Rear fog lamp

[kevster03]

If you wanted an OEM setup for the rear fog, from what I can tell for the smart you'd have to

1. Get the european tail lights that have the combo brake/amber turn signal in the top cluster and the bottom will be rear fog on the left, backup light on the right.
2. get the european rear fog switch
3. probably modify the central electronics to allow it to work (in the same way you'd modify them to change the temperature readout to centigrade or the clock to 24hr like in europe)

Rear fog lamps are completely legal in the US and Canada, they come to the US OEM on most Audis, Volvos, Mercedes and a few old Oldsmobiles from the 90s. I've done many rear fog mods on my Volkswagens which do not come standard w/ a rear fog in North America. The newer ones require a modification to the central electronics system to allow it to operate... a huge PITA, older ones just require getting the right switch, running a wire and a bulb to the tail light cluster.

You probably won't get much help from smart NA because the european tail lights don't meet the out of date DOT requirements and they won't want to change the central electronics.

I have my smart cabriolet on reserve, when it comes this is one of the first projects that I want to tackle

So, having said that does anyone know where you can order european or aftermarket parts for smart?

[kevster03]

pic of the rear fog switch:

http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/...-shots/125439/

[MinnySmart]

I'm pretty sure that's the same button for the front fogs... I'll be able to confirm tomorrow when I pick my little blue guy up, but I think the rear comes on with the front... not sure they're independent.

[MinnySmart]

And yes, I'm also bummed we don't get the rear fogs as standard or even optional. With a small car, I'd like any additional small feature to help avoid getting rear-ended.. that's the only type of accident I've ever been involved in. I don't plan on getting hit again, but even the most prepared driver can over look something from time to time allowing for error.

[kevster03]

Front and rear fogs have separate switches and logos.

The 1st fog switch is for front, the back is for rear fogs. By law in europe they must operate independently.



I too hate that cars are 'dumbed down' in America due to stupid regulations.

[MinnySmart]

Originally Posted by kevster03

By law in europe they must operate independently.
I too hate that cars are 'dumbed down' in America due to stupid regulations.

Hey, good to know! I do see the difference now. I agree... why are things always "dumbed down" for us? Seems the expectations for our citizens is lower than other homelands...

[jwight]

In this case, I don't think anything was "dumbed down" - smart made a conscious decision (the reason why is another question entirely) not to provide the rear fog light [or the DRLs]. Both are entirely legal in the US, as seen on other cars mentioned. Not a case of our government stopping smart; my guess is they did it to cut costs on the US models. Maybe both will be 2009 options.

[MinnySmart]

Originally Posted by jwight

In this case, I don't think anything was "dumbed down" - smart made a conscious decision (the reason why is another question entirely) not to provide the rear fog light [or the DRLs]. Both are entirely legal in the US, as seen on other cars mentioned. Not a case of our government stopping smart; my guess is they did it to cut costs on the US models. Maybe both will be 2009 options.

There must have been a reason, but I would think creating a specific tail light for one market would be more expensive. Not a cost savings. Unless the wiring and extra button cost more than tooling up a unique light fixture (since the Non-US version has amber turn signals, 1 reverse indicator/illuminator and 1 rear fog vs the US version having red turn signals and 2 reverse indicators/illuminators. Just a thought...

[addison1062]

Originally Posted by kevster03

pic of the rear fog switch:

http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/...-shots/125439/

Yes, that switch in the picture is for the rear fog - required by law in EU, even if a car does not have front fogs. On my smart, every switch is filled except that one, because no RFL.

I hate things being dumbed down, too. Even if I cannot get the RFL to work, I plan on at least restoring the Amber turn signals in the rear. I think Red turn signals are a very bad idea and leads to more accidents.

[addison1062]

Originally Posted by jwight

In this case, I don't think anything was "dumbed down" - smart made a conscious decision (the reason why is another question entirely) not to provide the rear fog light [or the DRLs]. Both are entirely legal in the US, as seen on other cars mentioned. Not a case of our government stopping smart; my guess is they did it to cut costs on the US models. Maybe both will be 2009 options.

MINI owners had to petition BMW and prove to them it was a safety feature. They eventually caved in and made it an option. I think we should all do the same to smart USA.