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Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2004: How to Replace OEM Fog Lights with Aftermarket Bulbs

Aftermarket fog light bulbs are much brighter than the OEM in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Here's how to replace them yourself.

By Jon LeSage - September 10, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004).

Fog lights are good to have in your Jeep Grand Cherokee depending on the type of driving you’re doing, the time of day, and the weather conditions common in your region. Driving at night in the fog, especially if some of that trip is off-road, may make fog lights absolutely necessary. You’ll want to make sure they’re working the right way. Here are some tips on replacing your original fog lights with aftermarket bulbs that could be brighter and better.

Materials Needed

  • Fog lights
  • 10mm wrench or socket and handle
  • Penetrating oil (such as WD-40)
  • Vise grip (if bolts are rusted to studs)
  • Small hacksaw or sawzall (if bolts are really rusted)

Step 1 – Remove the fog lights

You’ll find 10 millimeter bolts holding the fog light into place from behind the front bumper. Use a socket wrench to get them off. You’ll have to get in between the tires and the bumper, which is rather narrow. Remove the light and unplug the connectors. The light bulb can be removed by turning it counterclockwise, and then pulling it straight out.

Figure 1. Turn the bulb counterclockwise and pull it straight out.

Step 2 – Choose the replacement lights

Grand Cherokee owners will usually replace the fog light with a 55 watt bulb or a 100 watt bulb. Most of them come with 55W bulbs. The 100W bulbs use more current and will need heavier wires from the relay to the lights. Hella 500 and ProComp are commonly used aftermarket fog light brands.

Step 3 – Install the new lights

When placing the fog lights back in, you can remove the studs from the new fog light with a socket wrench. You may find that the studs mounted on the bumper are too rusted, and will have to be sprayed with penetrating oil in order to be removed for the new ones to be installed. Then you’ll want to use your vise grip pliers and lock them on the stud mounts. If one of them is too rusted out, you’ll probably need to use a hacksaw to open it up.

Place the fog light back into the bumper and plug in the connector. You’ll tighten up the studs, and the fog lights will be all set.

Figure 2. You may find that the studs mounted on the bumper are too rusted and will have to be sprayed.

Pro Tip

Make sure that the wires you’re using for the fog lights are heavy enough to be safe and reliable. The 100W bulbs draw more current through the wires and may overheat them, which can potentially be a fire hazard. You may want to plug the factory wires into a relay and run heavier wires from the relay to the lights.

Featured Video: How to Install/Replace Fog Light

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