Passat Estate Reversing lights

**maltheviking** · 22-11-2009,12:38 PM

Shockingly I find that the reversing lights on My Passat Estate 2008 model are next to useless, bit surprising on a 20plus grand car, and was wondering how I can either improve what is there or add extras. I am worried that because the lights are LED type ( I think) that the wiring and components may not be up to carrying extra load if I fit more lights

I would appreciate any help and advice and is there a good aftermarket system.
My wife has already reversed into our gatepost; I can ill afford more repairs to the paintwork! I have also considered parking sensors, but much prefere being able to see where I am going, call me old fashioned

**Cylon2007** · 22-11-2009,12:43 PM

If they are the same as the saloon I think you'll find the reversing light and fog light are normal bulbs not LEDS. Not sure how you can improve them though.

**maltheviking** · 22-11-2009,12:50 PM

Originally Posted by Cylon2007

If they are the same as the saloon I think you'll find the reversing light and fog light are normal bulbs not LEDS. Not sure how you can improve them though.

Had chance to have a look, they are normal bulbs

**angus** · 22-11-2009,09:29 PM

Yes, the reversing light is pretty much a decoration and utterly useless.
If anyone does find a way to make it brighter than a half-dead glow-worm at the bottom of a 200foot well, please let us know as I would welcome the info.

In the meantime, its a case of hazards on, as at least you get a bit of light from the indicators when they flash.

**grhdylan** · 24-11-2009,08:24 PM

The B5 passat had 2 reversing lamps, where as the B6 only has one ! I think it is a case of costcutting when the new model came out !

**craigstephens** · 07-12-2009,10:15 PM

Originally Posted by angus

If anyone does find a way to make it brighter than a half-dead glow-worm at the bottom of a 200foot well, please let us know as I would welcome the info.

LOL, mines worse than a spent match on the moon!

**afghandaz** · 07-12-2009,11:38 PM

The annoying thing is, if you look in the circles around the Fog and Reverse lights there is what looks like the holes for small LED's that could of been fitted.

May be a change of deisgn by VW at the last minute.

Did think about getting busy with the soldering iron and a bag of white LED's.

I'll just get the missus to get out with a torch and shine my path backwards!!!

**daveo138** · 08-12-2009,12:49 AM

Yes, the single reversing light is pretty useless. If I'm reversing somewhere where it is dark, I also use the rear fog for a bit more light.

As for the holes for LEDs around the lights, I have seen a Police Passat with blue LEDs fitted there - Very pretty they looked, too!

**dunkley201** · 08-12-2009,01:05 PM

This is one of the reasons I fitted reverse beepers that warn of objects you don't see!

**podwin** · 10-12-2009,03:54 PM

Originally Posted by afghandaz

The annoying thing is, if you look in the circles around the Fog and Reverse lights there is what looks like the holes for small LED's that could of been fitted.

May be a change of deisgn by VW at the last minute.

Did think about getting busy with the soldering iron and a bag of white LED's.

I did mine, with red leds:

The reversing light is OK imo.