Reverse / backup light not bright enough ...

[dan_rav4]

This is my first car with tinted glass, and I noticed that the reverse light barely does anything when in complete darkness, in an open area. I assume it is probably because of the tinted glass. Usually I don't really care, as even a little light is more than enough, but it has been really bothersome with this vehicle. Does anyone have any recommendations (which don't including installing off-road lighting ), or is it just me having this issue?

[The G Man]

Yes, the reverse light can be brighter.

[bmorton]

Unfortunately, in an open area without much for the light to reflect off of, this is what happens. The rear visibility with the RAV4 isn't the greatest at the best of times so I've learned to be cautious.

[luigi524td]

Originally Posted by dan_rav4

This is my first car with tinted glass, and I noticed that the reverse light barely does anything when in complete darkness, in an open area. I assume it is probably because of the tinted glass. Usually I don't really care, as even a little light is more than enough, but it has been really bothersome with this vehicle. Does anyone have any recommendations (which don't including installing off-road lighting ), or is it just me having this issue?

The bulb format / part number is 921.

Wedge Miniature Bulb.
12 volt.
Trade No.: 921
Life Hours: 1,000
Candle Power: 12.8

There is a 921 base bulb used in 12v landscaping and is listed as 18 Watts. If there is someone out there who can find out if the equivalent candlepower is greater than 12.8 this bulb might be an alternative. I bought 4 for less than $4 at Lowes or HomeDepot. Alternatively I could try to replace one in my Rav4 this week and go by eye to see if it's any brighter.

[Zeoth]

Either replace the bulb or ride your brakes to get more light.

You can always add on a reverse sensor or a back up camera.

[wingdr]

All the 921's that I find have design watts of 17.92 and C/P of 21. The design volts are 12.8....It is a T-5 Bulb 5/8" (16mm)Diameter. Wedge type base. The 921's have the highest C/P available in that style.
I found a #1992 halogen bulb that is a wedge type base with 64 C/P and design volts of 14 that mite work. It is a T-3 1/4 Bulb 13/32"(10mm)Diameter. I will have to locate and see if it will fit, Tim
I found one at NAPA...have to order...about $10 each..Pretty sure it will fit, but not 100%.

[Carnivore]

Hmm, I found some interesting bulbs on this site -
http://www.superbrightleds.com

Nothing appears to be as bright as the halogen bulb wingdr found, but I might consider some of these for dome lights and front turn signals. The prices look pretty reasonable.

[dan_rav4]

Glad to see I am not going crazy (assuming you ignore my "out side" thread). wingdr, are you going to order that bulb? The specs look really good.

[jaos07]

Originally Posted by luigi524td

The bulb format / part number is 921.

Wedge Miniature Bulb.
12 volt.
Trade No.: 921
Life Hours: 1,000
Candle Power: 12.8

There is a 921 base bulb used in 12v landscaping and is listed as 18 Watts. If there is someone out there who can find out if the equivalent candlepower is greater than 12.8 this bulb might be an alternative. I bought 4 for less than $4 at Lowes or HomeDepot. Alternatively I could try to replace one in my Rav4 this week and go by eye to see if it's any brighter.

pls post pics of before and after

[rb10475]

I hope the NAPA bulb works! This has been one of my gripes as well. Living in the country, it is hard to back out of a long driveway.