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VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Effectively designed vehicle illumination systems enhance the safety of the vehicle by improving the driver's visibility while operating the automobile and by clearly indicating the driver's intentions to those in the vicinity of the vehicle. Illumination systems are also employed within the vehicle to convey messages to the driver and offer convenience to occupants. Manufacturers persistently enhance and innovate their illumination systems as novel technologies come into play. Contemporary features of illumination systems encompass an augmented utilization of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and xenon lighting, electronic control units to manage lighting, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, which outshine the conventional sealed-beam or halogen units in terms of brightness. Numerous vehicles are also equipped with systems that issue warnings in case the lamps are not functioning correctly.

Varieties of Lamps

Modern vehicles incorporate a diverse array of lamp types and sizes, often referred to as light bulbs or light globes in some regions. Several types of lamps are available, including standard incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, vacuum tube fluorescent (VTF) lighting, HID xenon gas systems, LEDs, and more. Traditional incandescent lamps are gradually being substituted by these more efficient lighting alternatives in many applications.

Incandescent Illumination

Incandescent lamps consist of one or more filaments that heat up to approximately 5000°F (2760°C) and emit a white-hot glow (FIGURE 1). The filament material does not combust due to the presence of inert gases within the bulb, replacing most of the oxygen and preventing combustion. The power consumption in watts is frequently indicated on the lamp; wattage (work performed) is calculated by multiplying the lamp's voltage by the current passing through it. A higher wattage results in the generation of more light compared to a similar standard bulb. Incandescent bulbs are inefficient, converting only about 10% of the electricity into visible light, while the remaining 90% is dissipated as heat.

Fig- 1. Vehicle incandescent bulb with single filament

Halogen lighting

Halogen lamps represent another category of incandescent lamps, yet they contain a halogen gas such as bromine or iodine (FIGURE 2). These lamps boast extended lifespans and generally emit more brightness, producing a higher quantity of light per unit of consumed power. However, they generate significant heat during operation. These lamps are manufactured from exceedingly heat-resistant materials, and their bulbs necessitate careful handling due to their sensitivity and susceptibility to damage, even from the oil residue left by fingerprints. Direct contact with the glass section of a halogen lamp using bare skin can lead to the lamp's premature failure.

Fig- 2. Vehicle halogen bulb

Fluorescent Vacuum Tubes

Vacuum tube fluorescent technology (VTF), also referred to as vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), finds application in showcasing instruments within the clusters of vehicle instrument panels. This particular form of illumination emits an intensely luminous light characterized by high contrast and the ability to present a spectrum of colors. Typically, VTF displays manifest as bar graphs, numerals in a seven-segment format, multi-segment alphanumeric characters, or even a dot-matrix configuration. These displays encompass diverse alphanumeric characters and symbols aimed at alerting drivers about various conditions.

High-Intensity Discharge Systems

High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps generate illumination via an electric arc instead of a radiant filament (as depicted in FIGURE -3). The heightened intensity of the arc is attributed to the vaporization of metallic salts within an arc chamber. HIDs yield a greater luminosity relative to power consumption compared to regular tungsten or halogen bulbs. Automotive HID lamps are commonly known as "xenon headlamps," although they are essentially metal halide lamps containing xenon gas. The light emitted by HID headlamps presents a distinctive bluish hue in contrast to the yellowish-white tint of tungsten-filament headlamps. HID headlamp bulbs do not operate on low-voltage direct current; they necessitate a ballast featuring an internal or external igniter, which may either be integrated into the bulb or provided as a separate unit or component of the ballast. This ballast significantly boosts voltage and governs current flow to the bulb.

Fig. -3. HID headlamp bulb

HID headlamps produce luminosity ranging from 2800 to 3500 lumens with power consumption spanning 35 to 38 watts. In contrast, halogen filament headlamp bulbs emit luminosity between 700 and 2100 lumens, consuming 40 to 72 watts at 12.8 volts. The advantage of employing HID headlight systems lies in their notably superior luminance compared to halogen bulbs (approximately 3000 lumens versus 1400 lumens for equivalent halogen bulbs) . When a higher-output HID light source is employed in a meticulously engineered headlamp optic, drivers benefit from increased usable light. Studies underscore that drivers react with greater speed and precision to road obstacles when utilizing proficient HID headlamps as opposed to halogen counterparts, thereby enhancing road safety.

