

Did the fog light mod when I got home from work today, Worked perfectly. No 6" pigtail... I don't know if mine was an oddball but I had enough wire to connect directly. Saved my butt from a joint.

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'01 SE Silver Ice 4X4
Posted by: Mtik

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 07/06/01 03:26 PM

Man, I can't wait to mod my '00. I've always wanted to have control of the fog lights

Here's a quick question for you guys. Using this mod, you can very easily drain the battery. I know I've seen things in cataloges that cut off the connection to the battery when the battery's charge gets too low.

Has anyone tried one of these? Do they really work?

If so, it might not be a bad investment to save all those jumps (I've got an auto).

------------------
-------------------------
'00, Forest Green, XE 3pk
Posted by: yxterra

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 07/06/01 06:17 PM

If anyone can get me a diagram of what to do to a 2000 X for this mod, I would be greatly appreciative.

------------------
'00 YELLOW X 4x4
Posted by: lord_seraph

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 19/06/01 05:38 PM

would this void your warranty?

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Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 19/06/01 06:11 PM

That depends...

The 2001 mod involves modifying the wiring harness and Nissan would have a legit argument for denying warranty service IF the failure was related to the modification.

The 2000 mod is a plug in. If you need warranty service just put the original relay back in and no one will be the wiser.

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Posted by: Jeffrey Robinson

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 12/01/02 11:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ElectroKen:
The 2001 mod involves modifying the wiring harness and Nissan would have a legit argument for denying warranty service IF the failure was related to the modification.

The 2000 mod is a plug in. If you need warranty service just put the original relay back in and no one will be the wiser.


Not that I am really concerned with the warrenty, but....

I was wondering if it was at all possible to make a relay for the '01 Xterra's for the fog mod. The only reason I ask, is that I'd hate to cut and splice wires and then have a "plug and play" device come out that does the exact same thing (just because I'm being lazy right now, it'll probably pass, but I'm still curious).

and please forgive me if I sound like an idiot, but I'm not the most electrically inclined person in the world (although I like to pretend I am). laugh
Posted by: gearhead1972

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 12/01/02 02:33 PM

Well the person you quoted is the club electronics guru(hence his name)and what you quoted is the only mod that I know of for the 01' From the sounds of it it is not to hard?
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 13/01/02 07:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jeffrey Robinson:

I was wondering if it was at all possible to make a relay for the '01 Xterra's for the fog mod. The only reason I ask, is that I'd hate to cut and splice wires and then have a "plug and play" device come out that does the exact same thing.


Unfortunately the answer is no. In the 2000 X modification I took advantage of some peculiar wiring that was unique to that year. Nissan revised the harness to a more conventional (and cheaper) circuit for 2001.
Posted by: Jeffrey Robinson

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 13/01/02 12:38 PM

Ok, thanks Ken. I was just wondring.

Now, off to cut some wires....
Posted by: xcentrk

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 14/01/02 08:16 AM

ElectroKen a BIG to ya! Thank you so much, I have a 2001 and it only took 5 or so minutes to do... I think it took longer to take the 5 screws out. And you have been so cool about everyone asking you questions... and not jumping down their throats... A big 5 rating for ya' and my thanks.

smile
Posted by: Toy4x4Guy

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 09/12/02 10:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ElectroKen:
I guess I'm in better shape because I'm just old and slow. [img] /ubb/wink.gif [/img]
The cover that gets removed is the gray plastic "clamshell" cover that surrounds the ignition switch and the steering column. Don't mess with the actual steering wheel cover (where the horn switch is) because the air bag is in there too.
Attaching to the described purple wire will allow the fog lights to operate any time, regardless of any other switch position. Just remember to turn them off.

Using the parking light method, connecting the red/black to the blue/red...does this allow the fog lights to work with the parking lights, low beams, and high beams?

