Reversing lights upgrade?

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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by WillyR »

Thanks Marc,
Really good stuff there. I'm definitely going to see what I can do to sort the porr reversing function - lights / camera / action, oops. careful there..
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Hopefully none of those examples will be invasive and will not affect the vehicle at all.

'The Ace' did a post with some pics on one of the reversing camera internal rear view mirrors a few years back - although technology will have improved - it did the job and was a pretty simple job: check it out:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=52248#p447352
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by van ordinaire »

Nope, still don't get it: what do the coloured zones add to the image on the screen?

As the width lines seem to be connected to the front wheels, they simply confuse the issue as you usually start backing into a space from a position about 45° - 60° to it.
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by GiveMeABreak »

It’s so you keep the outer lines away from any obstacles left or right. You still would have 10” to 12” inches play outside those outer lines, and on some of those cameras the lines curve and bend in when reversing in at an angle, so it helps you ‘aim’ the car and see the trajectory it is on.

The inner colour bands just show the zones as you get nearer to an object and represents a distance from an object.

Cant make it simpler than that Van, maybe it’s time you went for an open rear truck instead then 😂
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by crapday69 »

Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur wrote: 17 Dec 2018, 22:40 if reversing in the Dark, try turning the headlights off, asssuming its safe to do so.

I'm not sure of the logic, but it definitely helps; possibly something to do with a greater contrast for the eyes. I often do it.



Does work that's why star gazers try and do to the darkest places to, well star gaze.
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by Richard_C »

I must admit I gave up on the dimness, couldn't think of an answer. Sold the car - which I loved and sort of regret its going - mainly because my wife suffers a little from joint problems so found the deep seats a challenge getting out after long trips and the clutch a bit heavy for long stints in traffic.

Anyway, thinking about solutions. I changed the downlighters under our kitchen cabinets, bulbs kept blowing, with some cut to length LED strip which was very low cost and its 12v. I wonder if you could do something with that - full width of top rear screen perhaps, or down the edges. You could test simply using a lead to the lighter socket, if it helps and looks OK then think about proper wiring. Might well look tacky but worth a think.

My old Hillman Hunter had no reversing lights, but you could buy some bog standard dome shaped ones about 8cm diameter fixed with 2 self tappers. I had a flick switch down beside the gearstick, no ring mains back then just wires from the fuse box. I guess you would be reluctant to drill holes to fit something like that - I wouldn't want to. If you go on Amazon and search for reversing lights modern led versions turn up - some with little pedestals. How about one of those mounted inside the car top of and to one side of the rear screen? Bit like the blues they fit to unmarked police cars.
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Citroen Grand Picasso II 150 HDi EAT6 Exclusive 2015 July - still going strong
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by WillyR »

=D> :idea: :idea: Sounds like a possibility. I'll try it.
2015 (Jul) C4 Grand Picasso 2.0 Bluehdi 150 EAT6 Exclusive+ now running on 17" wheels - SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE AND SMOOTH THAN 18" - AND better fuel economy :) =D>
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'99 Cadillac Seville STS
'96 Cadillac Eldorado ETC
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by van ordinaire »

GiveMeABreak wrote: 19 Feb 2019, 22:44 It’s so you keep the outer lines away from any obstacles left or right. You still would have 10” to 12” inches play outside those outer lines, and on some of those cameras the lines curve and bend in when reversing in at an angle, so it helps you ‘aim’ the car and see the trajectory it is on.

The inner colour bands just show the zones as you get nearer to an object and represents a distance from an object.

Cant make it simpler than that Van, maybe it’s time you went for an open rear truck instead then 😂


Oh no, I do understand: the coloured zones serve no useful purpose, as you can see on the screen how far you are from an object, and those "weaving" outer lines just serve to confuse &, I find, actually diistract me from what I should be concentrating on. However, as the issue only arises for the first few days I'm in the US, I only asked out of curiosity. The rest of the time I can manage perfectly well, by the simple expedient of looking out the back window, or if it comes to (or, rather, to avoid) the crunch, hanging out the driver's door.