An argument against HID headlamps centers on their potential to adversely affect oncoming traffic due to their heightened intensity and the "flashing" effect stemming from swift transitions between low and high illumination within the illuminated area. This inherent distraction elevates the risk of head-on collisions between vehicles equipped with HID headlamps and oncoming drivers who are temporarily blinded. Scientific evaluations of glare stemming from HID systems reveal that, at any given intensity level, light from HID headlamps is 40% more dazzling than light from tungsten halogen headlamps.

In certain countries, regulations stipulate that HID headlamps may solely be installed on vehicles (excluding motorcycles) equipped with lens-cleaning mechanisms (to mitigate glare) and automatic self-leveling systems features (that cause glaring light for oncoming traffic). Typically, these features are lacking in vehicles originally unequipped with HID lamps. Therefore, if an HID bulb is retrofitted onto a halogen headlamp, it can result in the emission of illegally intense glare. Another downside of HID headlamps is their substantially higher production, installation, purchasing, and repair costs. Nevertheless, some of this expense is counterbalanced by the extended lifespan of the HID burner compared to halogen bulbs.

Safety Measures for HID Systems

HID lamps emit an extremely bright white light. Various designs are employed in HID lamp manufacturing. Irrespective of the design, they generally necessitate a high voltage spark of up to 25,000 volts to initiate and a high operational voltage (e.g., 40-85 volts AC) to sustain the light. To generate the required operating voltages, a transformer and electronic circuitry called a ballast are utilized to provide electrical components.

When working with HID systems, it's crucial to follow safety precautions. There's a risk of electric shock, burns, or even an electrical discharge due to the high voltages generated by the HID system. If diagnosing the HID system, exercise extreme caution when working on live components. Ensure you wear safety glasses, high-voltage safety gloves, and safety boots, and ensure the vehicle, engine compartment, and the ground beneath the vehicle are dry. Do not touch the ballast while it's operational; it can often emit significant heat. Individuals with active electronic implants, like heart pacemakers, should avoid working on HID headlamps. When replacing the bulb, make sure the headlights are turned off. The manufacturer might recommend disconnecting the battery during bulb replacement. If so, adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines.

There's also a risk of injury from exposure to ultraviolet light produced by the HID lamp if operated outside of its housing. Once ignited, the pressure within an HID bulb can build up to an exceedingly high level (around 220 pounds per square inch or 1517 kilopascals) due to the elevated operating temperature (about 1500°F or 816°C). This pressure creates a potential explosion hazard, so attempting to power an HID bulb outside of the headlamp assembly for testing or operating it near flammable gases or liquids is not advisable. Additionally, the bulb must be positioned horizontally while in operation; otherwise, overheating and failure may occur. Given that HID headlamps employ various heavy metals in their construction, it's imperative to dispose of the bulbs in an environmentally responsible manner. Avoid breaking the bulbs, as there's also a risk of poisoning from inhaling heavy metal vapors and toxic salts through inhalation or skin contact.

LED Lighting

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been utilized for various automotive functions, such as warning indicators and alphanumeric displays, for some time. Recent advancements in LED technology have led to the creation of a broader spectrum of colors and brighter LEDs compared to earlier models. It's now feasible to obtain LEDs emitting vibrant red, green, blue, yellow, and clear or white light. This innovation has opened the door to numerous new applications, including more widespread lighting functions. For instance, LEDs are frequently employed for brake lights, turn signals, and interior vehicle lighting (as depicted in FIGURE -5).

Fig-5. LED Lighting

One of the benefits of LEDs is their instant activation. This is especially advantageous for brake lights, as it can reduce the response time of the braking light by two-tenths of a second. This corresponds to an extra 16 feet (4.9 meters) of stopping distance for vehicles traveling at highway speeds. LEDs also exhibit improved visibility in adverse weather conditions, operate at lower temperatures, consume less energy, occupy less space, and can endure up to 100 times longer, resulting in reduced servicing costs. LEDs can also be custom-designed for a direct retrofit, allowing an LED replacement bulb to be installed in place of a traditional incandescent light bulb (as shown in FIGURE 16-6). It's important to note that since LEDs consume significantly less power than their incandescent counterparts, installing LED replacement lamps where incandescent bulbs were originally placed may necessitate adjustments to the electrical system. The usage of an incandescent light bulb might lead to the rapid blinking of turn signals or trigger notifications in the vehicle's information systems indicating a burnt-out bulb. For automotive purposes, a grouping of multiple LEDs is employed to generate the necessary amount of light for the specific application. Moreover, LED lenses are meticulously designed with prisms and focusing lenses to concentrate the light produced by the LEDs. Generally, a typical LED exhibits a voltage drop ranging from 1.2 to 3.5 volts, contingent on the color, when it's in a forward-biased state and emitting light. In the context of automotive lighting, numerous LEDs are necessary to emit a predetermined quantity of light. To achieve this, they are often interconnected in sets known as series strings. Multiple series strings are then interconnected in parallel until a sufficient number of LEDs are linked to emit the required volume of light. LEDs perform optimally when subjected to a steady voltage and constant current flow, maintained at a predetermined level. Two primary methods are employed to achieve this: the first involves the use of a resistor, while the second and more preferable approach employs a voltage regulation circuit.

