[andrewjs18]

hi all,

took my 2012 optima to the local kia dealer for the usual oil change and tire rotation. while there, they noted that I had 1 tail light bulb out (not a big deal) and my fog lights were not working...not because of burned out bulbs but because of something else, either wiring or a switch. for a whopping $110/hr, they'd do some more diagnostics on the wiring and such for the fog lights...

I checked the fuses below the dash and the 15A fuse that the manual lists as the fog light fuse (if I recall correctly) was fine. I'm not getting the indicator light in the gauge cluster when I have the switch turned on for the fog lights as well. I'm thinking the switch is probably going bad.

I saw this asked a lot of other threads I found on this issue. yes, my low beams were on when trying to use the fog lights. I also tried using the high beams just to see if they'd turn on as well as the turn signals as I saw some people say that sometimes when they used their turn signals, the fog lights would turn. no dice on any of that...

has anyone replaced their multi-function switch before? does the steering wheel need to come off? are there any write-ups on this and/or videos? I didn't find much on youtube...


thanks!

 

[Optimom]

Don't forget to check the fog light relay in the engine compartment fuse box before you replace the fog light switch! The switch sends power to the relay and the relay turns on the fog lights.

 

[BeerBrewer]

Where is that relay located in the engine compartment fuse-box? I've got the same fog light problem with my 2012 SX.

 

[Optimom]

Take a look in your owner's manual or pop the top of the fuse box and there should be a fuse schematic (affixed inside the top) that shows what fuses/relays are in there. Find the relay -- and you can then replace it temporarily with another relay from inside the fuse box to see if it is indeed the relay that is bad - there are several of the same relays used in the fuse box.

 

[andrewjs18]

Would like to know which fuse to look at in the engine compartment as well.

 

[Chief_10Beers]

I'd rather have the Fuse/Relay combo.................

 

[Optimom]

Learn something new every day...

My husband had assumed the 2016-2017 Optimas (NA built) didn't have a fog relay because fog lights weren't available on them.

No fog light relay - Is this true for all 2011-2015 Optimas?

 

[andrewjs18]

Before I changed my multi-function switch did some research and didn't see any fuse or relay for the fog lights. As this came up again, did some additional searching and copied the following from a previous post by robbtemp:

The Optima uses an IPS module (Intelligent Power Switch) to manage current output and loads to various circuits including the fog lamps. This is the reason why there is no fuse or relay for the fog lamp circuit. The switch monitors the loads from the components connected to it and if it senses an abnormality such as excessive current draw or even a short circuit to ground, it can cut off and disable the circuit in question. I'm on the fence as to whether or not I would prefer a fuse/relay to this type of advanced system. I have read a thread in a Sonata forum of someone damaging the IPS module from HID fogs requiring replacement of the module.

do you happen to know how we can test it and where it's located?

 

[Jurdiera]

Any update? I have the same issue going on. What is the fog light fuse labeled under the dash also?

 

[Turbonut]

When my fogs went out, it was the headlight stalk (multi-function switch) that needed replacement. Turn the headlights on along with the fog switch, take the stalk at the bottom and move slightly, left, right, back & forth. When I did this, I could get the fogs to flash quickly. Purchased the multi-function switch @ $70 and as I dind't want to bother with the installation, had it installed when getting new tires, I think I was charged $75.

 

[Joe J]

When my fogs went out, it was the headlight stalk (multi-function switch) that needed replacement. Turn the headlights on along with the fog switch, take the stalk at the bottom and move slightly, left, right, back & forth. When I did this, I could get the fogs to flash quickly. Purchased the multi-function switch @ $70 and as I dind't want to bother with the installation, had it installed when getting new tires, I think I was charged $75.

When my fogs went out, it was the headlight stalk (multi-function switch) that needed replacement. Turn the headlights on along with the fog switch, take the stalk at the bottom and move slightly, left, right, back & forth. When I did this, I could get the fogs to flash quickly. Purchased the multi-function switch @ $70 and as I dind't want to bother with the installation, had it installed when getting new tires, I think I was charged $75.

Hey turbonut, do you remember where you went to order that switch??

 

[Turbonut]

From the dealer, I get garage discount. You can order OEM parts on line, Multi-Function switch w/auto headlights and fogs 93410-2M115.
RockAuto also has the switches @ the same price, and even one @ $30 more.

 

[Cyclist42]

hi all,

took my 2012 optima to the local kia dealer for the usual oil change and tire rotation. while there, they noted that I had 1 tail light bulb out (not a big deal) and my fog lights were not working...not because of burned out bulbs but because of something else, either wiring or a switch. for a whopping $110/hr, they'd do some more diagnostics on the wiring and such for the fog lights...

I checked the fuses below the dash and the 15A fuse that the manual lists as the fog light fuse (if I recall correctly) was fine. I'm not getting the indicator light in the gauge cluster when I have the switch turned on for the fog lights as well. I'm thinking the switch is probably going bad.

I saw this asked a lot of other threads I found on this issue. yes, my low beams were on when trying to use the fog lights. I also tried using the high beams just to see if they'd turn on as well as the turn signals as I saw some people say that sometimes when they used their turn signals, the fog lights would turn. no dice on any of that...

has anyone replaced their multi-function switch before? does the steering wheel need to come off? are there any write-ups on this and/or videos? I didn't find much on youtube...


thanks!

I have a similar issue with my 2011 SX model. As I have found through my research, it is the multifunction switch in the turn signal stalk that goes bad. You can buy a replacement for around $75 and to replace it the steering wheel has to come off. My fog lights only work when the low beams are on and the turn signal is engaged to turn right. Apparently this is somewhat common with our cars. I haven't pulled the trigger on a new stalk yet, but getting close. I have watched some videos about removing the steering wheel, and it doesn't look too terribly complicated, just time consuming. Make sure to unplug the battery so the air bags don't go off!!!!

 

[BK1]

Don't forget to check the fog light relay in the engine compartment fuse box before you replace the fog light switch! The switch sends power to the relay and the relay turns on the fog lights.

Attached are the pictures of in-dash and engine compartment fuex boxes off of 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid.
Does anyone know which fuse and relay control fog lights?

 

[justinstone91]

Attached are the pictures of in-dash and engine compartment fuex boxes off of 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. Does anyone know which fuse and relay control fog lights?

There is not one single fuse that controls the fog lights

 

[philbytx]

Third rowfrom left, third up from the bottom and it is unmarked. And you will discover you need a new turn signal stalk.

 

[justinstone91]

Third rowfrom left, third up from the bottom and it is unmarked. And you will discover you need a new turn signal stalk.

Did you replace your stalk or get a mechanic to do it?

 

[bigbxsallday]

Did you replace your stalk or get a mechanic to do it?

Decent How To:

Do have to remove a fair set of components including the airbag module, probably NBD to a Pro.

 

[justinstone91]

Thanks i have watched this video a few times now i think i can handle it. The light on the dash indicator does not come on at all I am thinking the multifunction switch is the culprit. I am going to check the wires as well make sure none are broken and getting power to them

 

[philbytx]

Justin,
Take your time doing it. It is not a complicated job and, provided you follow the directions, hard to screw up😉.
Make sure you get the steering wheel location marked and that you have a torque wrench for the steering wheel nut.