However, while both the C15 and the Eldorado present their own challenges when manoevering in confined spaces, it's the Cherokee that would benefit fom a camera, mounted high up, facing down, focussed on the (large, agricultural) tow hitch, as parallel parking in tight spaces can cause some anxiety.
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by Timmo »

You could always go for a Led light bar mounted under the bumper? Should give plenty of light....... 😂😂😉
After All, I am the Cornish one!

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Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive Auto 2001
Citroen Grand Picasso II 150 HDi EAT6 Exclusive 2015 January - engine rattled until replaced. Gave it back at 1600 miles.
Citroen Grand Picasso II 150 HDi EAT6 Exclusive 2015 July - still going strong
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by WillyR »

GiveMeABreak wrote: 05 Feb 2019, 12:11 That 'projector' is simply a plastic lens that covers another LED inside at the bottom and magnifies that light outward - it does nothing for the LEDs mounted around the bulb itself.

Example:

Image
Please forgive me if I have not followed correct protocol here (not sure if continuation of the thread is allowed or if I have to start the whole conversation again).
I am getting to the point of ripping my tail light cluster apart to see if the reversing LEDs are plug-in or dedicated LEDs permanently attached to the cluster. There are improved replacement LEDs available from HORIZON LEDs ( www.horizonleds.co.uk ), but they don't know if those in my 2015 Excl+ Grand Picasso are replaceable or not

Do you know if anyone has opened the tail light cluster to check? In desperation I'm getting to the point of endangering the life of one of my tail lights just to see if the BRAKE and Reversing LEDs are replaceable.
2015 (Jul) C4 Grand Picasso 2.0 Bluehdi 150 EAT6 Exclusive+ now running on 17" wheels - SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE AND SMOOTH THAN 18" - AND better fuel economy :) =D>
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by white exec »

Have upgraded rev lights on both XM and RAV4 last year.
XM bulbs were originally standard tungsten P21W 21-watt bayonet, behind a smoky-black tail panel.
replaced with these...
Cree MAXGTRS 100W.JPG
Available in different base types.
Check the overall length of these and existing bulbs, as the LED items are slightly longer.
Colour output of these is cool white, but not bluish.
A 50W version also available, as are canbus versions.
NB wattages are roughly tungsten equivalent light output, not actual LED consumption.

XM Before:
DSCF3503.JPG
After: Same camera settings
DSCF3502.JPG
Cree produce some of the highest quality LEDs, and the curved reflector arrangement on these lamps is well thought out. MAXGTRS shop on Ali has search and browse tools.
_________________

Have also used 50W (warm white) W5W versions for turning the XM's small sidelights into DRLs...

2 x 50W fitted, as not enough space for 1x100W...
DSCF3249.JPG
Side-light brightness...
DSCF3250.JPG
DRL brightness...
DSCF3251.JPG
Circuit
DRL full brightness only operates when
- engine running (alternator outputting), and lights are Off
At reduced illumination (equal to originals) when
- lights are switched on, engine running or stopped
XM DRLs schematic v.2.jpg
R1 for those two 50W LEDs was 130R. Used 2 x 68R (2W) in series.
The 'engine running' connection was made to the Alternator small terminal, which leads off to the dash warning light.
The two small relays, resistor and switch were mounted in a small ABS box, with the six cables leading off to the various engine-bay connections.
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C5 MK II 2.0 HDi Exclusive Obsidian Black
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Hi Willy - this is correct - just keep everything to do with this issue in the same thread :-D

Edit
Chris posted his response before I submitted mine, but unfortunately it won't be relevant in this case because you have the LED design and cannot swap these as they are not standard fittments, but a module.

For your specific Picasso according to your VIN you have the rear LED lamp cluster - so apart from the bulb shown below (item 14) which is a W5W filament bulb, the others will be a complete module and not user serviceable. You can't replace the components yourself and if faulty, will need to replace the cluster.
Willy.PNG
That's why we ask for the VIN, so we can tell you what you have. Other models depending on trim level may have all standard bulb light clusters. There are 3 types that were available and yours in the LED version above.

Now a word of warning!