Thanks,
Posted by: lovethax

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 09/12/02 07:49 PM

electroken, i had serious problems when trying ur method in my 2001 xterra. first i found the 2 wire piece with the red/black and red/something else wires and the 8 wire piece with the blue/red and the purple wire. However, when i used ur method and took the red/black wire and hooked it up to the blue/red wire i got no fog lights during any operation (when using no lights, parking lights, low beams, or high beams). So, then i tryed the red/black wire with the purple wire and when i did this i got no fog lights during any operation (when using no lights, parking lights, low beams, or high beams). But when the red/black wire was hooked into the purple wire, and i used my parking lights the right front headlight came on (even when the 8 wire piece wasn't connected). So, then i hooked the red/black wire back up the way it was and used the red/something else wire. When using the red/something else wire, i hooked it up to the blue/red wire, this gave me the use of fog lights during paking lights, low beams, and high beams; but the fog light switch doesn't turn the fog lights off. The fog lights just automatically come on with the parking lights, low beams, and high beams. So, then i took the red/something else wire and the purple wire hooked them together and this turned the fog lights on all the time (with no lights, parking lights, low beams, and high beams). But i still couldn't use the fog light switch, the fog lights just came on right when i hooked them to the purple wire eventhough the 8 piece wire connector wasn't connected. So do u have any ideas on how to get the switch working or what i did wrong.
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 10/12/02 03:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Toy4x4Guy:
Using the parking light method, connecting the red/black to the blue/red...does this allow the fog lights to work with the parking lights, low beams, and high beams?

Thanks,
This thread has become pretty confusing. The clearest explanation is my post from 5/21/01 at 06:21. Several people have had success using that post.

I should add that this method works with the 2001 and 2002 but NOT the 2003 X.
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 10/12/02 03:05 AM

Lovethax,

I need to wade through your post for a while to figure it out. I haven't heard of a 2001 that couldn't use the method I described.

In general, connecting random combinations of wires is a bad idea.
Posted by: mitcheal

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 10/12/02 12:48 PM

electroken, i have a 2000 4x4 frontier. i know this is an xterra board, but the trucks are so similiar i like to come here for ideas. i tried the modded relay from radio shack awhile ago. twice i went into the garage only to find my fogs lights on, with the fog switch in the off position. seems i have a loose connection in the relay maybe? have you heard of this, or did i do a bad job on the relay?

thanks,
mitch.
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 10/12/02 06:19 PM

Mitch,
It's not a loose connection but instead one that is staying connected when it shouldn't. It sounds to me like a relay that is either defective or was damaged during the modification process.
Posted by: Wreckerboy

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 11/12/02 06:07 AM

ElectroKen -

I have the factory '02 service manual (all five or six volumes worth). Would you like copies of the appropriate electrical pages so that you can help all of lost souls in the dark?
Posted by: ElectroKen

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 11/12/02 09:13 AM

That would be great - it would certainly clear up some of the mystery surrounding the 2002.

Can you scan those few pages and e-mail them or is old-fashioned snail mail better?
Posted by: Wreckerboy

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 11/12/02 09:49 AM

Electronic Guru -

Old fashioned snail mail would be better (I am a low tech Luddite at heart). Due to business travel I am about 3K miles from the manuals this week, but I can get them to you early next week. Let me know via PM what your interests are and where to send it.
Posted by: Toy4x4Guy

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 11/12/02 04:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ElectroKen:
Quote:
Originally posted by Toy4x4Guy:
[b]Using the parking light method, connecting the red/black to the blue/red...does this allow the fog lights to work with the parking lights, low beams, and high beams?

Thanks,
This thread has become pretty confusing. The clearest explanation is my post from 5/21/01 at 06:21. Several people have had success using that post.

I should add that this method works with the 2001 and 2002 but NOT the 2003 X.[/b]
I follow your post on how to wire the connector, that's not my issue. I want my fog lights to come on with the parking lights, low beams, and high beams, but I want the reminder buzzer. I don't care about them being on by themselves, so wiring them to come on with the parking lights sounds like what I want to do, but no one has commented on whether these stay on with the hi beams?

Anyone?
Posted by: Toy4x4Guy

Re: Anyone remember how to... - 11/12/02 07:53 PM

[/QUOTE]I follow your post on how to wire the connector, that's not my issue. I want my fog lights to come on with the parking lights, low beams, and high beams, but I want the reminder buzzer. I don't care about them being on by themselves, so wiring them to come on with the parking lights sounds like what I want to do, but no one has commented on whether these stay on with the hi beams?

Anyone?[/QB][/QUOTE]

Nevermind, I went ahead and did some tests with the multimeter and got the answer. Hooking up the lights as described in Ken's post causes the fog lights to come on with the parking lights, and remain on with low and high beams. The switch still turns the fog lights off if you so choose.

Another simple mod. 20 minutes total, including the multimeter testing time.