R36 reverse light

[adrock]

Has anyone found their reverse light to be too dull to be practical, particularly in the wet? If so what's the solution? Is it possible to change out the rear fog light to make it clear and substitute as a 2nd reverse light?

[team_v]

I am also having the same problem in the Tiguan.

Looking at getting some LED bulbs with in-built resistors to increase light output but not throw a fault code.

[adrock]

So will you put those in the existing reverse light housing?

[team_v]

Yes i will.
Might be best to check out oemplus/ecstuning/ebay to find some LED bulbs with resistors inbuilt.

[Rocket36]

Dull? reverse lights aren't there to light up behind the car. They're to advise others your car is moving backwards. So if the reverse light can be seen by others, then it's no only practical, it's doing exactly what it's designed to do.

Personally, the reverse sensors and outside mirrors are all I use to reverse as generally, I have a pretty good understanding of what's going on behind the car when I get into the car - especially since I don't walk up to the car with my eyes closed. So sensors and mirrors and short term memory are all you should need.

[gead]

i wish we were all as awesome as you rocket....

[Lams]

My caddy had awesome reverse lights - just an unobscured pair of 21W bulbs
now I'm in the passat I can't see where I'm going
You could pick up another inner tail from a LHD country so you have two reverse lights, but still it is not good
reverse camera is a good alternative
There are also people selling high-intensity LEDs who claim they work, but I am not experienced with those

[maca]

Has anyone found their reverse light to be too dull to be practical, particularly in the wet? If so what's the solution? Is it possible to change out the rear fog light to make it clear and substitute as a 2nd reverse light?

It can be done, you need to remove the red lense and carry over a wire from the original reverse light.

Alternatively, run down to Autobarn and grab a 50w globe that replaces the original. Here is the difference when using US spec Jetta inner tails:

Dull? reverse lights aren't there to light up behind the car. They're to advise others your car is moving backwards. So if the reverse light can be seen by others, then it's no only practical, it's doing exactly what it's designed to do.

Personally, the reverse sensors and outside mirrors are all I use to reverse as generally, I have a pretty good understanding of what's going on behind the car when I get into the car - especially since I don't walk up to the car with my eyes closed. So sensors and mirrors and short term memory are all you should need.

"Reverse Driving Light" is the proper term the VAG uses. Argue with that.

[team_v]

Awesome upgrade Maca.
Did the 50W globes throw a fault code?

[maca]

Awesome upgrade Maca.
Did the 50W globes throw a fault code?

Nope, no fault code at all. Just be weary of the heat the bulb creates compared to the regular one and check it regularly for any damage to the housing/clips.

[team_v]

Nope, no fault code at all. Just be weary of the heat the bulb creates compared to the regular one and check it regularly for any damage to the housing/clips.

Ahh okay.
What are the stock bulbs rated at?

[Highlander]

Dull? reverse lights aren't there to light up behind the car. They're to advise others your car is moving backwards. So if the reverse light can be seen by others, then it's no only practical, it's doing exactly what it's designed to do.

In your opinion of course Rocket. In over 45 years of driving I have laboured under the misapprehension that the reversing lights were there to actually illuminate where I was reversing to. I'm shattered.

Or I can recall an 8" Hella QI reversing light on our rally car. Suppose that was to tell others we were reversing very F****** fast.

Suppose you have a good understanding of what's in front of the car too. and those xenons are there to tell others that your car is moving forward.

Personally, the reverse sensors and outside mirrors are all I use to reverse as generally, I have a pretty good understanding of what's going on behind the car when I get into the car - especially since I don't walk up to the car with my eyes closed. So sensors and mirrors and short term memory are all you should need.

My short term memory is stuffed too...but I think that special number plate is still on hold till you return from Europe.

[adrock]

I have a pretty good understanding of what's going on behind the car when I get into the car - especially since I don't walk up to the car with my eyes closed to assess the surroundings a little better.

That makes perfect sense, only sometimes for a thrill I like to get all adventurous and reverse the vehicle after I've driven it to a new destination, BEFORE I have had the chance to walk up to it with my eyes closed.

You obviously don't get talk back radio where you are, otherwise you'd be too busy calling them to complain your neighbours air conditioner is too loud instead of posting your gems on here.

Alternatively, run down to Autobarn and grab a 50w globe that replaces the original.

Thanks maca, might give it a try.

[maca]

IIRC, stock bulbs are 21w. So the updated bulbs are a significant improvement and basically have the power of a headlight. If only the reflectors were designed the same...