Fig. -6. LED replacement bulb next to traditional incandescent bulbs.

Details about Lamps/Light Bulbs

All lamps or light bulbs bear alphanumeric markings that usually indicate their part number, along with the operating voltage and power consumption figures. For instance, in a bulb labeled as "12V/21W," the filament will consume 21 watts of power when a voltage of 12 volts is applied across it. Although the wattage doesn't necessarily correlate directly with light output, it's generally inferred that higher wattage corresponds to greater luminosity. Lamps and light bulbs come in various configurations to suit different applications within a vehicle. One aspect to consider is the number of filaments a bulb possesses (FIGURE -7). Single-filament bulbs are frequently employed as courtesy lights, dashboard lights, and warning indicators. On the other hand, dual-filament bulbs encompass two filaments with varying wattages; one filament emits a small amount of light, while the other emits a higher intensity. Such bulbs are effective as combined taillights and brake lights. Dual-filament bulbs are also used for headlights. In certain scenarios, the wattage of the low-beam filament is lower than that of the high-beam filament, though this isn't a consistent rule. Headlight filaments are strategically positioned to create distinct light profiles. Low beams cast light nearer to the vehicle and at a slight angle towards the roadside, while high beams are designed to illuminate a longer stretch of road ahead. Another distinguishing characteristic among different lights pertains to the type of base they utilize. Bayonet-style bulbs have a long-standing history and are named after the two retaining pins located on the side of their base (FIGURE -1).

Fig. -7. Dual filament incandescent bulb

The pins follow pathways in the side socket and at the bottom, and the pathways turn sideways into a small compartment. The pins are held within the compartment by the base at the bottom of the socket, which is spring-loaded and pushes the bulb upward. This design effectively dampens vibrations. Removing the bulb involves gently pushing it in and rotating it slightly counterclockwise before pulling it out. One or two electrical connections are integrated into the base of the bulb. If the bulb is a dual-filament type with two contacts on the base, then the pins will have unequal heights to ensure proper alignment with the contacts in the socket.

Fig. -8. Bayonet style bulb

Many modern bulbs utilize a wedge-shaped base, either made from the bulb's glass body itself or incorporating a built-in plastic base (see FIGURE -9). These bulbs are inserted directly into the socket, and the tension from the socket secures the bulb in place. The electrical connection for glass-based bulbs is established through wires that extend from the bulb's base and are bent over opposite sides of the wedge. Dome lights utilize festoon light bulbs, which have a base on each end of a cylindrical bulb (see FIGURE -10). Each end of the filament connects to one of the bases. Typically, the bases fit into spring steel contacts, effectively anchoring the light bulb.

Fig. -9. Wedge-style bulb

Fig. 10. Festoon style bulbs

Types and Styles of Lighting Systems

Numerous diverse styles and types of lights exist, each designed for specific purposes. For instance, warning lights, turn indicators, brake lights, taillights, interior courtesy lights, and headlights each serve distinct functions. The placement, color, and brightness of these lights are regulated to ensure uniformity and safety in their application on vehicles. It is essential to refer to lighting regulations before making modifications or additions to any vehicle lighting system. Properly maintained lighting systems contribute to the overall road safety for all drivers.

Park/Tail/Marker/License Lights

Park, tail, and marker lights are all low-intensity or low-wattage bulbs used to outline or indicate the width of a vehicle. Park and tail lights are often situated near the corners of the vehicle. Park lights are positioned towards the front of the vehicle, and in some cases, they are integrated into the headlight assembly, appearing in white or yellow. Tail lights, in contrast, are red and usually grouped with stop lamps at the vehicle's rear.

