Fog or Running Lights and State Inspection

[CaptPat]

Just purchased a 2009 Monaco Camelot, 42PDQ, we live in VA so we have to get an annual inspection. While I was checking things out I noticed that the fog lights don't go off when the headlights are on bright. Dealer says that's normal because they aren't fog lights they are running lights. Not sure the inspector will see the distinction.

So the long term solution seems to be to install a relay off of the bright lights to interrupt power to the fog lights. Has anyone done this? Any tips? Seems like an easy enough thing to do, would appreciate a wiring diagram of the affected circuits if anyone has one.

I guess I could just remove the lights for the inspection but that seems like a lot of trouble every year.

Thanks in advance

Pat

[LindyT]

I'm not sure that it will matter... an excerpt from VA's inspection requirements:

Quote:

- INSPECT HEADLIGHTS FOR: Approved type, aim, and output. Condition of lamp, wiring and switch. Beam indicator. 6. - INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR: Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch. Aim of fog and driving lamps. Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens. (NOTE: Every vehicle must have a rear lamp showing a red light to the rear, a white light illuminating the rear license plate; vehicles over 7 feet wide or extending 4 inches or more beyond the front fender extremes must be equipped with approved clearance lamps and reflex reflectors. Count load in measuring.)

I think they primarily care about aim and the lenses themselves.

[CaptPat]

Thanks, these things tend to be a crap shoot. Earlier this year I took my MDT to get inspected and the inspector didn't even have me turn on the fog lights I've also had some that test that the low air alarm works, others didn't... So maybe it won't make a difference, if all else fails I'll just remove them, 4 bolts hold them in place.

I also sent an inquiry to Monaco Tech Support, maybe they can shed some light on the issue.

[wa8yxm]

I am considering removal of the fog lights.. They are fog lights on my rig, and there is absolutely no reason to kill 'em when the high beams are on.

[Robin_M]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptPat Thanks, these things tend to be a crap shoot. Earlier this year I took my MDT to get inspected and the inspector didn't even have me turn on the fog lights I've also had some that test that the low air alarm works, others didn't... So maybe it won't make a difference, if all else fails I'll just remove them, 4 bolts hold them in place.

CaptPat,

I think that's the best plan. I wouldn't worry about it. If push comes to shove though, I wouldn't remove them. Like you say, it wouldn't be hard to wire in a relay. Consulting the electrical digrams for my Dip, I see that the controlling circuits for the fog lamps are in the front run bay emminating from the large "house" control box. The head lamp circuits are in the smaller chassis control box, also in the front run bay.

Thing is... I've never understood why most states require the fog/driving lights to go off with high beams. I don't see what difference it makes. I wish someone would make sense of that for me.

[CaptPat]

Well I've looked through the VA code and indeed fog lights must extinguish if the bright lights are on. Monaco sent me some electrical schematics and they show that the only thing between the fog lights and the battery is the fog light and ignition switches.

I guess for expediency I'll remove them for now, look into installing a relay before next year when the inspection is due again.

[LindyT]

Just because it's "VA code" doesn't mean it's required for inspection. Window film, for example over 50% on your front side windows is against VA code, but your inspection won't fail because of it.

I just called the truck shop that inspects my coach -- he said he would fail it if wiring was dangling there and the lights were removed (if it came from the factory, it's supposed to be in tact and functional) -- but wouldn't be concerned with the fog lights/bright lights provided the lights worked. He said that's actually common.

Your mileage may vary, naturally. Every inspector behaves differently, whether they're supposed to or not. I could have also misunderstood.

[CaptPat]

I'm resurecting this old post with a new update. Last year I took my coach to the local RV dealership that has an inspector and it passed the state inspection no problem. This year I take it back for the annual inspection and it fails. The first thing the inspector did was ask to turn on the fog lights, they of course came on--which in the inspectors mind was immediate grounds for failure. He said the fog lights can only come on if the low beams or ICC lights are on, he went to say that it was a common problem and often hit or miss even with models made by the same manufacturer. He didn't seem too concerned that this wasn't identified in last years inspection.

I guess I'll need to install a relay off the low beams. Has anyone done this before? I'm thinking to install the relay behind the front cap where I can get easy access with the generator pulled out -- should be easier than fishing around behind the dash.

[TandW]

As Pa was known by this poster to have a law prohibiting fog-lite use at speeds above 35 MPH some 35 years ago I wonder if this law is still in effect and if similar laws exist elsewhere. The logic involved the thought that if you can travel at that speed or more then you obviously don't need fog lights on that invariably blind on-comers. In that light, I find the legality and usage of the silver-blue lights we now see detestable.

[LindyT]

You're better off just taking it to a big truck repair facility to have an inspection. I could nearly guarantee they aren't going to fuss over your foglights.