| DL |
I'm pretty certain that its not a design flaw, but I've noticed that the fog lamps turn off automatically if I put on the high beams.
Does anyone know if this is a normal operation and why it operates this way? |
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| nwaring |
| That's how mine work.:) |
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| wait4mdx |
| As it happens, I asked my service manager about it when I as in for 7,500 miles a couple months ago. He said that it is by design. |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by DL
I'm pretty certain that its not a design flaw, but I've noticed that the fog lamps turn off automatically if I put on the high beams.
Does anyone know if this is a normal operation and why it operates this way?
MDX Owners Manual (an amazing thing) - Page 75:
"You can use the fog lights only when the headlights are on low beam. They will go off when you turn the headlights off or onto high beam" |
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| BellTeck |
This is the same case on ALL factory automobiles that I am aware of ... I think there is some type of law that states there can only be so many " Candle watts " ( or something like that ) being beamed forward at another driver at a time.
My blazer did this, my wife's solara does it, my 96 Z28 did it, my 87 and 94 Vette did it also.
TECK!
( Again I stated that I AM AWARE OF so be nice with replies :p ) |
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| golfski |
Could also be because having the highbeams and fogs on at the same time might overload something in the wiring harness??
Presumably, you'd never use your highbeams in fog (or snow), so having the fogs automatically turn off isn't a bad design choice either. |
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| CIC53 |
I read somewhere that Federal law limits the number of lights
that are to be functioning at the same time to a maximum of
four. The reference was to the contention that high beams are
the culmination of the (2) low-beam filaments plus the (2) high
beam filaments for a total of four. By the same token the (2)
low-beam filaments plus the (2) fog lamps equal four. The four
limit is apparently intended as a safety restriction in consideration
of drivers in on-coming traffic. |
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| Pierre |
| Not sure about the load limit on the electrical system, but there is a practical reason why the fog lights don't work with high-beams: ever try to drive with high-beams in the fog? The reflection on the water particles actually diminishes the visibility tremendously. The fog light/low-beam combo is much safer and effective than the fog-light/high-beam combo. That's why manufacturers design them that way. |
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| donsev |
Thank you Pierre.
I didn't think to explain why, only the how;) . But you are exactly right - there is no point to driving with highs AND fogs lit (you will just blind yourself in the mist) |
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| cr |
| Car manufacturers do this purely to abide by the law, not for any other reason. |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by cr
Car manufacturers do this purely to abide by the law, not for any other reason.
Yes, I think that CIC53 already explained the legal ramification.
The PRACTICAL reason is that it prevents idiots from actually trying to drive in fog with their high beams on. (Do I give them to much credit in assuming they will switch to their fog lights when driving IN fog ;) ) |
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| cbarry |
Do the fog lights go out if you just "flick" or flash the high beams? I have never checked it out myself. Just curious.
cbarry |
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| Mikel |
Never checked, but they probably do go out. Even after market fog lamps come with a relay in the install kit that turns them off if power goes to the high beams.
Speaking of the MDX fog lamps, any one know how to get them to work when only the parking lights are on? |
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| manus1980 |
| Some of the members claim that both their fog and head lights work simultaneously under the "bulbs" thread. Something smells fishy! Where is Sherlock when you need him? |
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