Community Forums

Mule Skinner · 12-12-2019, 12:26 AM

I want to replace the fog lights on my “04” Alpine.
Dose anyone know what to ask for at the auto parts store?
Thanks,
Dan

R.Wold · 12-12-2019, 04:45 AM

Id take one in with me. Sometimes you get a good counter person, but like buying parts for equipment, they dont normally deal in it, dont have any experience with it, and a coach like that wont be in their parts catalogs. I doubt they'll have OEM but looking at the light they might be able to cross reference it. At least you’ll be able to tell if what they show you will fit, especially if Your lights are indexed.

Old Scout · 12-12-2019, 05:02 AM

...not exactly sure of the brand name now but think the Std Hella Model 600 lights from one of the parts houses or off-road stores will do....lots of styles and bulb types are available....seems I ended up buying a kit [with lights, relay, wiring] the last time--just easier to find. Problem is the lights are mounted so low that they often get taken out by road debris.....newer, high-amp bulbs [non LED] may need some different rewiring [eg relays and direct source of power] as the newer Vansco-powered Alpines have amp limits on many circuits.....

paul65k · 12-12-2019, 05:52 AM

As an avid off-roader I would check your particular owners manual for a part number and then do a search for a compatible LED replacement. They will easily be 3- 5X brighter at probably less than 1/3 the amp dwaw

Hayduke · 12-13-2019, 09:45 AM

My 2005 has Hella fog lights. Says so right on the lens.

The lens read
E1 37.5
04 44404 R8

I didn't find a lot searching for that, but that's what is on them.

Mule Skinner · 12-13-2019, 09:52 AM

Thanks, at least I have a number that can be cross referenced.
Honestly, I haven’t removed mine yet. There might be a number on them.
I just got the coach back from paint yesterday. Saturday I will be working on the lights and a few other details.
Thanks for the reply
Dan

Ljwt330 · 12-13-2019, 10:12 AM

My question is, are you talking about fog lights or the driving lights? The driving lights on my 2004 are round and mounted in the valance. I refer to them as driving lights because there is a switch on the console that turns them ON/OFF labeled "driving lights." Also, with the switch ON, the lights illuminate as soon as the engine starts. My understanding of fog lights, as well as my experience with them, is that they do not illuminate unless the headlights are also ON.

Now, it doesn't matter what you call those round lights in the valance, except that true fog lights have specific lens patterns and illumination that driving lights do not. Again, I'm not exactly sure to what your are referring by "fog lights."

Mule Skinner · 12-13-2019, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ljwt330

My question is, are you talking about fog lights or the driving lights? The driving lights on my 2004 are round and mounted in the valance. I refer to them as driving lights because there is a switch on the console that turns them ON/OFF labeled "driving lights." Also, with the switch ON, the lights illuminate as soon as the engine starts. My understanding of fog lights, as well as my experience with them, is that they do not illuminate unless the headlights are also ON.

Now, it doesn't matter what you call those round lights in the valance, except that true fog lights have specific lens patterns and illumination that driving lights do not. Again, I'm not exactly sure to what your are referring by "fog lights."

The round lights down low, below the headlights. The rocker switch is on the side panel by the transmission selector.

Ljwt330 · 12-13-2019, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mule Skinner

The round lights down low, below the headlights. The rocker switch is on the side panel by the transmission selector.

Okay, we're talking about the same thing. Just a matter of semantics, as far as I'm concerned, whether or not they're called "fog lights" or "driving lights." However, when asking for replacements it may make a difference because the type of light used for fog is constructed differently. As suggested, it's best to take one to the parts store and find a compatible replacement.

Hayduke · 12-13-2019, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ljwt330

My question is, are you talking about fog lights or the driving lights? The driving lights on my 2004 are round and mounted in the valance. I refer to them as driving lights because there is a switch on the console that turns them ON/OFF labeled "driving lights." Also, with the switch ON, the lights illuminate as soon as the engine starts. My understanding of fog lights, as well as my experience with them, is that they do not illuminate unless the headlights are also ON.

Now, it doesn't matter what you call those round lights in the valance, except that true fog lights have specific lens patterns and illumination that driving lights do not. Again, I'm not exactly sure to what your are referring by "fog lights."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ljwt330

Okay, we're talking about the same thing. Just a matter of semantics, as far as I'm concerned, whether or not they're called "fog lights" or "driving lights." However, when asking for replacements it may make a difference because the type of light used for fog is constructed differently. As suggested, it's best to take one to the parts store and find a compatible replacement.

I thought mine are "fog" lights based on the lens pattern, but now that I took pictures, these are most certainly a "driving" light as the switch indicates. My apologies for using the wrong terminology before.

If this helps, here are pics of front and back of the Hellas on my 2005.
It seems when I upload pics they get rotated left.

Edit:
Looking at rear picture, now I'm wondering if I'm missing some sort of grommet to keep weather out of where that wiring goes in.

AKOne · 12-15-2019, 04:43 PM

HELLA 500FF Driving Lamp. Comes as complete assembly. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TWD5KU...ing=UTF8&psc=1

AKOne · 12-15-2019, 04:53 PM

In case you are interested. Hella link: My Hella Lights :: HELLA 500FF Driving

GwinsLodgeAK · 12-20-2019, 08:36 AM

The driving lights, rocker switch by left elbow, are the only "high" beams? Or should you be able to keep them on with oncoming traffic? I had someone flash me to turn them off on a divided highway. I can't see a difference when pressing the left steering wheel light control. Looks like that just flashes the light to communicate come on over?

whalepirot · 12-20-2019, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GwinsLodgeAK

The driving lights, rocker switch by left elbow, are the only "high" beams

No. The actual high beams afre controlled with the turn signal lever (pull) and should illuminate a blue indicator light on the dash when on.

Too many lights, whether driving, fog or low/high beams are improperly aimed, a situation made worse with the new crop of LEDs, etc. that ae VERY directional and of color temperature that can be very blinding to oncoming drivers.