Fig. -11. License plate lights

License plate lights emit white light and are designed to illuminate the characters on a license plate during nighttime, without the light itself being visible from the rear (see FIGURE -11). The bulbs are connected in parallel to one another, preventing the failure of one filament from disrupting the entire circuit. Generally, license plate illumination lamps are linked in parallel to the taillights and operate whenever the taillights are activated.

Positioned at the front of the vehicle, park lights come into play during the night when the vehicle is parked beside the road. They also become active whenever the headlights are turned on (FIGURE -12). These lights utilize bulbs with low wattage and may include a lens or diffuser that scatters the emitted light over a broader area. In specific cases, park lights are integrated within the headlight assembly. Activation of park lights occurs when the light switch is set to the park light mode. As a safety measure, both park lights and taillights continue to operate even when the light switch is adjusted to the headlight mode.

Fig. -12. Park lights

In lighting systems controlled by computers, both park lights and taillights are under the control of a body control module (BCM). These lights receive power and ground connections through a networked light controller. The controller establishes a connection with a network or bus system via a pair of communication wires. The park light switch is directly linked to a module. When the park light switch is engaged, the module sends a request for park lights across the network. Relevant controllers detect this signal and provide power or ground connections to the appropriate filaments of the light bulbs, thus illuminating the park lights.

Marker lights are used to outline the sides of specific vehicles (FIGURE -13). They can be located on both the front and rear fenders. In more modern vehicle models, they might also be positioned on side-view mirrors or between the front and rear doors of larger SUVs or pickup trucks (FIGURE 6-14). Red marker lamps face the rear, while yellow lamps face forward. These lights are designed to activate when the park lights or headlights are selected and sometimes function as turn signals, enabling a driver to indicate lane changes or turns to other motorists.

FIG. -13. Marker lights

FIG. -14. Marker lights on a SUV

Government regulations determine the placement of lights, including the height of the beam and its brightness. Park, tail, marker, and license plate lamps operate in both the park and headlight-on modes of the headlight switch. The bulbs are connected in parallel to each other, ensuring that the failure of one filament doesn't disrupt the entire circuit. Tail and park lamps might have separate fuses, ensuring that if one circuit fails, the other continues to function.

FIG. -15. Brake lights

Brake Lights and CHMSL

Brake lights, also referred to as stop lights, are red lights installed at the rear of the vehicle (FIGURE -15). They are commonly integrated within the taillight cluster. According to regulations, a higher third brake light is mounted on top of the trunk lid or the rear window of modern vehicles. This light is called a center high mount stop light (CHMSL), or “chimsul” (FIGURE -16). Brake lights activate when the driver presses the foot brake to slow down or stop the vehicle, or when a control module initiates braking automatically. The lighting circuit comprises the battery, fusible links, fuses, a brake light switch, brake light bulbs, wiring connecting the components, and the ground circuit to complete the current loop from the light back to the battery (FIGURE -17). It might also include a BCM to command the activation of the lights when the necessary inputs are present.

FIG. -16. Center high mount stop lights

In older vehicle models, when the driver presses the brake pedal, a switch on the pedal support closes. This allows electric current to flow from the battery, through the fuse, the switch, to the brake lamp, and back to the battery through the ground circuit. Releasing the pedal returns it to its resting position and opens the brake switch, halting the flow of electrical current and extinguishing the brake lamps. In contemporary times, computer-controlled brake lights are triggered by the BCM upon receiving input from the brake pedal switch.

FIG. -17. Brake lamp circuit

Back-Up Lights

FIG. -18. Back up lights

Back-up lights, also known as reverse lights, are white lights situated at the rear of a vehicle (FIGURE -18). They grant rear visibility to the driver at night and also signal other drivers that the vehicle is in reverse gear. With the ignition turned on and the vehicle shifted into reverse, current travels from the battery, through the ignition switch, and the closed reverse lamp or transmission position switch on the transmission. Electric current then exits the closed switch, reaches the back-up lamps, and returns to the battery through the vehicle chassis ground circuit. Modern vehicles utilize network/bus systems and the BCM to command the activation of the back-up lights. These lights are the sole white lights at the rear of the vehicle. Since they exclusively function in reverse, they signal other drivers that the vehicle is moving in reverse. This is why having broken tail/brake/turn signal lenses at the rear of the vehicle is against the law: white light might become visible, potentially confusing other drivers.

Signal Lights and Cornering Lamps

Indicators for turning are positioned at the furthest edges of the vehicle. Generally, they appear amber at the front and can be red or amber at the rear (FIGURE -19). Operated by the driver through a stalk on the steering column, these lights emit pulsating beams to either side of the vehicle. This pulsating pattern communicates the driver's intended change of direction to other road users.

