Old Library

>OK, I put in the Euro switch and the jumpers, is nice.
>
>Installation manual from archive speaks of something to the effect,
>'Rear Fog Lights will work if you wire them'

Ok, this probably applies to the GLX, not the GTI.

>Has anyone done this?  I peeled back the trunk lining
>in my '98 GTI covering the light cluster, pulled back the
>lightcluster assembly and find:
>> top row, one light
>> middle row, two lights
>> bottom row, 3 lights
>with bulbs in all socket.  So it seems like all the sockets are
>wired.  Just maybe, the inboard of three on the bottom never lights,
>so maybe that's the rear fog?

Well, here's the scoop. There are three lights at the bottom of the cluster.

On the US car: The inner position (towards the license plate) is the brake
light. The middle AND outer positions are the tail lights (and side marker
light).

On the European car: The inner position is the fog light. The middle
position is the tail light. The outer position is the brake light.

The bulb holders, incidentally are the same for european and US cars, its
the wiring thats different.

To get rear fogs, you need to move your brake lights to the outer position
like the european lights. To do this, you can modify either the bulb holders
or the car's wiring. For the actual tail light assembly, you can use either
european tail lights or possibly drill out the US lights so the brake light
bulb fits correctly in the outer position.
Then, you need to run a wire from the fog light position on the bulb holder
to the switch as I don't believe this is present on US GTIs. (Someone
correct me if I'm wrong here).

>
> Doesn't seem like pulling out the Euro switch to
>the 2nd detent does anything...........anyone knowledgeable and will
>to share the answer?

If you decide to pursue this (I'm not really sure its worth the effort),
email me and I can give you more specific info on how to modify the bulb
holders for european lighting. Note, you will lose your US side markers by
doing this, technically this is illegal.

Regards,
Tom
98 GTI (VR6)

I've used the rear fog on a few occasions (specially crossing the
Golden Gate bridge). Works like a champ.

For installation (on a jetta), there is a spot in the tail-light
assembly for such a light. All you have to do is take a dremel and
cut out the hole that is pre-marked in the plastic and get a bulb.
You also have to have a Euro-switch which can be had from Potterman
for around $60, and some wire (I think it was 18 awg, could be 22
awg). You also need VW connectors which are completely worth it.
Couple of bucks at the stealership. They come in short 5 inch runs
with connectors on both ends and the wire is yellow.

Splice wire onto connector and snap connector in #12 slot in the
euroswitch. Run wire under the door sill to rear and snap in the
other end. Get a 20w bulb (which is plenty). I think a 50w halogen
would melt the lens if you run the fog for any significant amount of
time.

And besides, you don't want jerks rear-ending you because the light
is blinding them and they can't see you, because that wonderfully
ultra-visible light is right along the field of vision. Something
like a badly aimed headlight which is 55w.

Stand back, crack open a bottle of beer and enjoy, Like Wally would
say. Mod scale on a Jetta is a 1 from a scale of 1-10 of difficulty.


>
>I consider that another virtue of my 50W rear fog,
>especially when some jerk behind me turns on his high beams.

_____________________________
Jyoteen Majmudar

http://www.jyoteen.com/

I used these instructions for the rear install.  From the Passat club page
but essentially the same.

http://www.clubb5.com/information/rearfog.shtml

I used homemade connectors (VW parts counter was closed) out of female spade
connectors from Radio Shack.  The hardest part was getting the wire through
the gaskets going from the trunk to the trunk hatch. 

Overall easy mod, and worth it in the rain.

marc
97 GLX-z