Gy6.35 HIR 921 reverse light upgrade (vs high power LEDs)

1yr of this method and I love washboard roads and the cobblestone. And still haven't fallen out. Knock on Wood....

 

Got another pair of 50 watt GY6.35’s. Wow, I can actually see even with the tinted rear window. Since my wife tried it Imneed to get a pair for a 2011 Escape.

 

I'm assuming you mean 35w=50w output HIR Gy6.35s? I wouldn't run the traditional non-HIR 50w bulbs in there.

 

May I ask why? It’s a reverse light, not a DRL or fog light. It’s only on for 30 seconds at a time. There should be no heat concern, and the current increase is minimal, the fuse, wiring and socket should be up to the task.

 

The wiring throttles the light output is my understanding.

 

I've backed out of trails where the reverse lights have been on an extended length of time, though I realize that isn't the case for all. I wouldn't install something that could risk damage if left on too long though out of caution even though you may plan on using it for very short intervals. Especially when there is better suited product available without the risk. The wires feeding the reverse lights are quite small, it is only intended for 18 watts, even going to 35w is a very big jump. However, from the practically standpoint, the 35w HIRs produce the same amount of light as the 50w bulbs while using less power and producing less heat. The 50w bulbs are going to run at reduced output due to the voltage drop in the small wire, even the HIR bulbs do. However, since the HIRs are drawing less power to produce the same amount of light, you should actually get more light output out of the HIR bulb because they won't be affected as bad with the small wire as the 50w bulbs.

The HIRs only offer benefits across the board, the only downside is having to order them if they are not available at your local hardware store. That said, I haven't tested the 50w bulbs, so I cannot conclusively say if they pose a hazard or not. On the 35w HIRs I did do an extended length reverse test and provide temp measurements and am confident they are safe for extended use in a 2nd Gen Tacoma. Since they perform at the same level or better as the 50w bulbs, use less power and create less heat, I'd recommend the 35w HIR version.

 

Got these in the mail today. Working great. Very bright.

still waiting on my headlights and new harness...

 

Thanks or the clarification.

 

I've got bulbs on order, knowing how graceful I am, I bought 5, figured on breaking at least 2. These would make things easier, but will they move the filement out far enough to get off the reflector sweet spot?

Crash, I've read all your lighting threads several times. I would never have guessed you were not an automotive lighting engineer in real life. If your current career doesn't work out, I think you have a fall back.

 

Please post your results in trying these! I'm curious to see how they work out. The results will certainly be a little different moving the light source away from the reflector, although the reflector is basically a flood so it won't be nearly as harmful as a focused pattern. Based on the spec drawings on the page, it looks like the adapter moves out roughly 7.37mm from the base, plus whatever lip from the base does not seat fully into the socket. Just be sure to watch that the bulb still has some clearance before the lens.

Not a lighting engineer. Vehicle Design degree but work in CFD post-processing visualization primarily used for Aerospace and DOD. I enjoy it and it allows me to do all the lighting stuff on the side. One of the nice parts of not working in the industry is I can be fully independent of any brand alliance.

 

Go to Batteries Plus. They carry them.

 

Has anyone tried these (64432, 35w) in a Sequoia (1stG)? Yes, I realize I'm on the *wrong* board but I'm also a fan of quality and there's no Toyota lighting info anywhere. Thanks so much @crashnburn80!

At any rate, I got these bulbs (Bulb America via Amazon was cheaper than Bulb America direct) and was able to easily mount them by bending the brass tail light socket contacts. It's great not having to risk damaging the bulb, and I can't see them falling out. That said, I still can't actually *see*. They just aren't very bright. If you look at the bare HIR 35W bulb vs. stock it's brighter for sure, but through the lens t's not amazing by any means. I'm going to check wiring to bulbs and make sure there's no crazy voltage drop, but otherwise, especially considering how much you folks rave about these, I'm kind of stumped. Maybe the Sequoia optics (my lens/reflectors are clear and clean) are just truly terrible. Failing some massive voltage drop I may just have to mount an aux back up light (or, gasp, give LEDs a try). Anyone have other suggestions?

PS - Wrong thread but just to show I'm paying attention (I am a Sequoia driver on a Taco forum, after all), I also mounted the Vosla 9012 HIRs in the fog position and the Philips +150 H4s. Those have helped and are *almost* good enough, though I really wish the +150s didn't have that stupid blue tint high beam. Next step is a DIY wiring harness to see if the voltage boost will get me into "good enough zone." If so, great, if not, I'll then jump up to the Osram 100/90s right away and keep the +150s as spares.

 

Plenty of other non-Taco drivers have posted or PMed, or posted reviews of this mod on Amazon under the Osram Gy6.35 HIR bulb. You are certain you have the HIR version of the bulb and not the standard incandescent? The HIR bulbs have a spherical bulb shape as shown in the original post of the thread vs the standard ones are more cylindrical.

Looking at a 2000 Sequoia tail lamp, those reverse reflectors are unfortunately quite small. Larger reflectors perform significantly better than small ones and the Sequoia design could really limit your gain potential. In that vehicle some flush mount aux backup lights like Diode Dynamics SSC2 in flood or Baja's S1 might be your best bet. Another option to consider is adding a backup camera, where the camera night vision makes high power lighting less of an issue.

 

Thanks for the reply! Yes, it's the HIR (spherical, with the rainbow trout-like sheen). I was kind of figuring it was something like the taillight design. They're both small lenses and seem to spread more to the sides than the rear. On the "bright" side, it's going to start getting lighter in a couple days! Seriously, I'll still check for a voltage drop just to make sure, but will probably go with a flush mount aux light AND a backup camera (when I do the stereo). Neither of those until probably late spring, though. I have a rule about not starting non-essential projects during the winter since all my work is in my uncovered driveway and "quick upgrades" always seem to trigger a solid month of rain. Thanks for your help and your amazing lighting resources!

 

my old man can see while reversing again!

stock bulb on the right - it’s actually much dimmer than the pic and literally puts almost zero light on the ground.

 

Well, the 50 watt GY6.35’s do not function as license plate lights. Caught this on the test drive after installing tonight:

 

yea. i can only imagine that little thing was never meant for anything more than a 194 bulb. lol

not to mention the wiring surely was not happy feeding that power.

 

Wow. you put a 50w bulb in for the license plate?!? I don't understand why people want to light their plates up that bright, but using a 50w bulb in the plate lights is obviously not recommended.

 

i put white leds in.. just wish they were dimmer. i like the lower electrical load.. it saves my aging alternator i keep putting off replacing in the tundra.. lol

 

Savings are pretty negligible. I'd recommend leaving the license plate lights stock.