Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006: Fog Light Modifications and How to Install HID Fog Lights
Are you looking to upgrade your Silverado's fog lights? This article covers all of your options, plus we'll show you how to install a set of 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.
Table of Contents
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 |
HID Bulbs |
HALO Projector Lights | |
---|---|---|---|
Price |
$25-50 | $50-250 | $50-100 |
DIY Level |
Easy | Easy | Moderate |
Rating |
Not Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
Protection |
Low | High | Medium |
Best Quality: HID bulbs
Best Value: Halogen bulbs
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.
Materials Needed
- Phillps screwdriver
- HID fog light bulbs
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
Related Discussions
- Need Help with Silverado Fog Lights - ChevroletForum.com
- Will HIDs Melt Plastic Fog Light Housing? - ChevroletForum.com