The 2015 Toyota Rav4 Le is a popular choice for its reliability and versatility. While not all LE models come standard with fog lights, they can significantly improve visibility in challenging conditions. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for installing fog lights on your 2015 RAV4 LE using the Toyota OE kit (Part #: 00016-42023). This kit includes the fog lamps with H16 19W bulbs, a switch, relays, and the necessary wiring harnesses.
Installing the Fog Lights
Begin by removing the four screws securing the plastic cover underneath the fog light location on the driver’s side. This will also detach a splash guard. Next, remove two 10mm hex screws and a plastic snap fastener holding the fog light blank plate in place. You should find a green connector for the fog lights already present; simply remove any tape securing it. Use the removed fasteners to install the new driver’s side fog light. The upper fastener might be challenging to install; start it by hand and then use a 10mm box wrench. Connect the green connector to the bulb and re-install the plastic cover and splash guard. Repeat this process for the passenger side.
Wiring and Relay Installation
Install a fog lamp relay (Part #: 203-0133 or equivalent) in the relay box under the hood on the passenger side. Consult the relay map on the backside of the cover and place the relay in the designated fog lamp slot (typically the upper left).
On the driver’s side, locate the under-hood fuse box and confirm the 7.5 amp fog lamp fuse is installed. The fuse map on the cover indicates its location, usually in the top left quadrant.
Connecting the Switch
Inside the vehicle, carefully pry off the dash panel containing the traction control, instrument dimmer, and mirror control buttons. The fog light switch connection point is pin 36 on connector 3B, located at the bottom right of the connector. This pin usually has a white wire. Before any modifications, manually ground this pin with a small wire to test the fog lights (ensure parking lights or headlights are on).
From the kit, use only the switch and its connector with the red, black, and gray wires. Cut these free from the wiring harness. Using T-taps, connect the gray wire to the white wire on pin 36, the red wire to the red wire on the traction control connector, and the black wire to the brown wire on the traction control connector.
Remove the switch blank plate adjacent to the traction control button, install the new fog light switch, and connect its connector. Securely tie all new wires to prevent chafing and short circuits from vibration. Reinstall the dash panel.
Fog Light Operation and Adjustments
With this wiring configuration, the fog lights will operate with parking lights, low beams, and high beams. Note that the dashboard fog lamp indicator might not illuminate, but the switch has a green LED indicator.
Finally, align the fog lights. In a dimly lit area with a flat surface, measure 20 inches from the ground to the fog light center. At 25 feet away, the top of the beam should be at 16 inches. Adjust each fog light using the 10mm hex adjusting screw accessible through a hole in the underside plastic cover. Turn clockwise to raise and counterclockwise to lower the beam.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the installation process. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. Enjoy improved visibility with your newly installed fog lights!
