LED Reverse Lights Problem

[The Shaggin' Wagon]

Hi all,

I remember seeing some older posts of some guys who purchased some cree LED reverse lights for their Gen 4 Outbacks. I have a 2011 Outback 2.5i base with the CVT. I ordered some of the lights on Ebay, more specifically the 2pcs 921 912 906 T15/T10 Wedge CREE Q5 Emitter 5W Led Reverse Back up Light

I shaved a bit off in the socket itself since they don't fit very well, and I hooked the first one up and tested it, it worked great. I installed the second one and the second one worked, but the first one didn't. I checked all connections and tested each bulb. I'm thinking that for some reason, the car can't power both lights at the same time? Has anyone else had this problem? I know these two bulbs work, they just won't work together. I would love to get some ideas, as I really would like to have brighter lights when backing up. It seems everyone else who bought these bulbs did not have the problem. Any help would be appreciated!

[subiesailor]

LED bulbs can generate a ton of heat especially the cheap bulb replacements. They take less power unless there is something very wrong with the bulb wiring its self.

LED's are funny animals and cheap bulbs can cause lots of issues for a system set up for old school bulbs.

If you want more light - install some after market drivers lights in the rear bumper or hang them on the hitch bar and tie them to the trailer wiring harness.

[The Shaggin' Wagon]

Thank's Subie, unfortunately, I was looking for a cheap $20.00 fix to get brighter light when reversing. I don't have the funds these days to purchase a hitch/and or larger lights just yet. I do love that look though.

[hman]

Unfortunately you won't like the look when a bulb that is too bright melts the housing of your OE tailight, or god forbid ruins your wiring harness!

With reverse lights they aren't on long so that's not as much of an issue, it's tail lights/brake lights that get bad.

[The Shaggin' Wagon]

I hear you there. Definitely don't want either of those things to happen. I thought the heat problem with LED bulbs wasn't a factor?

Anyway, I guess the bulb was the problem, I decided to try and hook them back up and they are both working, now. I guess it ended up being a fluke thing. They might be considered on the cheap side, so I'll try and keep my standards in-check!

[rasterman]

LEDs are polarized, incandescent bulbs aren't. You have to put the an LED bulb in the right way for it to work, when it has a wedge base. If it doesn't go, pull it out, rotate 180 and reinsert. You probably did this without realizing it.

[The Shaggin' Wagon]

Well now one won't work again. I had the gate open so I could see what was going on. I would throw it in reverse and both lights would be lit, then one of them would go out. I'd turn the car off, go to the bad bulb, take it out of the socket and rotate it. I would again throw it in reverse, and they would both light up. Not sure I've ever seen this before. They might just be cheap bulbs. I'm very disappointed, as I really wanted brighter reverse lights. Are there any that have a different set that they would recommend?

[rasterman]

Could also be lousy base shape. Lots of automotive LEDs are poorly made- I'd try another 2 or 3 before giving up. You can't trust brand names- if you find a good one, don't assume the same brand will be good in other sizes or colors.

[Rockin Ronnie]

How about an after market backup camera?

Ron

[satellite65]

These work well for me:

2pcs 921 912 906 T15 T10 Wedge CREE Q5 Emitter 5W LED Reverse Back Up Light 014 | eBay

Had to use trial & error to get the polarity right.
Only issue for me is that they interfere with radio reception while backing up, but I can live with that...