Diode Dynamic Fog Light Caught Fire - Caution
 

For those of you running the Diode Dynamic Fog Light, please check your fog lights....

I've had my Diode Dynamics fog light for about one year and this is the long term result of owning them:

Back in October of 2014 the negative terminal melted...

See thread:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2003881

Pictures are broken but here they are again...

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ff&oe=56B4222C

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...26&oe=56B9AECD


They replaced the harness and now about one year later this is the result....

On November 10th my fog light on driver side stopped working, I bought a new bulb and replaced it. I also noticed condensation in my housings. Upon further inspection I found the DRIVER side melting...

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...12&oe=564DC33F


I contacted Diode Dynamics....

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...87489403_o.jpg

This is there response...

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...48426671_o.jpg

Again I press on...and some more back and forth happens.

I bring up the harness again...

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...43802557_o.jpg

My concern is a possible electrical fire...This is their last message to me since I did not reply back. It was going around in circle with the condensation.

Dated November 13th



https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...11483303_o.jpg

Again they avoid my harness question and concern...

Exactly four days later...tonight...my harness caught fire and melted on the passenger side.

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...17&oe=564EE7B5


https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e5&oe=564EF71A


https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...30&oe=564DF858

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...c6&oe=564E009D


I did perform my due diligence and contact the vendor to seek support.
I have sent you another e-mail Justin @Diode Dynamics. I will be awaiting your response.

Holy. I would not be happy about that. However, if I noticed it was melting, I would have stopped using it immediately.

Are you using the proper size electrical fuse ..... ??


humfrz

This came as a kit so I'm not sure. I didn't build the kit nor engineer it. I am merely the end user.

In for response. That does not at all look good.

It looks like it's possible that there was a bad crimp in the terminals. I'm really not sure why this would have happened twice on your vehicle, but that does not matter. Please contact our customer service team and we will send you a heavier-gauge harness at no cost.

For anyone currently using the fog light kit with halogen bulbs, we will exchange your relay harness for a heavier gauge at no cost.

(314) 205-3033 or email us: contact@diodedynamics.com

I apologize for the inconvenience, but rest assured we will take care of this issue for you

Thanks,

Nick C.

Please comment on customer service thinking that a melting harness is acceptable.

Thanks!

It's clear from the photos posted that the harness was badly damaged (note the frayed wires going to the connector and plug). Regardless, we will provide an upgraded replacement at no cost to make sure he has a relay with a thicker gauge of wiring.

Nick C.

I had nearly identical damage in that exact cable that connects to the fog lights. I called DD and they sent me a replacement bulb and wiring with no hassle.

In my case it may have been water intrusion but nearly identical damage.

yeah i woudnt use it either. glad vendor taking responsibility and replacing it. but why now? couldnt DD replace when op had concern at first time? i understand op why he had to post here.

I remember asking DD about foglights for people who has premium (only BRZ limited comes with fog light), they dont bother reply back to me even asked for 2 times.

shouldn't the fuse prevent this?

Not necessarily. The fuse only protects against over current situations where the current that is being drawn by the device and associated wiring/connectors exceeds the designed failure rating of the fuse, in both amps (or milliamps) and time.

If the load (in this case a bulb) or the wiring or connections are not designed properly or malfunctioning (i.e. loose connectors, wire gauge too small, too much load for extended periods of time) but still within the rating of the fuse, the fuse will hold but you get an increase in heat. If the circuit isn’t designed to dissipate or otherwise handle that heat, you get melting or potentially fire.

This is the reason why you should NEVER replace a fuse with one of higher rating (unless you hold an Electrical Engineering degree, but sometimes they’re even worse!) The entire circuit is designed for safe operation, including the choice of fuse to protect it, so changing any component in that circuit can have a potentially negative impact.

This is what happens with cheap wiring harnesses. Have you upgraded to a different fog light kit? I see you're in la if you haven't and want to if be happy to lend a hand installing it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What other harnesses out there? LOL Other than OEM...