More foglamp part #'s for our SVTF's

[outlaw]

I recently ordered a set of Xenon HID foglamp bulbs (#9145) to match my headlights and the guy sent me #9005 HID's so I write him thinking there was a mix up but he informs me that they are
identical but the #9005's are 65W versus 42W with our factory
#9145's. I popped them in tonight and they're awesome, the extra wattage is perfect, not too bright but brighter than stock
for sure.

[jstevens1]

That's awesome. I'll need to go loking for some of those. Here's the question for you electrical experts out there: Since the wattage of the bulbs is increased almost by half, does this or could this present a hazard to the wires powering the bulbs or to the lamp assemblies themselves? Regardless, outlaw, great find! How much were they, and where can we get some?

[outlaw]

The #9005 is available here over the counter at local auto parts stores like NAPA by "Eurolite" and also at Sport-Compact "ricer" shops as well. I got mine off Ebay for $12.99/pr. and they're by
"Eurodezigns"- www.eurodezigns.com.

I have had 100/80Watt headlight bulbs for several years in our Mustangs and Escorts without any wiring problems but it isn't impossible that the extra current draw could overheat the wires'
insulation; myself I'll check the wiring periodically. What a difference the #9005's make though!:D

[Gwizzy]

We must have ordered from the same guy! I too ordered 9145 a month ago...and got 9005...the extra watts make them super bright!!! The fit of the bulb needed a little extra twisting to make it work..but so far, no problems!

Mine came off of ebay...for 12.99 also! (They have a real bright white/blue light)

[outlaw]

I bet we did buy from the same guy, I think they're awesome, how 'bout you? Did you get the H4's as well? I think they make a nice set for our cars; should be able to spot the deer now...

[Gwizzy]

Yeah, I have the 9003/H4's for the headlights...Much better ...even more aparent in the rain at night! (I can finally see the yellow line on wet pavement! )

*poor man's HID!!! lol:haha:

[jstevens1]

Question about the headlamp bulbs: Do you think it would be easier to change them with the whole headlamp assembly OUT of the car? I know from past experience that there's an access problem, especially on the driver's side, getting to the screw-off cap at the back of the assembly and fidgeting with the bulb inside there. Any suggestions to make this a little less painful?

[Gwizzy]

I didn't have too much of a problem...If I remember correctly..I did take the battery cover off to give my arm a little more room...but then I just jammed a few fingers down there and gave it a twist!...that sounded better in my head before I typed it!! lol :kiss:

* both bulbs only took about ten mins to switch...

*The fog lights were harder..I had to cram my head under the front end to see what I was doing!

[BGK]

Per this forum, I just replaced my factory fog light bulbs with 9005SB's from GE; they are less than $18 a pair at Wal Mart. Remove the sticker from the lamp base and you will find out they are made in Germany by another company. I think they are much brighter than the factory bulbs. Be sure to do the the fog light switch mod as listed under myfordfocus.com

[jstevens1]

Yeah, I seriously appreciated the jumper trick for the fog lamp switch. I pretty well ALWAYS have them on nowadays. I sometimes catch a glimpse of another SVTF driver checking it out, then fiddling with his/her own light switch. I pulled the jumper routine with a small piece of wire from the back of my alarm clock-radio, and it's held-up just fine. I WOULD appreciate the brighter light from some of these bulbs.

Funny story about my warranty paranoia. I was having BOTH headlamp assemblies replaced at Leif Johnson Ford in Austin, TX. I had gone to Wally Wurld (Wal-Mart) in Killeen, TX, the day before, and bought a set of those super-white bulbs. When I got to Austin with the car, I asked the service advisor to see if the technician could replace the factory bulbs in the new lamps with the Sylvania bulbs I had bought. At first, it was a 'No Problem.' After about 15 minutes, though, he returned. He told me that the service technician working on my car had apparently seen a Focus come back with burned-out wiring to the headlamps that Ford blamed on the higher draw from the brighter bulbs, and that warranty would NOT cover the repair. I declined to have the bulbs replaced. I was, to say the least, disappointed.

Anyhow, I've decided to try my luck. I think that either the service guys in Austin were blowing smoke, or had experienced a rare anomaly among Focus wiring harnesses, as no one in this forum seems to have had the least trouble in that area. Thanks, again, for the feedback here on brighter exterior lighting, fellow SVTF owners!

[j-dub]

I am currently using 9005 Silverstars in my fog lights and they look awsome. Everyone says they are sweet, but occasionally people flash their lights at me cuz they think I have my brights on.