Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006: Fog Light Modifications and How to Install HID Fog Lights

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1996-2006).

Fog lights are an often forgotten component of your truck's lighting, until you need them of course. An upgraded set of fog lights can help you see further down the road, cutting through the fog like a hot knife through butter. They also provide a big upgrade in the appearance department over stock lighting.

Fog Lights Overview

There are quite a few different types of upgrades available when it comes to fog lights, but which one is right for your particular needs? Let's take a look at three of the most popular ones, what they cost, ease of installation, and whether or not they are recommended upgrades.

Halogen Bulbs

Price – $25-50

DIY Level – Easy

Rating – Not Recommended

Protection – Low

Halogen fog light bulbs are fine if you just want a stock replacement for a blown out bulb. They are very inexpensive and will last a relatively long time, which makes them just fine for most folks. You can also get a little upgrade over stock if you choose a bulb with a higher wattage rating.

HID Bulbs

Price – $50-250

DIY Level – Easy

Rating – Recommended

Protection – High

HID (High Intensity Discharge) bulbs offer a big upgrade over stock, halogen bulbs when it comes to brightness. Many, however, are not DOT approved, so be sure and check your local laws. Installation does require retrofit with projectors in the fog light housings which allows for the proper aiming of the lights.

HALO Projector Lights

Price – $50-100

DIY Level – Moderate

Rating – Recommended

Protection – Medium

HALO projector fog lights give your truck a nice custom look that is very modern. They're also inexpensive and easy to install, as the entire housing simply replaces the factory housing. Most kits are also HID compatible if needed, and some allow you to choose different colors (legality will vary).

How to Install HID Fog Lights

HID fog lights can give you a huge upgrade in lumens over stock lights, and they simply look better. Here's how to install a pair quickly and easily.

Step 1 – Remove factory fog lights

Reach up under your bumper and remove the factory fog lights by twisting them and pulling outward. Disconnect the factory wiring harness and set the factory units aside.

Step 2 – Install HID fog lights

Insert and turn HID fog light bulbs into the fog light housing to install. Install the ballast for the HID lights inside the bumper and connect the wiring to the fog lights. Connect the wiring to the factory harness, ensuring that the wires line up appropriately (positive to positive, negative to negative).

Featured Video: How to Install HID Fog Lights

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