I love my car, but 1 thing is very annoying and potentially dangerous, the crumby backup lights. I can hardly tell if they are on, the worst I have seen. Is it a problem with my car or has anyone else had this issue? Thanks...Mark
Thanks Jason, I wounder if super bright leds would help. Maybe there is a way to get them to point more down, but adding after market leds is probably the best. Let me know how the Northern Tool kit works...MarkThe Beetle back up lights have two things against them. They are very high up and point straight back. Also they use piddly little 921 bulbs. Basically a slightly brighter 194 peanut bulb. They are shining too high and not very bright so about the only purpose they serve is to indicate to other motorists your intent to back up.
I have been looking at LED replacement bulbs and some sort of utility light under the bumper wired up to the reverse lamps. I have found some bright bulbs on Amazon. Also I picked up a LED DRL kit from Northern Tool to experiment with. I think one or both will vastly improve the situation.
Jason
I found that SuperBrightLED uses a 194 spec bulb(LED) to replace the 921, where as the seller on Amazon sells a 921 spec bulb(LED). Only reason I'm going that route.
The idea for the Northern Tool lights was because I have seen plenty of trucks with small utility or clear fog lamps under the rear bumper for working behind the truck, hooking up a trailer in the dark, etc. I figured I could mount them slightly up under the plastic edge and have them shine down onto the pavement instead of hanging under the bumper where they can get kicked and knocked off.
I need to get on the lights idea now that I have a long driveway to back out of before sun rise every morning.
Jason
Jason,I found that SuperBrightLED uses a 194 spec bulb(LED) to replace the 921, where as the seller on Amazon sells a 921 spec bulb(LED). Only reason I'm going that route.
The idea for the Northern Tool lights was because I have seen plenty of trucks with small utility or clear fog lamps under the rear bumper for working behind the truck, hooking up a trailer in the dark, etc. I figured I could mount them slightly up under the plastic edge and have them shine down onto the pavement instead of hanging under the bumper where they can get kicked and knocked off.
I need to get on the lights idea now that I have a long driveway to back out of before sun rise every morning.
Jason
I don't think that replacing the bulbs with led's would help because the problem is that the light is sent out into space and not down to the ground. The led's that I linked to above look like they may possibly be installed down below the bumper pointed straight down to the ground. My backup lights do a great job of lighting up the license plate on my across the street neighbor's car, but does nothing to show what's on the ground behind my car...MarkFound tons of LED replacements for 921 bulb, here are a couple
ZXMOTO 10 x Super Bright Xenon White T10 360° 5SMD 168 194 2825 Car LED Bulbs Light Lamp 2-yr warranty
Partsam 42-3528-SMD 6000K White 912 921 Backup Bulb Lamp
Would love some feedback from folks who may have tried them.
This manufacture talks to flickering light out issues (they don't call out 921 thought): Lumen® 194CA - Replacement LED Bulb (194, Amber)
Good write up: What do I Need to Know About Installing LED Bulbs into my Car?
Looks like you have to install a resistor too (you need to research which one): Lumen® DCDR50W6 - LED Load Resistors
I think those light strips will give the "Fast 'N Furious" neon look rather than shining useful light. Just my opinion.
Jason
Thanks Jason. Are they factory or after market?...MarkSomething I just thought of, they make clear LED strips like the red LED strips on the back of pickups. That under the bumper facing down should light the ground nicely.
Jason
I was just pointing out a resister would be needed for LED light replacements. Don't disagree that the backup lights could use some help in how they direct their light.I don't think that replacing the bulbs with led's would help because the problem is that the light is sent out into space and not down to the ground. The led's that I linked to above look like they may possibly be installed down below the bumper pointed straight down to the ground. My backup lights do a great job of lighting up the license plate on my across the street neighbor's car, but does nothing to show what's on the ground behind my car...Mark
That is pretty bright Jason, have you got a pic of how you mounted it?...MarkSo I finally got around to doing something about the abysmal backup lights.
$19 on Amazon for a pair. I put one on each car, so that's the light from one lamp.
Jason
Sent from my iPhone
Not sure about this but I signed up to ask this question, saw a TDI that had LED strips under the bumper, but the music it was playing was in sync with the lights and how it was blinking.The Beetle back up lights have two things against them. They are very high up and point straight back. Also they use piddly little 921 bulbs. Basically a slightly brighter 194 peanut bulb. They are shining too high and not very bright so about the only purpose they serve is to indicate to other motorists your intent to back up.
I have been looking at LED replacement bulbs and some sort of utility light under the bumper wired up to the reverse lamps. I have found some bright bulbs on Amazon. Also I picked up a LED DRL kit from Northern Tool to experiment with. I think one or both will vastly improve the situation.
Jason
Thanks, but anyone know who ,ight have them in stock?Here, you go. Easy Google search.
VW Pin Removal Tool Set
Set of two pin removal tools. These tools are designed specifically for removing wires in VW connectors. VW uses wire pins that have two locking tabs, one on each side. This tool ...www.idparts.com