ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

I want to replace my oem 21w 7440 backup bulb with something brighter. So far I've found a couple of 27W 7440 bulbs and lots of LED replacements ranging from 3-24 LEDs. My experience with LED replacement bulbs is limited to 1157s that I installed on my motorcycle and immediately replaced with the standard bulbs because the LEDs were too dim.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

mikemann

I have tried a ton of LED bulbs purchased from Autolumination for the rear backup (18-Super-FLux LED, 24-Super FLUX LED, LUXEON) and while some of them where definitely brighter and all a much whiter light, none of them projected as wide of a beam as the stock standard bulb. All were a much more focused beam. Like the two differences in beam patterns on a flashlight (ie maglight).

I would like a better look (whiter color) but would also prefer to have a better performing bulb too, one that will help make backing up more visible. I did not feel any accomplished this for me.

I have extras if anyone wants to try, but not for me.

I would love to hear/find out if there is anything better....

Whispaz

most leds are relly dim. I have the 4LED 194 bulbs for the license plate and i must say i am a bit disappointed with them. There are, however, superflux LEDs which are really bright and should be nice. I have 3 one each side mirror and they;re much brighter than all 8LEDs in the license plate light. you might want to check those out.
Another thing, why not just get a hyper white bulb. It wont be brighter but much whiter than the stock bulbs. You dont want to blind people when you're reversing

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the replies. I was afraid that LEDs wouldn't cut it because of the incandescent lens and their narrow beam light projection. I had the same problem with LED bulbs in my motorcycle taillight. Viewed head-on they looked pretty bright but move just a little off center and they were very dim. The only safe LED brake lights I've seen for motorcycles are large LED arrays that replace the stock reflector/socket assembly and come with clear replacement lenses.

Probably the best 7440 bulb I've found yet for color is the PIAA 27W 7440 but since it's a blue bulb I think I'll keep looking for a clear 27W 7440 instead. I'm more interested in brightness than color and a 27W blue bulb likely doesn't produce any more lumens than a clear 21W 7440. I really want more than a 27W bulb but 27W is better than the stock 21W.

As for blinding people, I actually like that idea. Ideally I'd like to replace the stock backup light assy with a 55/100W dual-element light where the low-beam is activated by reversing and the high-beam is activated by a manual switch. It would be great for those douchebags who follow me with their high-beams on.

ny_xB

^

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

I used to know a guy who installed small aircraft landing lights under his rear bumper. I highly doubt that anyone tailgated him with their high beams on... at least not for long.

I just hate people who ride around with their high beams on with total disregard for other drivers.

D_Unit

How do you guys get to the bulb? Does the round backup lens just pop off? Do I just need to pry it off?

mikemann

Look behind the lens under the car the bulb twists out of the socket there.

D_Unit

You wouldn't happen to know how to take off the clear lens in the back do you? I want to slightly tint mine with some spray paint.

mikemann

no clue...

toyotaisme

I upgraded mine it makes a difference.

atodak

what bulb is that and where u buy?

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

The lens is part of the housing. To remove it, there is a nut on the back (you have get under the car to see it) that holds the housing in, as well as a little plastic spring clip.

Here is another thread regarding the reverse bulb issue:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=199001

my_cubicle_part2

reverse light that low is hard to notice that the car is backing up so I added strobe light to the tail light

jimmbomb

how many watts does that strobe light put out???... jh

my_cubicle_part2

80w output with adjustable speed. Bought at local autoparts