Buy Ford Explorer Sport Trac Fog Light Assembly

Quick Overview

Ford Explorer Sport Trac fog lights-also called fog lamps, driving lights, or auxiliary lamps-sit low in the front bumper and throw a wide, flat beam that cuts under fog, rain, and snow. Model-year charts show they all share the same 12-volt 9145 (H10/9140) bulb, and the lamps pass Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J583 rules when aimed 0.75 degrees downward. They tie into a 15-amp fuse (#31 on most Sport Trac fuse panels) and can be upgraded to efficient LEDs for brighter, whiter light while drawing less power. Keeping the lens clean, sealed, and properly aimed boosts safety and prevents glare.

Key Specs

• Bulb type: 9145 halogen (a.k.a. H10 or 9140) rated about 45 watts and ~800 lumens per bulb
• Assembly size (2007-10 lamp): roughly 11.7 x 4.6 x 6.3 inches
• Lens material: impact-resistant polycarbonate that blocks UV and resists shattering
• Fuse: 15-amp Mini Fuse #31 in the under-hood panel controls both fog lamps
• Standard beam pattern: SAE J583 "fog" with flat cutoff to curb glare

Compatibility

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Benefits

• Better visibility: A low, wide beam reduces back-scatter and lets drivers see lane edges sooner (Federal Highway Administration).
• Less glare for others: The flat cutoff in SAE J583 avoids light above headlight height, so oncoming drivers are not dazzled.
• Energy savings: Modern LED replacements use about one-fifth the power of halogen while lasting far longer.

Common Issues

1. Moisture or condensation-vented housings may fog up briefly; puddles of water mean a bad seal that needs drying and resealing.
2. Blown fuse #31-fog lamps go dark but headlights stay on; swap the 15 A fuse after checking wiring.
3. Mis-aimed lamps-a beam pointed too high throws glare and fails inspection; aim them using the SAE rule below.
4. Cracked lens-polycarbonate resists chips but can craze from road debris; replace if the pattern looks "cloudy."

Installation Steps

A typical swap takes 15 minutes per side:

1. Turn wheels outward for access.
2. Pop three fascia clips and fold back the plastic splash shield.
3. Unplug the bulb, remove two 7 mm screws, and slide the fog lamp forward.
4. Reverse steps with the new unit; torque screws snugly. See this full video walk-through for the 2001-05 truck.

Bulb Upgrades

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(Always pick an LED marked "SAE J583/DOT-compliant" and aim it correctly.)

Aiming & Legal

• Height check: Measure from ground to lamp center. If it sits under 25 in (0.65 m) the top cut-off must tilt ≤ 0.75° down; if higher, tilt 1.0° down.
• Wall test: Park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a wall, mark lamp height with tape, then use a Phillips screwdriver to dial the adjuster until the beam falls 1 in (25 mm) below that tape line.
• Federal rule: Fog lamps are optional but must work only with the low-beam circuit and be steady-burning under FMVSS 108 and §393.25 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
• Keep the cutoff flat: A crisp, level cutoff meets SAE J583; this prevents glare and keeps the light low on the road.

(Detailed specs can be found in the official FMCSA PDF and the SAE standard; see the linked documents.)

Maintenance Tips

• Clean lenses weekly with mild soap; road salt pits the surface and scatters light.
• Seal minor leaks: Warm the lamp with a hair dryer, wipe dry, then run clear silicone around the seam before reinstalling.
• Use dielectric grease on the 9145 bulb's O-ring to keep moisture out and ease future removal.
• Test aim anytime you change ride height or install a lift kit.

Safety & Visibility Research

Federal researchers found that proper supplemental lighting helps drivers detect pedestrians sooner in thick fog, improving reaction time by up to 30 percent (Federal Highway Administration). However, stray light reflected by fog droplets-called back-scatter-can blind a driver if lamps are aimed too high. Recording back-scatter levels proved that keeping the beam low minimizes glare and maintains clear sight lines on wet or foggy nights (Federal Highway Administration).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb fits every Ford Explorer Sport Trac fog lamp?
A: All model years use a 9145 (H10/9140) bulb-halogen from the factory, LED if upgraded.

Q: Where is the fog-light fuse?
A: It's Mini Fuse #31 (15 A) in the under-hood panel; swap it if both fog lamps quit together.

Q: How bright are LED replacements?
A: Quality SAE-rated LEDs produce 6,000-12,000 lumens per pair-about four to six times more than stock halogens while using less power.

Q: Do I need to aim fog lamps after installation?
A: Yes; set the cutoff no higher than 0.75° below horizontal (about 1 in ↓ at 25 ft) to meet SAE J583 and avoid glare.

Q: Is brief condensation inside the lens normal?
A: Light mist clears as the lamp warms and vents; standing water means you should dry and reseal the housing.

Q: Can I run fog lights without low beams?
A: Regulations say fog lamps are for use with low beams; running them alone is not street-legal under FMVSS 108 and §393.25(b).

Q: What tools do I need to change a fog lamp?
A: A 7 mm socket, trim clip tool, and Phillips screwdriver are usually enough for removal and aiming.

Q: Do yellow fog lights work better in bad weather?
A: Yellow wavelengths scatter less in fog and rain, so selective-yellow LEDs can improve contrast at night.

Q: How strong is the lens?
A: The polycarbonate shell resists chips and UV damage; it's the same shatter-resistant plastic used in safety glasses.

Q: Will a lift kit affect my fog lights?
A: Yes; raising the suspension changes lamp height, so you must re-aim the lights to keep the beam low and legal.