message ctr/driving lights

[Guest]

Recently bought a 98 XLT, and interested in getting driving lights and a "message ctr" (temp/compass/mpg). Anyone ever add these on? I know they are pricey if bought from dealer. (do you know exact cost?) Anything out there after market? I'd like a pro job, so I don't know if I want to install myself. Any advice or pros or cons would be appreciated. Good to be in the club. I LOVE my Expedition!

 

[rwinch]

mparks,

1) If by driving lights you mean the factory FOG lights, they should not be too hard to install in the cutouts. Check out ebay (search under Ford Expedition), and occasionally I see them up for sale when someone changes their bumper. Junkyards can be a good place, and of course, buying them from Ford.

Issues:
- You may have to wire to the fuse blocks as I do not think the wiring harness is there.
- The factory fog light switch is on the main light switch, so this may have to be changed as well.

All in all I would think that simply installing aftermarket fog lamps on the Exby, on maybe a nice Grill Gaurd would be easier.

2) The message center is a different matter. I have read numerous post on other sites where people have found that the wiring harness for the message center is not installed on the XLT's, and to put it in is a real $%#$@.

For the price, I would think a nice DVD system in that area would be a better investment!!!!

 

[Guest]

I have a 2000 xlt with the fog lights. I just bought a PIAA front air dam for it, and may sell the fog lights and factory valance after put the PIAA on (depends if I like it). I travel for work and figure I'll be putting the air dam on around Jan 15. If you arent in a hurry, I won't be looking for a fortune for those parts. BTW, mines a 2000 xlt 4x4, with the factory tow hooks.

 

[PaulC]

The PIAA air dam kit referenced above is nice, but only fits 1999-2002 Expys. However, PIAA makes a bracket kit that allows a pair of it's smaller round lights to fit in the slots in the bumper that flank the front license plate. I am NOT referring to the factory fog light positions.

The 1999-2002 factory fog light/valence won't fit either, as 1997-98 Expeditions used a different front bumper than 1999-2002 models.

 

[Kruzer]

Originally posted by rwinch
mparks,

1) If by driving lights you mean the factory FOG lights, they should not be too hard to install in the cutouts. Check out ebay (search under Ford Expedition), and occasionally I see them up for sale when someone changes their bumper. Junkyards can be a good place, and of course, buying them from Ford.

Issues:
- You may have to wire to the fuse blocks as I do not think the wiring harness is there.
- The factory fog light switch is on the main light switch, so this may have to be changed as well.

All in all I would think that simply installing aftermarket fog lamps on the Exby, on maybe a nice Grill Gaurd would be easier.

2) The message center is a different matter. I have read numerous post on other sites where people have found that the wiring harness for the message center is not installed on the XLT's, and to put it in is a real $%#$@.

For the price, I would think a nice DVD system in that area would be a better investment!!!!

On my 98 XLT, I have a wiring harness next to each fog light cutout that was zip tied to the bumper. Also my light switch can be pulled out when the head lights are switched on. Can I assume that the fog lights are already wired in and just add the lights?

 

[AvroAero]

I recall someone saying that some models are prewired. I'd buy a bulb and give er a test.

I've done the overhead message centre and its fairly hard. Takes a while because you need to tear the dash apart to tap into different things. I can guide you through if u want.