General Brighter Reversing Light

[koalar]

Luckily the Panda doesn't monitor the reverse bulb on the can bus bulb warning system.

The 2011 eco does.

It just doesn't display it.

I was surprised when I interrogated the body computer it told me a number plate bulb was out.

no idea on the 100HP it does report a can bus error with some LEDs in the front fog lights. I wouldn't bet against it. Needs someone with a 100HP to try.

 

[DaveMcT]

A powerful LED might be ok. Otherwise it will need a ballast resistor to mimic the bulb resistance and continuity.

 

[DaveMcT]

Thanks for the idea but I want to keep my car as standard as possible. Cheers. Bruce.

I suggest it because there would be no need for holes in the bumper. At under £10 its likely to be the best bang for bucks you'll get.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

The 2011 eco does.

It just doesn't display it.

Not the reversing light bulb circuit for continuity, and in turn failed bulbs.

From memory the only thing the body computer monitors is the switch circuit for the on / off command.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

A powerful LED might be ok. Otherwise it will need a ballast resistor to mimic the bulb resistance and continuity.

No it won’t as the reverse bulb circuit isn’t monitored as part of the bulb failure warning system, just like the dipped and main beam circuits.

Rear fog is however.

 

[DaveMcT]

No it won’t as the reverse bulb circuit isn’t monitored as part of the bulb failure warning system, just like the dipped and main beam circuits.

Rear fog is however.

That's what the ballast resistor is for. So called "CanBus ready".

Rear fogs are the work of the devil. Already too bright causing glare in rain and misty conditions. IMO, they should auto off at more than 30mph because if you can see to go that fast your rear lights are enough to be seen.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

That's what the ballast resistor is for. So called "CanBus ready".

That’s my point, it wouldn’t be required on the Panda for the reverse light.

IMO, they should auto off at more than 30mph because if you can see to go that fast your rear lights are enough to be seen.

Agreed.

 

[thornebt]

Luckily the Panda doesn't monitor the reverse bulb on the can bus bulb warning system.

Ideally needs to be a Cree LED chip and a magnified / projector end like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/270915537300?hash=item3f13d30994:g:ZUcAAMXQUY1Q-EkV

This looks almost the same as the one I bought years ago and we had in Dads Panda, but they were extremely effective!

Thank you very much. It's great to get a recommendation and I have gone ahead and bought one. Thanks also to everyone else for their input. I never knew there was so many things to consider when changing something as simple as a bulb (although my electrician mate told me years ago that we should never call them bulbs. They are lamps!)

Cheers. Bruce.

 

[DaveMcT]

I remember fault finding coal conveyor lights with an electrician. We apprentices had been taught a resistance method for finding a fault. He said yeah, it never works. But THIS does. Out came a 60 Amp fuse and BANG a light fitting went off with a flash.
The Pyro cable had blown out at the fault. Easily jointed and back in service 1/2 hour later.

Probably not the best method for finding Fiat wiring faults.

 

[koalar]

if all else fails

some reversing cameras make it look like daylight at night

 

[DaveMcT]

Its a great excuse to buy a fancy music system with pop up screen.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20306142...44f4885aebfe0767c434|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2334524

It's cheap but the hopeless instructions mean you'll need a fair few before you get the wiring right.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

(although my electrician mate told me years ago that we should never call them bulbs. They are lamps!)

Haha. Reminds me of someone I used to know who was training as an electrician who corrected me when I said strip lights. I was promptly correctly and advised that they were florescent luminaires

 

[thornebt]

I bought the LED bulb with the Ebay link further up this post. They sent the wrong bulb and then wanted me to close my 'item not as described' case before they would send the correct bulb. So I followed the return process and got a refund then bought two similar bulbs for £9.95 from this listing:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/372713774842?var=641522073856

I've just fitted one and it looks super bright. I'm sure it's going to make a difference.