Rav 4 Headlights And Reversing Lights.should They Really Be This Poor?

[mange1304]

Hi there, I have just joined after getting a 63 plate diesel Invincible. I find that on dip the spread of the headlights not far in front of the car,to the near side of the road is very poor. I had to drive home in the rain the other night along a road where there are embankments on both sides coming right down to the edge of the road, no curbs, no pavements etc. With cars coming in the opposite direction I was terrified that I was going to hit the banking as it was nearly impossible to see it in the dark. Without resorting to use of the fog lights can this problem be overcome. I have some Osram Night Breakers on order but is that my only resort?

Similarly I find the reversing lights pathetic, but I note from the handbook that they are only 16 watts, whereas I thought reversing lights usually had the same power bulbs as brake lights and indicators-21watts. is it possible to upgrade to 21 watts or are the relevant bulbs not available in that size? and will to computer say "no way Jose"?

And why oh why is there no 'lights on' dashboard light. All of my recent cars of other makes, and the other half's 54 plate Land Cruiser, have had one, and it is so convenient!

Chris

[FROSTYBALLS]

Hello Christopher - welcome to Toyota Owners Club.

Is the headlight levelling set correctly?

Presume you have HB3 bulbs for your headlight low beams - would have thought the Osrams would provide a reasonable upgrade for a comparatively small cost.

Presumably the electrical system is designed for 16 watt reversing light bulbs - an increase in wattage may result in some overheating.

Whilst not road legal for use in sidelights, etc, why not consider some good quality LED bulbs for the reversing lights?

As regards the instrument panel 'lights on' light, do you have/use an auto function for the headlights. I think that when used on auto, there is no need for a lights on indicator as the headlights will come on/go off automatically as and when needed.

[mange1304]

Thanks Frostyballs,

Yes I was concerned about increasing the power of the reversing lights as, if the minimal wiring to the headlights is anything to go by, an increase in the power may make things get hot. (There must be a huge voltage drop at the headlights looking at the fiendishly thin wiring used. In the old days that could be bypassed to get the stated wattage out of the bulb, not now though)

I do have auto headlights but how can you tell they are on in daytime fog, or in the early mornings when it appears to be light but it's not really, and the headlights are just not lighting anything up, but they need to be on for the information of other drivers? Most car handbooks I have read tell you not to use auto in daytime fog as the lights will not be on. I would just like a dashboard reminder to help my failing faculties!

[alan333]

How about setting the dash lights to be a bit dimmer when the lights are on? Mine are like this, but I hate a bright dash at night anyway.