You may have noticed that the Santa Fe's rear bumper has two red lights/reflectors built in. Most people think they're only for decoration but the truth is far different. In most European and Asian countries, they are required by law to have rear fog lights. Some cars like Audis, BMWs, and some Saabs imported to the states still have these. Hyundai chose not to give the North American market these lights but left the DOT-approved reflector and lens assembly intact.

This is a mod that allows one to create another set of brake and running lights through these bumper lights. You may also want to refer to this how-to site for more pictures and extra details.

Here is the light unit removed from the bumper. Note that the socket has been plugged up but the notches to lock in a bulb socket remain.

(IMG:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/BumperLight.jpg)

You will need to purchase:

2 'Conduct Tite' #85881 light sockets. These are designed for a 89-96 GM vehicle but will work.

2 dual-filament 3157 light bulbs

3 spools of 16-gauge wiring, preferably in different colors so differentiation is easier.

I chose to cut the wires leading to my taillights and run them down the bumper and then reconnect them with electrical tape. However, plastic tap connectors will be a wiser investment in the long run.

First step is to remove the plastic plug blocking the housing of the fog lights. This can be done by resting the light unit on a soft surface (carpet will work) and placing a wrench socket on the plug and hitting on it with a sledge hammer. :w00t: Don't worry about breaking the light unit...it's strong. And don't be shy about putting your hips into it, that plug will resist being removed.

Once you've got it pounded out, gravity will help you to remove the wrench socket but needle nose pliers will be necessary to remove the plug which will have fallen into the light unit. You may want to have somebody hold the unit while you attempt to extricate the plug.


Next step is to wire up the sockets. There is a cavity that runs down the bumper from where the taillight wiring is stored. Be aware however that the SF's wiring completely defies most automotive logic. This is VERY important!!! Make sure you've got the brake light wires, though. Kinda important. :bwekk:

Green With the WHITE stripe = Parking/Running Light
Solid Green = Braking Light
Black = Ground

You may now remove your taillights and allow them to simply hang in the wind. Now cut (gulp) the wires specified above. Before splicing the new wires, trim an inch or two off the end of the new wires to make sure you get good wiring. Don't cut anything off the spools yet. Run the wires down the bumper until it pops out. Make sure you have a good 8" of slack on the bumper end so you can remove the light unit later on when the bulbs require replacement. Now you can splice into the taillight wiring and reconnect up top. It won't look as pretty as factory but it works.

Here is what the socket looks like fitted in the bumper light with the wiring spliced down the bumper.

(IMG:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/BumperLight2.jpg)

Reinstall that side and then do the other side.

Here is the finished product.

Running lights:

(IMG:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/BumperLItes004.jpg)

Brakes on:

(IMG:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/BumperLItes005.jpg)

This post has been edited by lovemysantafe: Aug 16 2006, 05:33 AM

Good you know your stuff, but certain stupid design rules have omitted the fog light from North America.

ALSO DON''T GET OFFENDED BUT THE CURRENT SANTA FE LOOKS LIKE A FAT WILD RHINO ON WHEELS.

I quote this passage from a Australian Wheel magazine.

(IMG:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/36_11_61.gif) (IMG:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/36_11_61.gif) (IMG:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/36_11_61.gif) (IMG:http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/lovemysantafe/36_11_61.gif)

That's too funny not to laugh. Yeah I know the current one has gotten a lot of smack for being rather odd looking but that's the best analogy I've heard yet.

Nice DIY, I'm just glad the "A"spec Tiburon's didint have those instaled

Is there any light kits to make them white lights? I want to make them lights for hooking up my boat at night with a switch on the dash.

AP

I was always wondering what the point of those lights were. It looks pretty good. Thanks for the info.

will the wireing be the same on my 2007 santa fe for the rear fog lamps? i want to do this maybe this weekend.they look good on your 05. but the 07 is differant.please help thanks jim :liebe011:

this will not work with the 07, the lights are different.

Nice mod,

I just did it on my 2005.

But I just couldn't bring my self to banging the lights with a sledge hammer. :o
I used my dremel to grind out the plastic plugs.

The Santa Fe looks great now,
to me something was missing or wrong with those lights not lighting up.

thanks guys!

Right on, man. :thumbsup: It's still my favorite mod to my Santy.

I could not do the big hammer & socket either lol. I used a screw driver and a small hammer and just tapped along the edge of the plug and it popped right out. Then I used 2 pairs of needle nose pliers and broke the plug into 2 pieces it came out way easier that way.

Miles

This post has been edited by JBimmolate: Aug 14 2008, 01:14 PM