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Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2013: Fog Light Modifications and How to Install Cube LED Fog Lights

There are several ways you can increase the illumination power from your fog lights or even add fogs to your truck if you don't have any. Some really do the job while others just look good.

By Peter Sessler - June 30, 2015
Contributors: RNGR Q, NICK100

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-2013).

You'll find that in most countries there are no legal requirements for fog lights. Still, if your Chevrolet Silverado already has OEM fog lights, it's better to get a replacement that improves your fog illumination, rather than get some that only look good. Generally, fog lights are aimed and mounted low with a beam that creates a sharp cutoff at the top. Fog lights may come in a white or yellow light. However, there is some confusion between driving lamps and fog lamps. Driving lamps only come in white light. It's best if the package they come in says "fogs." Fog lights are designed to increase illumination in poor visibilty, rain, snow or – you guessed it – fog. Keep reading to learn about the various fog lights available and how to install Cube LEDs.

Table of Contents

Fog Light Modification Overview
HID
Projector
Cube LED
Price
 $50-250 $100-250 $75-500+
DIY Level
 Easy Moderate Moderate
Rating
 Recommended Recommended Recommended
Visibility
 Good Excellent Excellent

Best Quality: Projector

Best Value: Projector and Cube LED

HID Lights

Price – $50-250

Skill Level – Easy

Rating – Recommended

Visibility– Good

HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights offer a big increase in power over factory bulbs, but generally require the addition of projectors in the fog light housing. This is so that there is a fog light cutoff, which make aiming them possible. HIDs are generally not DOT (Department of Transportation)-approved, and the ones that are have a rating that is much weaker, and thus are not practical.

DOT-approved shows that the product is authorized to be sold for use on the streets. However, not all states have adopted the DOT standard, which means that although headlights do meet DOT standards, they may not be legal in that state. Recommended if you're looking for powerful lights without spending too much money.

Projector Fog Lights

Price – $100-250

Skill Level – Moderate

Rating – Recommended

Visibility – Excellent

Projector fog lights will give your lighting system a powerful boost. They need to have cuts in the lens called fluting, which are designed to copy the pattern that is required for fog lights. Projector lights can come in versions made to use halogen bulbs, or custom units that use HID bulbs. A custom unit can also give you the highest increase in light output, but be warned, the cost can be high. Read appropriate reviews or how-to threads. Recommended if you're looking for a powerful increase in lighting output.

Cube LED Fog Lights

Price – $75-500+

Skill Level – Moderate

Rating – Recommended

Visibility– Excellent

Cube lights are available in many differing sizes and configurations, and because of this, there is more fabrication required in order to make them fit the Silverado. If you are looking for a dead stock opening to work, well, you can't have it. Cube lights are larger, and you can't fit a square into a round hole opening. Most Cube lights have HID bulbs that have a very high light output. Recommended if you're looking for a distinct look with good illumination output.

How to Install Cube LED Fog Lights

Materials Needed

  • Socket set
  • Screwdriver
  • Wire stripper
  • Electrical tape
  • Paint
  • GM instructions for fog lights (GM 19170448)

Step 1 – Obtain the necessary parts

The stock bumper end caps have to be painted to match the color of the truck - GM part# 20985757 LH and 209857578 RH. You also will need the wires and the necessary connectors and pigtails.

Figure 1. The stock bumper end caps have to be changed and painted for these.

Step 2 – Remove headlight switch

You'll need also a new headlight switch when installing fog lights. Remove the OEM headlight switch bezel from inside the truck and then install the new switch, Part AC Delco D1527J.

Figure 2. This is an AC Delco fog light switch for the interior.

Step 3 – Remove the front grille and headlights

In order to gain access to the wiring, you need to remove the front radiator cover, the front grille, and the headlight housings. The radiator cover is held by fasteners while the grille is fastened with ten fasteners. In order to gain access to the headlights, you must remove the grille first. Otherwise, you won't be able to reach the lower headlight housing fastener, which is held by three fasteners. Finally, the bumper end caps, which are held by six fasteners, will be replaced with ones that are made with an opening for fog lights.

If your truck doesn't have fog lamps, then you must make all the changes shown in GM 19170448 instructions; otherwise, the fogs will not work correctly. You also have to install different bumper end caps as they have an opening for the fog lamps.

Step 4 – Disconnect and remove the fuse box

To start the procedure, begin by disconnecting the truck's battery. Then, remove the 15-amp fuse from the fuse box followed by the fuse box. To make the installation easier, it is highly recommended you use the GM 19170448 installation instructions as a guide. Follow the wiring instructions from here on.

Figure 3. Get the GM instructions for fog lights.

Step 5 – Fog light installation

After you have made all the wiring connections, reassemble the headlights, the front grille, the radiator cover, and then plug in the fog lights by connecting their connectors.

Figure 4. If you plan on dual cube lights per side, you'll have to modify a stock or aftermarket housing.

Step 6 – Install the fuse

Lastly, install the fuse as per the GM fog light instructions.

Figure 5. You can install as many Cube fog lights as you want!

Featured Video: How to Install HID Lights

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