Before you go tearing it apart, consider the replacement cost of the rear light clusters:

Left Rear Cluster, part number: 9678271580 £606.04 inc. VAT :shock:
Right Rear Cluster, part number: 9678271380 £654.78 inc. VAT :shock:

So unless you are planning to sell off the family jewels, I would leave well alone to be honest unless faulty.
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and lots of Rovers before that: 1935 Ten, 1947 Sixteen, 1960 P5 3-litre, 1966 P6 2000, 1972 P6 2000TC, and 1975 P6B 3500S
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Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by white exec »

Yes, sorry about that - unfortunate timing - and not relevant to Willy's rear clusters.
Chris
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Peugeot 505 GTI 1986 (built in South Africa, and brought to Britain 1988)
Citroen XM V6 (UK)
Citroen Xantia 2.0 HDi 1999 (excellent car but it ate suspension spheres)
Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive Auto 2001
Citroen Grand Picasso II 150 HDi EAT6 Exclusive 2015 January - engine rattled until replaced. Gave it back at 1600 miles.
Citroen Grand Picasso II 150 HDi EAT6 Exclusive 2015 July - still going strong
x 4

Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by WillyR »

white exec wrote: 07 Feb 2020, 12:37 Yes, sorry about that - unfortunate timing - and not relevant to Willy's rear clusters.
Never mind, Chris. Thanks for trying.
BTW, I LOVED my XM 3.0 - wonderful car, but my Grand C4 Picasso has everything the XM had (except the hydraulic suspension) in spades, and more. My 2.0 Bluehdi 150 Picasso is just as comfortable, much faster through the gears but the same on top speed, and so much more usable than my XM, RIP 2010.


Willy
2015 (Jul) C4 Grand Picasso 2.0 Bluehdi 150 EAT6 Exclusive+ now running on 17" wheels - SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE AND SMOOTH THAN 18" - AND better fuel economy :) =D>
WillyR
Donor 2023
Posts: 103
Joined: 18 Aug 2013, 21:24
Location: Ashford, Kent
My Cars: Peugeot 504 2.0 diesel 1984 (built in South Africa)
Peugeot 505 GTI 1986 (built in South Africa, and brought to Britain 1988)
Citroen XM V6 (UK)
Citroen Xantia 2.0 HDi 1999 (excellent car but it ate suspension spheres)
Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive Auto 2001
Citroen Grand Picasso II 150 HDi EAT6 Exclusive 2015 January - engine rattled until replaced. Gave it back at 1600 miles.
Citroen Grand Picasso II 150 HDi EAT6 Exclusive 2015 July - still going strong
x 4

Re: Reversing lights upgrade?

Post by WillyR »

GiveMeABreak wrote: 07 Feb 2020, 12:04 Hi Willy - this is correct - just keep everything to do with this issue in the same thread :-D

Edit
Chris posted his response before I submitted mine, but unfortunately it won't be relevant in this case because you have the LED design and cannot swap these as they are not standard fittments, but a module.
For your specific Picasso according to your VIN you have the rear LED lamp cluster - so apart from the bulb shown below (item 14) which is a W5W filament bulb, the others will be a complete module and not user serviceable. You can't replace the components yourself and if faulty, will need to replace the cluster.
Image
That's why we ask for the VIN, so we can tell you what you have. Other models depending on trim level may have all standard bulb light clusters. There are 3 types that were available and yours in the LED version above.
Now a word of warning!
Before you go tearing it apart, consider the replacement cost of the rear light clusters:
Left Rear Cluster, part number: 9678271580 £606.04 inc. VAT :shock:
Right Rear Cluster, part number: 9678271380 £654.78 inc. VAT :shock:
So unless you are planning to sell off the family jewels, I would leave well alone to be honest unless faulty.
Thanks Marc,

I already knew about the unbelievable price - why £50 difference between left and right..? - which was why I asked before attacking mine. I have a friendly car breaker near me, so I'm going to see if he has one I can buy and strip that down. If I find anything, I'll report back here.

Cheers
Willy
2015 (Jul) C4 Grand Picasso 2.0 Bluehdi 150 EAT6 Exclusive+ now running on 17" wheels - SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE AND SMOOTH THAN 18" - AND better fuel economy :) =D>
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