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Troubles aiming lights..

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Silence9, Mar 2, 2016.

  1. Mar 2, 2016 at 7:21 PM
    #1
    Silence9

    Silence9 [OP] Solve et Coagula

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    How's everyone doing?
    I got my fog lights all rigged up now, I'm happy with the improved visibility as I do a lot highway driving in the dark. There's only one issue, it seems like they are aiming really high. I parked it in an empty, level lot and shined it at a building tonight. When I cover the headlights (can't have just fogs on without mod, dumb) I can't really tell where the focused part of the beam is. It more or less dimly lit up the whole side of the building. I tried cranking the driver's side knob down like 3 turns, I didn't really notice much difference in where it shines. Tried the passenger side, which didn't seem so bad, but the knob wouldn't budge a bit..? I don't know if it's normal, maybe you fog light TRD guys/girls could verify. When driving around town with the fog lights on, it lights up the traffic signs a fair bit, when I turn them off, signs aren't flashing back at me as much. Is this just because I have more lumens of light shining out, or are they aiming to the sky? I don't want to blind other drivers, and when fog hits, I want them to actually do their job. Any suggestions? I heard someone talk about dealerships adjusting all your lights for free, as it's a safety concern? I know the whole 25 feet, mark the wall crap, but it's kind of hard to do when there is no focused beam from the fogs on the wall, just low Kelvin light all over. Maybe this will improve once I swap out the lamps for a crisper blue/white like my headlights? I know that color has more of a "directional" effect than orange light.
    Thanks...
     
  2. Mar 2, 2016 at 9:35 PM
    #2
    JDawg562

    JDawg562 Derp.

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    The stock fog lights are kinda hard to aim. They send out a flood pattern in all directions which is why you see street signs reflecting back at you. Your headlights just point down. I've seen a bunch of Tacomas with fog lights on at night they don't seem to blind me any more than normal headlights.
     
  3. Mar 3, 2016 at 6:47 PM
    #3
    Silence9

    Silence9 [OP] Solve et Coagula

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    Thanks for the input. Good to know. As long as they're not aiming in oncoming drivers' eyes.
     
  4. Mar 3, 2016 at 7:14 PM
    #4
    RearViewMirror

    RearViewMirror Saw things so much clearer once you... were in my

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    Nah... the stock fogs won't bother anyone. Honestly... I think they are almost there just for looks lol.

    I did screw up when I replaced my front bumper and bought the Rigid D2 (non DOT). I wired them into the stock fog light plugs so now I can't use my fog lights anymore on the road since they are so damn bright.

    IMG_0356_zpsmoctktlv_70d3ee0af0c4a5c953c4d023d04579ada5983f7a.jpg
     
    JDawg562 likes this.
  5. Mar 3, 2016 at 7:26 PM
    #5
    Silence9

    Silence9 [OP] Solve et Coagula

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    Ok, that's good to know, thanks.
    Does that little knob actually make a difference when you crank it? I did like 3 turns and it didn't seem to do anything.
    The only thing that bugs me is the color temperatures don't match. Being an electrician, that definitely bugs me when lights are different Kelvins. I'll burn these one's out and get matching ones, then it will look nice. Stocks came @ 55w each, not too bad.

    Nice front end. You aren't lying, those are damn bright lol.
     
  6. Mar 3, 2016 at 7:29 PM
    #6
    RearViewMirror

    RearViewMirror Saw things so much clearer once you... were in my

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    Honestly I never messed with adjusting mine. I'm like you though and can't stand when my lights don't match. So I did what anyone would do... I put yellow bulbs in lol

    20140909_194527_zps740051a8_75b1533efbbd17cbbf06aee310bb383e720940a1.jpg
     
    Silence9[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  7. Mar 3, 2016 at 7:47 PM
    #7
    Silence9

    Silence9 [OP] Solve et Coagula

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  8. Mar 4, 2016 at 5:05 AM
    #8
    EdinCincinnati

    EdinCincinnati Well-Known Member

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    They usually are pointing down too far when installed and you have to raise them and it takes 10+ revolutions to get their aim up.

    How are you setting up to aim? I usually park facing a white wall where my truck is sitting flat, about 20 feet between the truck and the wall where you can see the horizontal beam. Also, unplug your headlights so just the fog beam is projected. Makes it easier.

    Also, use electrical tape and put a piece on the beam location on the wall so you have a starting reference point and can see your adjustments
     
  9. Mar 4, 2016 at 6:04 AM
    #9
    weendoggy

    weendoggy Well-Known Member

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    Access Original Tonneau Cover; Toyota Side Tube Steps; Focal ISS690 front speakers; Clarion XC1410 mini amp; Gentex 453 rearview mirror with Homelink, Compass, Temp and Autodim; Prodigy P2 trailer brake controller, Heated Seats from www.cobraheat.com, BriteAss Fogs, Phillips Extreme LED H/L. Heated mirrors from @Up2NoGood. 5100 Bilstein all four corners.
    ...and you know that yellow light is better to see in dense fog...kinda' like yellow snow...you always know where it is :)
     

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