Buy Pontiac G6 Fog Light Assembly

Many Pontiac G6 models from 2005-2010 have a small light set low in the bumper called a fog light (also known as a fog lamp, driving lamp, or auxiliary light). It uses a wide, flat beam that hugs the road so glare bounces under the fog instead of back into your eyes. The housing is usually tough plastic with a clear polycarbonate lens and an aluminum base, while most factory bulbs are 55-watt halogens (H11 for 2005-2007 and 9145/H10 for later years). A simple on-dash switch lets you turn them on only when bad weather-fog, heavy rain, or blowing snow-cuts forward vision. Replacing or upgrading these lamps is a popular project because the G6 is pre-wired on many trims, making installation "plug-and-play." Below is a deep dive into everything drivers, DIYers, and writers need to know.

Bulb Sizes

* 2005-2007 G6 front fog lights use H11 (also fits H8/H9) halogen capsules. (AUXITO)
* 2008-2010 sedans and coupes switch to 9145 (H10) bulbs.
* Brightness of stock halogens averages 1,100 lumens per side; LED replacements can top 1,200 lumens while drawing less power. (The Retrofit Source)

Location & Fuse

* The lamp sits in a round recess in the lower bumper, below the headlight cluster. (CarCareKiosk)
* Power comes through the under-hood fuse/relay box; the relay is marked "FOG" and the fuse is 15 A on most models. (YouTube, StartMyCar)

Installing Lights

* Owners without factory fogs can add them by removing the wheel-well liner, unbolting the blank cover, and snapping the lamp in place; the factory harness often waits behind the bumper. (g6ownersclub.com, g6ownersclub.com)
* Aftermarket switch kits are available if the dash button is missing or its indicator LED has failed-a common issue on early cars. (g6ownersclub.com)

Aiming Beam

* An adjustment hole above each lamp takes a 5 mm Allen key; turn identical "clicks" left or right so both beams sit just below the headlight cutoff on a wall 25 ft away. (g6ownersclub.com)

Legal Basics

* Fog lamps are not federally required, so states decide when they may be used; most allow two front lamps that shine no higher than 4 inches above the road at 25 ft. (NHTSA)
* They must be off in clear weather because bright stray light can dazzle other drivers, a concern raised in recent safety discussions. (The Sun)
* SAE J583 sets the beam pattern-wide and flat with a strict cutoff-to minimize glare. (Tacoma World)

Common Failures

* Burned bulbs from normal wear every 2-3 years.
* Blown fuse from shorts or moisture-corroded sockets. (StartMyCar)
* Cracked lenses or condensation; GM bulletins advise replacing only the bulb and sealing connectors, not the whole assembly. (NHTSA, CarComplaints.com)
* Switch-backlight LED burnout causing the button to go dark (function usually remains). (g6ownersclub.com)

Upgrade Options

* Direct-fit LED projector units meet SAE/DOT rules, run cooler, and slash power draw by half. (The Retrofit Source)
* Selective-yellow bulbs (~3000 K) cut backscatter in thick fog even more than cool-white. (Lightforce Australia)
* Add-on stone guards or clear covers protect the polycarbonate lens on gravel roads. (eBay)

Safe Use Tips

* Turn fog lamps on only in low-visibility weather so you can see lane edges without blinding others. (JTHughes, Tacoma World)
* Keep lens faces clean; a thin dirt film can cut output by 30 percent.
* Do not pair fog lamps with high beams-the combined glare cancels the benefit. (ORACLE Lighting)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Pontiac G6 trims came with factory fog lights?
A: GT, GTP, GXP, and many SE2 sedans had them standard; lower trims were pre-wired but shipped with blank covers. (g6ownersclub.com)

Q: Do I need a computer flash after adding the lamps?
A: No. The G6 body-control module already recognizes the fog-lamp circuit; once the switch and relay are present, the feature works.

Q: Why did my fog-lamp fuse blow again right after I changed the bulb?
A: A pinched wire or corroded socket often causes a short that pops the fuse immediately-inspect wiring before installing another fuse. (StartMyCar)

Q: Can I swap to LEDs without new wiring?
A: Yes, modern LED kits for the G6 are plug-and-play and draw less current than stock halogens, but ensure the beam still meets SAE J583 to stay street-legal. (The Retrofit Source, Tacoma World)

Q: How high should the beam be?
A: The top cutoff should sit roughly 2 inches below headlight cutoff on a flat wall at 25 feet; use the built-in Allen adjuster. (g6ownersclub.com)

Q: My dash button light is out-do I need a whole switch?
A: Yes. The LED is soldered inside; most owners replace the entire switch assembly when it stops glowing. (g6ownersclub.com)

Q: Is it legal to drive with fog lights on all the time?
A: Generally no; most states allow them only in rain, snow, or fog. Using them in clear weather can earn a ticket and annoy oncoming traffic. (NHTSA)

Q: Are yellow bulbs really better in fog?
A: Slightly. Yellow light scatters less in water droplets, reducing glare and helping your eyes pick out road edges. (Lightforce Australia)

Q: What tools do I need to change a bulb?
A: A 10 mm socket to remove the splash shield, a flat-tip screwdriver to release clips, and gloves to keep skin oil off the new bulb. (CarCareKiosk)

Q: How often should I check the lamps?
A: Test them with the car idling once a month; burned bulbs are hard to notice from the driver seat. (ORACLE Lighting)