backup light bulb upgrade

[Cory]

I have a 2003 PT with deep tinted glass. At night, the stock backup lights
aren't bright enough to give me a good view through the tinted glass. Where
can I get some brighter bulbs?

Cory

 

[James C. Reeves]

J.C. Whitney sells 50-watt halogen backup bulbs. BUT, my guess is that the
bulb housing wouldn't take the extra heat and would warp or melt. Also, the
wiring size probably isn't the correct gauge to handle the additional current
draw of the higher wattage...may even blow the fuse.

| I have a 2003 PT with deep tinted glass. At night, the stock backup lights
| aren't bright enough to give me a good view through the tinted glass. Where
| can I get some brighter bulbs?
|
| Cory
|
|

 

[Daniel J. Stern]

J.C. Whitney sells 50-watt halogen backup bulbs.

So do local auto parts stores.

BUT, my guess is that the bulb housing wouldn't take the extra heat and
would warp or melt. Also, the wiring size probably isn't the correct
gauge to handle the additional current draw of the higher wattage.

Those are both very good and accurate guesses.

DS

 

[Daniel J. Stern]

I have a 2003 PT with deep tinted glass. At night, the stock backup
lights aren't bright enough to give me a good view through the tinted
glass.

That's a problem with deep tinted glass!

Where can I get some brighter bulbs?

It's already been explained that the 50w halogen "ultra" backup bulbs are
hazardous to your car and therefore your wallet. You can get a little more
brightness, not a lot, by replacing the 3157 bulb with a 3357/3457.

DS

 

[clare]

That's a problem with deep tinted glass!


It's already been explained that the 50w halogen "ultra" backup bulbs are
hazardous to your car and therefore your wallet. You can get a little more
brightness, not a lot, by replacing the 3157 bulb with a 3357/3457.

DS

You could always run a main power feed back from the battery and
connect a "driving lite" to it, using a relay triggered by the backup
lamp circuit. Works good on my vehicles wired to tow trailers, as I
have Aux power back there already.

 

[Howard]

even with any extra lighting, the close stuff still will not show. If it is
below the viewing area from looking out the window, NO light will help.
Aside from a very poor turning radius, the rear window visibility is also
poor.

still like my 2001 5 sp with about 32K on it.

just have to get used to the "foibles"......
h