should i relay my PIAA's?

[shobikes]

I recently installed a set of 55w PIAA fog/driving lights, and they seem to work well, don't blow any fuses, make people swerve and flash me brights, but...

I had them on for awhile the other night on a curvy road going way too fast, and when I went to turn them off noticed the switch felt very warm.

So my question - I know stock fogs are 55w on the same switch. Is there a reason the PIAA's would overload the stock switch? And if so, should I install a light relay for them?

 

[LOUDSHO92]

There should already be some relay in the system for them. There is a light in the switch for the fogs so this is what you were feeling as warm probably. I have some higher output bulbs in mine and they are doing fine. I would not worry about it.
You did replace the stock fog lights with the PIAA correct? If not then just replace the stock ones with the PIAA or you might end up over loading it.

 

[univox]

I've been trying to sort through a lot of info about fog lights and it appears the 89's did not have relays for the fog lights.

So if you're up to the task and the switch is getting toasty like you say, seems like it'd be a good idea to put in a relay just as a safety precaution.

 

[shobikes]

Thanks for that - I had decided not to worry about it. I'll see if I can't look at an '89 wiring diagram to make sure, but installing a relay is a piece of cake compared to some of the other crap I've had to do to this car!

 

[autobahnsho]

My stock lights w/ stock switch feels warm after leaving them on for a while, too. Just so you know.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

univox:
it appears the 89's did not have relays for the fog lights.

Correct. the '89 SHO has no fog lamp relay. All the juice runs through the switch.