Tested: KC Flex Era 3 Dual Mode SAE Fog Lights

No longer do you need to choose between an SAE fog light that’s underwhelming off-road and a non-road legal light pod that blinds oncoming traffic. The KC Flex Era 3 dual-mode SAE fog lights combine the best features of both worlds into a single light.

With what is essentially a low and high beam for fog lights, you have the flexibility to run a lower output that’s SAE-compliant on road and full power off-road when you need it.

Find It Online:

• KC Flex Era 3 Dual Mode SAE Fog Lights 2-Light Master Kit: Check Price

How Are They Different?

KC Lights has a big selection of lights in their catalog.

One of their newest products is the Flex Era 3 SAE fog light. They made this fog light after the success of their original Flex Era 3, which is referred to as the  “FE3.” The original features a backlight and a full power mode. The new SAE version has two full output modes: one for driving on streets and one for off-road use.

The FE3 Dual Mode SAE offers two settings: a standard on-road SAE J583 fog beam for everyday driving and a high-output spot beam for off-road conditions. You can use both beams simultaneously, with the SAE beam best suited for placement in the center of your bumper or mounted as standard fog lights as pictured here.

These lights come with plug-and-play kits for the 4Runner, bezel kits for the fog pocket and are available in various bezel colors and lens options. The SAE version meets DOT/SAE standards and includes both clear and yellow lenses to enhance visibility in different weather conditions. The FE3’s dual-mode lets you switch between a low beam for street use and a high beam for off-road adventures, with customizable bezels and lens caps to fit your vehicle’s look and needs.

Installation

The overall installation process is straightforward and is similar to all aftermarket fog light kits for the 5th Gen 4Runner.

Note: If you cannot access the stock fog lights without removing your factory bumper, check out our guide to remove the front bumper.

1. Lens Swap (Optional)

To swap the lenses on the Flex Era 3, remove the three Allen screws holding the lens in place. The yellow lens comes with a spare gasket, which will not be needed as you will be reusing the one on the light from the clear lens. The set also comes with black outer bezels, which I chose not to put on. 

2. Bracket Installation

When installing the light brackets, the pointed ends of the brackets face inwards on both lights while the mounting holes face outwards. 

There is a black trim that snaps around the light, filling the gap between the stock location and the light. 

3. Remove Stock Fog Lights

To remove the stock fog light housings, I was able to reach up from the underside of the front of the vehicle for access. The fog lights are retained by two Phillips head screws and two tabs. 

Once the screws are removed, each light will slide out from the tab slots. 

4. Install Flex Era 3 Fog Lights

To install the Flex Era 3 fog lights, slide the tabs of the bracket into the stock location. Secure them by hand tightening the two Phillips screws that you removed earlier. 

Next, plug the Flex Era 3 wiring harness into the provided stock fog/harness splitter.

Tip: Use dielectric grease on all plug connections to help prevent moisture and corrosion.

5. Modifying The Wiring Harness For Switch Pros

After clipping off the original switch connectors and copper wiring connections, I removed most of the plastic sheathing from the harness. I will have no need for the yellow wire as the switch pro will only require a black and red wire to activate the high beam function of the Flex Era 3. 

To increase the longevity of the harness, I swapped out all of the copper wire crimping locations for waterproof butt connectors. Then, I covered them in heat shrink and added the original sheathing back on. Finally, I wrapped the branching points with a little bit of Tessa tape. 

6. Run Harness To The Switch Pro

I ran the harness along the upper portions of the grille to both sides of the bumper. Be sure to leave enough slack to connect to the lights. I ran the ends of the black and red wires behind the headlight, next to the battery and fuse box up to my fuse tray. 

Clip off excess length and terminate with waterproof heat shrink spade connectors. Attach the negative end to the fuse block and the positive to the switch pro control wire. 

Initial Impressions

I typically like the balanced look of a 4-LED pod. So, it was a little awkward getting on board with the 3-LED style KC light. However, that all changed the moment I unboxed these lights. I also really like the ability to change the color of the inner bezel rings to switch up the aesthetic. KC offers these rings in gold, blue and black.

The lights look awesome and are very well made. I was pretty impressed with the wiring, heat shrink, and connection quality from the light to the splitter portion of the harness. 

The only difficulty I had during the installation process was with the tab length on the bracket. I found these fog light tabs to be a little on the longer side. While it wouldn’t prevent the installation of the light, I did use a Dremel to shave them down for a more flush fit. 

Final Thoughts

As expected, the KC Flex Era 3 dual-mode fog lights were easy to install. The most impressive thing about the integration of the lights is the included wire harness. This plug-and-play allows the driving beam function to be controlled by the factory fog light switch. The ‘high beam’ function is then controlled by an independent switch or directly by a Switch Pros system.

Even if the fog lights (driving beam) are switched off, they can still be turned on as a ‘high beam’ function from the secondary switch.

Overall, I am very impressed with these lights. With a stock bumper, you only have one place to put aftermarket lights. That means you have to choose between lights with lower output that are SAE-compliant or lights that are stupid bright that can only be used ‘responsibly’ off-road. With the KC Flex Era 3 dual-mode fog lights, you no longer have to choose.

After running these lights for a few weeks now, it’s been awesome having the extra lumens during night drives both on and off-road.