Brake Rear Indicator Lights

allan40alt · 12th September 2006, 19:01

Someone mentioned elsewhere that the rear indicator lights were not very clear. We were leading a friend and his wife to an overnight stay in Kineton yesterday after a days visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and he said how difficult it was to see the indicators (although we all arrived safely at the destination thanks to the sat-nav).

Has anyone tried the replacement LED 'cluster' bulbs

I've seen them on the 'Autobulbs' website but they may need a resistor (supplied) to operate properly. The resistor is easy to install providing the wires are easy to access. Anyone know if they are

Trekker308 · 12th September 2006, 19:53

You've got me going now Allan - I wouldn't really relish somebody stuffing me up the boot (so to speak

) because the indicators weren't seen!

I think I've got to 'lend' the Civ to a mate while I drive behind him to check that one out.....

richierich · 12th September 2006, 20:59

I don't relish being stuffed up the boot either.

In all seriousness though I have thought about blacking out part of the "horns" where the indicators are, although I am worried that they are intended to be seen from all angles, and I could be reducing the legality of the car.

allan40alt · 12th September 2006, 21:16

You can view these on:

http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/home.php?cat=613

The manual only says '12v 21w' so I'm not sure what would be the correct replacement without removing one of my present bulbs to see the cap style, but I'm more concerned with access to the wires in case it needs the resistors to be fitted.

WoolyCiv · 12th September 2006, 21:30

Alan I share your concern. On a number of occasions when indicating that I am going to pull into the side of the road with the sun going down in front of me the car behind has also come to a stop directly behind me, then when they realise I am going to get out they reverse a little then pass giving me 'Laser Looks'. This happens nearly every night as I pull up in front of my house even though I have been indicating left for quite a while and slowing right down.

TTDegs · 12th September 2006, 21:38

Don't know how much this is going to help, but might start a ball rolling that ends up with an answer...

Please bear with me

From my rudimentary knowledge of car electrics, the flasher speed is governed in part by the resitance of the indicator circuit.
The lower the resistance in the circuit, the quicker (or maybe slower) the indicators flash.

By changing the bulbs, we could be changing the resistance by enough to make them flash to fast or too slow (can't recall the exact min / max number of flashes per min that is allowed)

BUT - adding a resistor anywhere in the circuit should (I think!) bring the resistance back up to the right value.

So - if the wires at the front are easier to get at, then in theory, it could be added there

Having said that it might be easy to get at the wires in the back anyway

allan40alt · 13th September 2006, 08:29

I've just had a look at the handbook and it seems the wiring is easy access as the plastic lens is removed from the body with the wires attached and you just twist the holder to take out the bulb. The bulb appears to be a push fit 'Wedge' type and http://www.autobulbs.co.uk supply 2 different types for the 21w (they also do 2 for the 21w/5w twin filament bulbs). These LED replacements are available in Amber but I'll have to check with them to make sure both sizes will fit into the lens aperture. They also supply a pair of resistors.

elfa7 · 13th September 2006, 09:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by allan40alt

Someone mentioned elsewhere that the rear indicator lights were not very clear. We were leading a friend and his wife to an overnight stay in Kineton yesterday after a days visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and he said how difficult it was to see the indicators (although we all arrived safely at the destination thanks to the sat-nav).

Has anyone tried the replacement LED 'cluster' bulbs

I've seen them on the 'Autobulbs' website but they may need a resistor (supplied) to operate properly. The resistor is easy to install providing the wires are easy to access. Anyone know if they are

allan, it was me who first mentioned this . I've had three motorists sound their horn when I'm pulling into the kerb.

Especially when they are going to overtake. They don't seem to see the indicator when I'm braking.

allan40alt · 13th September 2006, 09:38

Hi Guy's, I've just checked mine and it's easy access once you get the clipped-on plate removed (make sure you use cloth packing so as not to damage the paintwork!). The wiring has immediate and ample access and there is plenty of room for the resistor, so no problems. I'll contact Autobulbs and advise.

Trekker308 · 13th September 2006, 09:44

Look forward to an update as and when Allan!

allan40alt · 13th September 2006, 10:14

Bad news, I'm afraid

LED lights produce a more directional beam which means you will lose the reflection in the lens. The result may not be as bright as the current bulb.

We are stuck with the present bulbs.

rmh999 · 13th September 2006, 12:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by allan40alt

Bad news, I'm afraid

LED lights produce a more directional beam which means you will lose the reflection in the lens. The result may not be as bright as the current bulb.

We are stuck with the present bulbs.

Yes its directional BUT......these appear to have LEDS at the end AND round the sides of the unit producing light in ALL directions.....

