The easiest way to wire fog lights on an 1986 Ranger

[Cap'nStudmuffin]

I've never done this before and just want to know the simplest way to do this. I don't wanna screw it up lol
Its just a couple of little guys on the brush guard.

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk

 

[RonD]

Get a 4 post 12volt 30 amp automotive relay with base, this is the most common automotive relay and is cheap $4-$6.

Get a 15amp inline fuse and holder.

Mount relay in engine bay

relay connections will have odd numbering
85
86
87
30

30 is for Load power, the "load" is your fog lights, the power is from the 15amp fuse
So fuse hooks to battery power and 30 on the relay.
87 hooks to the fog lights, this connection only has power when relay is ON

85 and 86 are the low amp relay activation connections, there is no positive or negative polarity with these, if one has 12volts and the other has Ground then relay will be ON, if you remove the 12volts OR the Ground relay will be OFF, this is important.

Now you have two options
Run relay activation with Key ON power or 24/7 power(so lights can be on without key on), up to you really
Hook 85 up to 30 if you want 24/7 power, or hook it up to Key on power in engine bay, Coil's "+" wire can be used.

ON/OFF, from 86 run 1 wire into the cab to a switch, switch will also have a short wire to a cab's Ground.
So when you turn the switch on, the relay is Grounded and turns ON, passing power from battery to fog lights

Using the Ground as the on/off is better than running a 12volt wire, less chance of a short and melted wires

The Fog Lights also need to be Grounded, but I am sure you knew that part

 

[Curious Hound]

RonD,

Is his truck too old to possibly have the wiring connectors already there behind the headlights and relay spot in the engine bay distribution box? That made it real easy on my '93.

Just asking. I don't know all that history like you do.

 

[RonD]

Could have, but OP would have to check that out