FIG. -19.Signal Lights

Once activated, turn signal indicators remain active until manually cancelled by the driver or automatically deactivated by a mechanism within the switch. This mechanism ensures that after a turn is completed and the steering wheel is returned to the straight-ahead position, the switch returns to its neutral position. When indicating a right turn, for instance, electrical current flows from the battery through the fusible link to the ignition switch, then through a fuse to the flasher unit. Within the flasher unit, a timing circuit produces a pulsating current that cycles 60 to 120 times per minute. This pulsating current travels through the indicator switch to the right indicators at the front and rear of the vehicle, causing the lights to flash in sequence. Simultaneously, an indicator light on the instrument cluster blinks in synchronization with the turn signals. The operation of the flasher unit generates an audible clicking sound to audibly alert the driver of the indicator's activation.

When the turn signal switch is returned to the off position, the flasher unit ceases to transmit current, thus stopping the pulsating pattern. When the switch is shifted in the opposite direction, the pulsating current is directed to the left lights at the front and rear of the vehicle, as well as the left indicator light on the instrument cluster. In earlier vehicle models, a thermo-mechanical flasher unit was used, relying on heat generated by the current to function. Correct wattage bulbs are crucial for proper flasher unit operation, as incorrect bulbs may lead to incorrect flash speeds.

Modern turn indicators can also be managed by computer systems. The Body Control Module (BCM) instructs the appropriate turn indicators to activate based on input from the turn signal switch, and they flash at the accurate rate. The computer automatically deactivates the turn signals when a steering angle sensor indicates the steering wheel is returning to the centered position. Additionally, it can cancel the indicators if the vehicle travels a predetermined distance or time without the steering wheel being turned. Often, a chime alerts the driver if the turn indicator is left on for an extended duration. In many computer-controlled turn signal systems, the indicators may fail to operate altogether if the computer detects incorrect amperage flow.

Hazard Warning Lights

All contemporary vehicles feature hazard warning lights. This circuit operates similarly to turn signal lights, but instead of blinking sequentially, it generates simultaneous pulses across all exterior indicator lights and both dashboard indicator lights. Hazard lights serve to caution other road users about hazardous conditions or the vehicle's presence in a dangerous location. The hazard lights employ a flasher unit, which can be separate or the same as that used for turn signals. The BCM activates hazard lights when triggered by the hazard switch or by an input from the restraint control module in the event of a vehicle crash.

Warning lights

FIG. -20. Warning Lights

Warning systems are integrated into vehicles to provide drivers with critical information about essential vehicle functions and safety systems, including battery status, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), parking brake, oil pressure, and engine temperature (FIGURE -20). These systems often employ sensors to transmit data to the warning system. For instance, a low oil pressure warning may require using an external oil pressure gauge to measure the oil pressure. If the oil pressure is operational, a faulty oil pressure switch might be the cause and should be replaced. In circuits like the ABS system, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may send signals through wheel speed sensors to evaluate their continuity. In such cases, measuring sensor resistance or assessing wiring continuity is necessary.

Warning devices can be regulated by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Some systems, such as SRS, are hazardous due to their control of airbag deployment using pyrotechnic charges. Manufacturers' guidelines should be followed, and SRS systems properly deactivated before servicing. Checking vehicle fault codes and Parameter IDs (PIDs) can help identify potential issues. Signal voltages from sensors linked to vehicle warning devices can be measured using a multimeter or oscilloscope.

Daytime Running Lights

Daytime running lights (DRLs) enhance a vehicle's visibility to other drivers in various weather conditions. These lights automatically activate when the vehicle is running and turn off when the engine is stopped. Front lamps are the headlights, usually operating at around 60% power to balance visibility without significantly reducing bulb lifespan or consuming excessive electrical power. Rear lamps in DRL systems are typically taillights. DRLs are mandatory in Canada and some other countries for modern vehicles. In the United States, they are allowed but not compulsory, leading to some debate. Excessively bright DRLs can cause glare, and they can obscure the visibility of turn signals, making the driver's intentions harder to discern. Despite these debates, there is no conclusive evidence that DRLs reduce accidents or enhance safety. Additionally, they consume energy, potentially impacting fuel efficiency and increasing carbon dioxide emissions.

