Rear fog light unreliable

Succentor

Succentor

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Joined
Mar 27, 2021
Messages
421
Location
England
UK TJs came with a single rear fog light on the driver's (right) side of the back bumper. It’s controlled by the multifunction switch on the left side of the steering column.

When I had a towbar fitted we discovered the light is unreliable - sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Wiggling the MF switch makes it flicker on and off.

Am I in for a new multifunction switch, or is there a chance it’s just a dodgy wire?
 
I would remove the steering column plastic halves and do an inspection of the MFS wiring harness.
The problem may be the contacts inside the rear fog light switch are oxidized.
IF you have access to electrical contact cleaner (plastic safe) you could spray the cleaner inside the switch and work the switch to clean the contacts.
Ensure you have disconnected the harnesses from the MFS before spraying the contact cleaner inside.
 
Thanks - will take a look. I have contact cleaner - will check if it’s plastic safe. It’s quite likely the switch is suffering from underuse - 20 year old car and I never use the fog lights...
 
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My rear fog still works perfect, I know this cos I tested it "once" lol
Wonder how hard it would be to find the wires in the loom and use them for my front fogs.
Do you need it to work for MOT or is the rear fog a continental thing?
 
Succentor said:
UK TJs came with a single rear fog light on the driver's (right) side of the back bumper. It’s controlled by the multifunction switch on the left side of the steering column.

When I had a towbar fitted we discovered the light is unreliable - sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Wiggling the MF switch makes it flicker on and off.

Am I in for a new multifunction switch, or is there a chance it’s just a dodgy wire?
Click to expand...
Which bit of the multi function switch does the fog light..I have a fog light but can’t see how to switch it on?
 
If you need a connector do yourself a favor and buy the Mopar one at $50 I send the Amazon one back, lover quality
 
Fishtaco said:
Left hand stalk where lights turn on pull the roller outwards a bit when lights are on.
Click to expand...
As you said..I found the fog light switch position thank you..actual light does not work but that may be due to post Japan import wire butchery..I disconnected quite a lot of after market scotchlock connectors and wiring..quite why the wiring was butchered so much I don't know..I guess various issues with Japanese lighting regs..anyway I'll now try and trouble shoot the lack of power to the fog..thnxs again..

Hope to finally get it registered and on the road this month !!
 
Caledonian said:
As you said..I found the fog light switch position thank you..actual light does not work but that may be due to post Japan import wire butchery..I disconnected quite a lot of after market scotchlock connectors and wiring..quite why the wiring was butchered so much I don't know..I guess various issues with Japanese lighting regs..anyway I'll now try and trouble shoot the lack of power to the fog..thnxs again..

Hope to finally get it registered and on the road this month !!
Click to expand...
Take a good look at where the rear fog wires might terminate, you will probably find that all those without strict MOT type rules/Laws have re wired the "Useless" Rear fog for front fogs or front spotlights. This is what I will be doing as in Australia Spotties or fogs have to be linked to your high beam with an additional separate on/of switch.
Japan has to get rid of motors after 100,000 Km,s I think? Australia is full of 100,000KM engines imported from Japan as exchange engines but I don't think they are so strict on lights and wiper arms having to move in unison like UK lol. :)
 
Fishtaco said:
Take a good look at where the rear fog wires might terminate, you will probably find that all those without strict MOT type rules/Laws have re wired the "Useless" Rear fog for front fogs or front spotlights. This is what I will be doing as in Australia Spotties or fogs have to be linked to your high beam with an additional separate on/of switch.
Japan has to get rid of motors after 100,000 Km,s I think? Australia is full of 100,000KM engines imported from Japan as exchange engines but I don't think they are so strict on lights and wiper arms having to move in unison like UK lol. :)
Click to expand...
Ah useful to know thnx..there was a strange little switch with what looks like a two press for two actions that goes to a non OE relay and at least part onto the KCs on the front..I'll look further..so no spots, no fogs and no rear number light but at least I know how to fix that one..

2021-06-08 16.45.32.jpg
 
Hi all, I noticed lately my rear fog light does not work. I’ve read the above thread and from what I can tell the rear fog light switch is the Multifunction switch. When I google rear fog light switch I get a different switch (see attached) any advice on how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

IMG_9782.png
 
If you read the whole thread, you’ll know if you have a UK style multifunction switch where pulling the end outwards when the headlights are on activates the fog lights. If you do, then you probably need a new MFS. If you don't (e.g. yours is a grey import) then you might need the separate switch.
 
Succentor said:
Succentor said:
If you read the whole thread, you’ll know if you have a UK style multifunction switch where pulling the end outwards when the headlights are on activates the fog lights. If you do, then you probably need a new MFS. If you don't (e.g. yours is a grey import) then you might need the separate switch.
Click to expand...


If you read the whole thread, you’ll know if you have a UK style multifunction switch where pulling the end outwards when the headlights are on activates the fog lights. If you do, then you probably need a new MFS. If you don't (e.g. yours is a grey import) then you might need the separate switch.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I have the U.K. style where the end pulls out to activate the fog light. Thank you for the help.
 
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