hey so im pretty new to minis and i have an issue that id like to see if there is a reasonable answer too before i start just chasing wires. i have an 04 MCS. when i put it in reverse this light comes on


i see no other lights for the rear of the vehicle that i would refer to as "rear fog light". just that one. on my switch panel inside i have the icon for a rear fog light switch but there is no switch in that spot just a block off plate of sorts.


THEN... i have factory fog lights up front which are turned on by the switch next to the RFL blocked off space whatever. but then i have this also... and it does nothing


and you may or may not be able to see it but there is a small "2" inside the light on that switch like its supposed to be an alternate or secondary fog light??? i checked searched the forum and didnt find anything that really answered my questions to satisfaction.

1) is that switch to the left of my steering wheel like a dealer installed fog light kinda thing that has been removed from my car prior to ownership or is this just some crap that a rando car audio place put in? (mostly id just like to see if anyone else has this before i start chasing wires to where ever they may lead)

2) is there a way to purchase just the switch for the center console panel that i could then wire up secondary fog lights or a RFL too?

3) where the hell is the RFL on this mini supposed to go?

4) if its preexisting already is there some way to enable the RFL with out going to have it installed and reflashed at a mini specific shop or dealership?

yup that about sums up todays questions... thanks in advance yall. also i apologize for the dirt and grime and loose change and what not... im just getting into this car and it was a hand me down and im working as hard as i can to understand, modify, and repair this vehicle...

 

1. Switch "2" is the factory driving/rally light switch which are normally in front of the upper grille. As wired from the factory, and in accordance with DOT(?) law, they would only come on with the high beams.

2. I've never seen a toggle bank from the factory with a switch marking, but no toggle. It looks like the toggle panel was probably replaced, modified, or repaired by the previous owner. You could take apart the panel to see if the circuit board is correct for the RFL option and maybe just replace the missing toggle from a used panel. You can also get a full toggle panel, but if your car wasn't originally configured with RFL's, then you will have to program the computer in the car to activate that option.

3. The RFL should be located inside the LR tail light on an '04. It was moved to the backup light location on the face-lift cars which have a reverse light in both tail lights.

4. If it's pre-existing and everything else is still working and wired correctly, just repairing or adding the correct toggle panel should fix your RFL issue. I would run your VIN through a decoder to see how your car was configured from the factory to make sure the toggle panel is correctly configured for either Dynamic Stability Control or All Season Traction Control (ASC)

 

k... follow up questions.

1) so if thats a factory switch should there be a "pre-out" somewhere for front fogs that would only turn on with highbeams? i have only the bumper mounted front fog lights and i would LOVE to have a much brighter "rally light" for late night twistie time. as you can see i dont even see evidence that i had anything there... the bumper isnt cut i dont see any brackets etc...


sorry i dont know how to rotate photos....

2) is my LR tail light the improper light then? because i dont see any place that a RFL would be on it either.

 

If your car has the regular grille in the hood, the driving light bracket slide through the slats. The brackets would have been riveted to the hood and cutting is only needed if you have the accessory JCW grille. Here's a link to some factory install instructions: http://www.motoringfile.com/diy/

 

I don't remember the socket configuration of the pre-facelift fog light, but there should be a place for it in the housing. I think the factory fog light option only lights up one side even though there are fog light sections on both lights.

There was a popular mod for the early tail lights where people would add a jumper wire (or paper clip ) to the early tail light connector to light up the foglight section of the lens when braking. Not sure I would recommend that though as some burnt out the controllers due to excessive amperage draw on the brake light circuit.

There was also a factory retrofit kit to update the early cars to face-lift tailights and rear fog. The kit included a harness to for the rear fog/backup light relocation. You can probably make a DIY harness if it's not still available.

 

The light above the exhaust is your backup light that is activated when the car is in reverse. The rear fog lights are contained within your tail lights (at the top) and are controlled by the toggle switch (light icon facing right) on your switch panel (your toggle is missing). The front fog lights are controlled by the toggle switch (light icon facing left) on your switch panel. Rally lights (see the pic of my MC40) on the front of the car only work when high beams are on and are controlled by the switch near the bottom of the dash to the left of the steering wheel (in your attached photo). Somewhat confusing icons but this is how it all works.

 

There's a similar thread here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html

Cooper48's & RBB-MINI's posts are accurate, but I'll add that I have an early '02 R53. I have the same rear lights as you do.
On my car, the top lights are additional brake lights; I believe it came that way from the factory & have not been modified.
I have two blank, unmarked locations on the switch panel (presumably for front & rear fogs). If I had the correct panel I believe the dealer could program the rear fog option without any other changes. I believe it would work on both sides.
I'd have to add front fog lights & probably wiring to get front fog lights. I doubt if coding is needed if I had the correct switch panel.
I don't think it's practical to add a switch to an existing panel, though possible if you're good with soldering muti-pin plugs!
Driving lights are on the separate switch. If you open the hood & look behind the grill on the left & right, you may see traces of where the lamp brackets once were.
There are much cheaper & better options than the MINI driving lights, (Hella 500's for example) especially if you already have the wiring & switch in place.
There are other threads, too.

 

I have an exact issue. Did you get an answer from anyone?
Thanks