581 - 360 degree (18 LED) lamps sold in pairs. A new 18 individual LED pair of indicator lamps complete with two resistors. 120 degree offset pin with single filament. LED's are set so that 360 degree is available giving all round light. Light flashes amber.

£26/pair ...?

allan40alt · 13th September 2006, 14:47

You can't fit that type, wrong cap. Ours are the wedge push fitting (see further down the Autobulbs page and page 2). However, there isn't much reflector at the rear of the bulb (no doubt this is the problem), most of the relector runs along the side and I'm wondering whether the LED's will be OK. One point though, current bulb is clear, these are Amber and you already have an Amber lens so that will reduce the effect.

ps: I have contacted CS about this as I see it as a major design fault. I will share their response; although I may as well tell you now: It will be on these lines 'Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have forwarded it to the relevant department'

Bungle · 13th September 2006, 16:15

I have followed a Civic once and at the time saw no problem with their indicators. I had my g/f follow me the other day, and asked her if the indicators were clear, to which she looked blankly at me and said they looked perfectly normal and were easy to see.

I wonder if lighting conditions might be part of the problem. I know strong, low sunlight from behind makes any indicator hard to see, does this affect the Civic particulary badly?

elfa7 · 13th September 2006, 16:19

My 'incidents' were on bright sunny days, so that could have had some effect.

allan40alt · 13th September 2006, 17:40

Yes, I mentioned about sunshine causing a problem. It's possible it reflects in the clear outside plastic that the amber lens sits inside. We followed another NHB Civic heading North up the M5 yesterday afternoon and there was no problem with his indicators. Heading into the sun definitely causes problems but I guess it's something we'll have to live with.

Bassa · 13th September 2006, 18:43

Could always fit the old Moggy Minor type semaphore arms!

richierich · 13th September 2006, 20:40

I prefer hand signals anyway.

Fedorov · 13th September 2006, 20:44

I think it's just down to lighting conditions, I was behind a new model Focus the other night and hardly saw his indicators before he turned but they were on just the way the light caught them as normally there are no problems seeing them on a Focus or a Civic for that matter.

WoolyCiv · 13th September 2006, 20:49

As I mentioned in my earlier post, each time this has happened it is with the sun in front of me 1 - 2 hours before dusk. I must also say this happened with my previous car also (Rover 75) so it may be a combination of the time of day and the positioning of the light clusters in relation to each other.

12th September 2006, 19:01	#1 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	Rear Indicator Lights Someone mentioned elsewhere that the rear indicator lights were not very clear. We were leading a friend and his wife to an overnight stay in Kineton yesterday after a days visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and he said how difficult it was to see the indicators (although we all arrived safely at the destination thanks to the sat-nav). Has anyone tried the replacement LED 'cluster' bulbs I've seen them on the 'Autobulbs' website but they may need a resistor (supplied) to operate properly. The resistor is easy to install providing the wires are easy to access. Anyone know if they are

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This thread is about: Rear Indicator Lights, it's in Lights at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Someone mentioned elsewhere that the rear indicator lights were not very clear. We were leading a friend and his wife to an overnight stay in ...

12th September 2006, 19:53	#2 (permalink)
Trekker308 ..with Superchips please! Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 29th July 2006 Location: Ringwood Posts: 337 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	You've got me going now Allan - I wouldn't really relish somebody stuffing me up the boot (so to speak ) because the indicators weren't seen! I think I've got to 'lend' the Civ to a mate while I drive behind him to check that one out.....

12th September 2006, 20:59	#3 (permalink)
richierich Smell My Cheese! Rocketship door handle Join Date: 17th May 2006 Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire Posts: 1,847 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I don't relish being stuffed up the boot either. In all seriousness though I have thought about blacking out part of the "horns" where the indicators are, although I am worried that they are intended to be seen from all angles, and I could be reducing the legality of the car.

12th September 2006, 21:16	#4 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	You can view these on: http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/home.php?cat=613 The manual only says '12v 21w' so I'm not sure what would be the correct replacement without removing one of my present bulbs to see the cap style, but I'm more concerned with access to the wires in case it needs the resistors to be fitted.

12th September 2006, 21:30	#5 (permalink)
WoolyCiv 12th June 2006 1.8EX Rocketship door handle Join Date: 28th May 2006 Location: Lancashire Posts: 1,118 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Alan I share your concern. On a number of occasions when indicating that I am going to pull into the side of the road with the sun going down in front of me the car behind has also come to a stop directly behind me, then when they realise I am going to get out they reverse a little then pass giving me 'Laser Looks'. This happens nearly every night as I pull up in front of my house even though I have been indicating left for quite a while and slowing right down.