Headlights, Auxiliary Lights, and Fog Lamps

Installed at the front of vehicles, headlights illuminate the road when driving in low visibility conditions, such as at night. Most vehicles employ two types of beams for high and low beam operations. These beams are created using separate filaments, either within the same bulb or different bulbs. Correct positioning of these filaments is vital for optimal performance and is achieved during the design of the light assembly and lens. High beams are situated at the focal point of the reflector to maximize light projection forward and parallel to the reflector's axis (FIGURE -21). The lens, comprising numerous small glass or plastic prisms fused together, shapes this light. These prisms refract light horizontally and vertically, creating the desired light pattern for road illumination.

FIG. -21. High and los beam filament position related to the reflector

Low beams are often positioned slightly above and to one side of the high beams. This arrangement produces a downward-projecting beam of light that also angles towards the curb side. Consequently, high beams provide a concentrated light output, while low beams deliver a downward-scattered beam to prevent blinding oncoming drivers.

Delay and Timer Circuits

Certain vehicles incorporate timer circuits within their headlamp systems. These circuits enable the headlights to remain on for a specified duration after the vehicle is turned off. Users can often adjust this duration through a dial or settings menu in the vehicle's driver information center. This timer function can be either facilitated by a standalone headlamp timer or integrated within the BCM.

Automatic Lighting Systems

Many luxury vehicles boast automatic lighting systems that can activate and deactivate the headlamps without driver input. Some systems also feature "auto-dimming" functionality, transitioning from high beam to low beam when an approaching vehicle is detected. Regardless of the specifics, all automatic lighting systems utilize a light sensor to determine if the headlamps are required or if an oncoming vehicle's lights are detected. The information from the light sensor is transmitted to the BCM or lighting control module, which then controls the relay to switch the lights on or off. In case of a light sensor failure, these systems default to activating the headlamp and may trigger a trouble code in the PCM.

Supplementary Lighting for Vehicles

Driving lights serve as an enhancement to the existing vehicle headlight systems. These additional lights are positioned at the front of the vehicle and offer a higher intensity of illumination that can cover greater distances compared to standard headlights. Vehicle design regulations outline specific guidelines regarding the placement and configuration of driving lights. It is crucial to comply with local regulations when installing or adjusting these lights.

A wide variety of driving lights are available, coming in diverse sizes, shapes, lens designs, and bulb power ratings. While specific applications might call for a single driving light, they are usually installed in pairs.

The majority of driving lights use quartz halogen bulbs with wattage ranging from 55 to 120 watts. The quality of the reflector is of utmost importance in driving lights to achieve optimal performance. Wiring for driving lights is designed so they activate exclusively when the high beam is engaged. This safety measure ensures that the driving lights deactivate when headlights are switched from high to low beam, preventing excessive light from blinding oncoming traffic. Although many high-performance vehicles come factory-equipped with driving lights, they can be added to nearly any vehicle. If added, it's essential to incorporate a relay and circuit breaker for circuit protection. This arrangement should also be adopted when adding extra bulbs or electrical loads. The purpose of introducing a relay to control the light bulbs is to limit the amount of current passing through the light switch. In this setup, the switch merely triggers the relay, which manages the entire current flow to the light bulbs.

Fog Lamps

Fog lights are utilized alongside other vehicle illumination during inclement weather conditions such as dense fog, heavy rain, or swirling snow. Due to the presence of suspended water droplets in the air, fog can cause headlights to bounce back into the driver's eyes during nighttime. In such scenarios, fog lamps can assist drivers in seeing farther ahead and lighting up the edges of the road at reasonable speeds. They are paired with parking lights and low beam headlights, but not high beams.

FIG. -22 Fog Lamps

Many older fog lamps are equipped with yellow-tinted reflectors, although more recently, white fog lamps have gained popularity because yellow lenses diminish fog lamp brightness by approximately 30%. Fog lamps predominantly use quartz halogen bulbs and come in various shapes and sizes. They are often positioned lower than the main headlights and are generally aimed directly forward and downward (FIGURE -22). The lenses of fog lamps are designed with a distinct cutoff pattern to ensure that a significant portion of the projected light remains below the driver's line of sight.

Fog lamps are commonly wired with a relay and a circuit breaker. The method of connecting fog lamps varies depending on local regulations. They might be wired to operate only with parking lights, turning off when headlights are engaged, or they could function in tandem with high beams. In modern vehicles, the BCM (Body Control Module) usually manages the operation of fog lamps using a relay if they are originally installed as part of the vehicle's equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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