So I had the pleasure of having to replace a fender on my 21 CE after someone left a nice dent in it in parking lot and split. Nice people, right? Anyway, in the disassembly process while removing the front fascia I noticed there are 4 plugs, 2 on each side, that don’t go to anything. They just plug into the cover where the fog lights would be. That leaves me to believe these cars are max-wired and I should be able to add fog lights with minimal work. Has anyone done this?

 

Generally speaking Yes.
There should be complete kits available on the internet either *aftermarket ( *I personally have not looked for your specific Mazda )or you can go to a sight like Real Mazda OEM and buy OEM.

Perfect time to do that while you are this point in the body replacement parts.

 

That’s what I thought. Any idea where the switch goes so I look to see if a connector is there as well?

 

If you look in your owners manual it should show where the switch would be located if you had it as a feature originally.
The best thing to do if you want to know in advance how to install it is to pay a one day use with ALLData. You could also download a complete service guide as well.
ALLDATA DIY | ALLDATA

 

UPDATE: in my YouTube feed over the weekend was a video of how to install fog lights in a CX5 (funny because when I searched, it didn’t show up for my generation). Anyway, I was right, it’s all plug and play. The hardest part is replacing the multi switch in the steering column and that’s super easy too.

 

Cautionary response: Anyone doing a procedure of any kind really should invest in a Factory service guide unless the found internet information like yourtube has that exact factory service guide. Often time YouTube videos and DIY home brew videos have missing steps and cautions about any procedures which causes in the end problems for those that follow them. They are almost always forgetting to mention missing parts that may be needing or replacing for any give service.
And there many times DIY the incorrect tools or specialized tools needed to do a safe installation or service and replaced with tools that can damage the parts.

ASE

 

I totally agree and before I do anything, I will consult the FSM I just purchased.

 

 

Hopefully you won't find an issue like I did on my '20 Nissan Frontier. Up to that year any Frontier that has the light sensor in the dash (which mine does) could be easily modified by swapping out the stalk (as you will do) to activate automatic headlights on the truck. Mine didn't work whe swapped out so I went to a dealer to inquire. After some communication with Nissan corporate, they told me the BSM was changed for the 20 model to not allow this mod any longer. No idea why.

 

Probably because it didn't cost that much to do it after buying it compared to what the option cost when you bought it.