12th September 2006, 21:38	#6 (permalink)
TTDegs Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 4th August 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 5,638 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	Don't know how much this is going to help, but might start a ball rolling that ends up with an answer... Please bear with me From my rudimentary knowledge of car electrics, the flasher speed is governed in part by the resitance of the indicator circuit. The lower the resistance in the circuit, the quicker (or maybe slower) the indicators flash. By changing the bulbs, we could be changing the resistance by enough to make them flash to fast or too slow (can't recall the exact min / max number of flashes per min that is allowed) BUT - adding a resistor anywhere in the circuit should (I think!) bring the resistance back up to the right value. So - if the wires at the front are easier to get at, then in theory, it could be added there Having said that it might be easy to get at the wires in the back anyway

13th September 2006, 08:29	#7 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	I've just had a look at the handbook and it seems the wiring is easy access as the plastic lens is removed from the body with the wires attached and you just twist the holder to take out the bulb. The bulb appears to be a push fit 'Wedge' type and http://www.autobulbs.co.uk supply 2 different types for the 21w (they also do 2 for the 21w/5w twin filament bulbs). These LED replacements are available in Amber but I'll have to check with them to make sure both sizes will fit into the lens aperture. They also supply a pair of resistors.

13th September 2006, 09:38	#9 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hi Guy's, I've just checked mine and it's easy access once you get the clipped-on plate removed (make sure you use cloth packing so as not to damage the paintwork!). The wiring has immediate and ample access and there is plenty of room for the resistor, so no problems. I'll contact Autobulbs and advise.

13th September 2006, 09:44	#10 (permalink)
Trekker308 ..with Superchips please! Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 29th July 2006 Location: Ringwood Posts: 337 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	Look forward to an update as and when Allan!

13th September 2006, 10:14	#11 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	Bad news, I'm afraid LED lights produce a more directional beam which means you will lose the reflection in the lens. The result may not be as bright as the current bulb. We are stuck with the present bulbs.

13th September 2006, 14:47	#13 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	You can't fit that type, wrong cap. Ours are the wedge push fitting (see further down the Autobulbs page and page 2). However, there isn't much reflector at the rear of the bulb (no doubt this is the problem), most of the relector runs along the side and I'm wondering whether the LED's will be OK. One point though, current bulb is clear, these are Amber and you already have an Amber lens so that will reduce the effect. ps: I have contacted CS about this as I see it as a major design fault. I will share their response; although I may as well tell you now: It will be on these lines 'Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have forwarded it to the relevant department'

13th September 2006, 16:15	#14 (permalink)
Bungle Rocketship door handle Join Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: SE London/Kent Posts: 1,220 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I have followed a Civic once and at the time saw no problem with their indicators. I had my g/f follow me the other day, and asked her if the indicators were clear, to which she looked blankly at me and said they looked perfectly normal and were easy to see. I wonder if lighting conditions might be part of the problem. I know strong, low sunlight from behind makes any indicator hard to see, does this affect the Civic particulary badly?

13th September 2006, 16:19	#15 (permalink)
elfa7 Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 8th May 2006 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,703 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	My 'incidents' were on bright sunny days, so that could have had some effect.

13th September 2006, 17:40	#16 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	Yes, I mentioned about sunshine causing a problem. It's possible it reflects in the clear outside plastic that the amber lens sits inside. We followed another NHB Civic heading North up the M5 yesterday afternoon and there was no problem with his indicators. Heading into the sun definitely causes problems but I guess it's something we'll have to live with.

13th September 2006, 18:43	#17 (permalink)
Bassa Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 19th August 2006 Location: Lincs Posts: 339 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Could always fit the old Moggy Minor type semaphore arms!

13th September 2006, 20:40	#18 (permalink)
richierich Smell My Cheese! Rocketship door handle Join Date: 17th May 2006 Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire Posts: 1,847 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I prefer hand signals anyway.

13th September 2006, 20:44	#19 (permalink)
Fedorov Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th April 2006 Posts: 783 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I think it's just down to lighting conditions, I was behind a new model Focus the other night and hardly saw his indicators before he turned but they were on just the way the light caught them as normally there are no problems seeing them on a Focus or a Civic for that matter.

13th September 2006, 20:49	#20 (permalink)
WoolyCiv 12th June 2006 1.8EX Rocketship door handle Join Date: 28th May 2006 Location: Lancashire Posts: 1,118 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	As I mentioned in my earlier post, each time this has happened it is with the sun in front of me 1 - 2 hours before dusk. I must also say this happened with my previous car also (Rover 75) so it may be a combination of the time of day and the positioning of the light clusters in relation to each other.