Under Hood Lights

[TeryT]

I know this is silly, but I'm all jazzed cuz I finally got lights under my hood. I just didn't want to scramble for a flashlight, and trust that the batteries were OK - some dark night out in the boonies, etc.

Had to custom-tailor the two small light brackets, & had to get slightly creative for the switch mounting, but think it turned out well. My wife even liked it!

One would think that this would be a simple off-the-shelf item, but after exhausting all the dealerships & parts stores, I finally figured out something that would work. When I sets me widdle mind to sumptin, I don't give up on it easiwy.

So if anyone's the least bit interested, I'll share details & pix.

Does this count for a bonafide mod? LOL

 

[AZRunner]

It's a good idea. Let's see it.

 

[CopperX]

YEAH...



:worthless

 

[Offroader]

Under Hood lights are for unreliable cars that break up constantly.

Toyotas don't need this.

It's better to have a flashlight to change a flat tire.

 

[TeryT]

Under Hood lights are for unreliable cars that break up constantly.

Toyotas don't need this.

It's better to have a flashlight to change a flat tire.

For instance, can you say "dip stick"? There are a couple of them.

I have flashlights too, and the very reliable kind. However, for flat tires I prefer a florecent light stick with a long cord - very handy for such things.

 

[Offroader]

For instance, can you say "dip stick"? There are a couple of them.

I have flashlights too, and the very reliable kind. However, for flat tires I prefer a florecent light stick with a long cord - very handy for such things.

Checking the dipstick for oil level is not an "emergency in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere", it's more of a preventive inspection that can be done one morning a week.

 

[TeryT]

Checking the dipstick for oil level is not an "emergency in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere", it's more of a preventive inspection that can be done one morning a week.

OK, how about checking a belt that's mysteriously whinning? (flashlight batteries dead) How about pulling a long hill with a heavy trailer & wondering if the tranny fluid is burnt? (flashlight lost) How about the battery cables need checked cuz it won't start. (kids left the flashlight at camp - oh wait a moment - I don't have kids) Etc., etc. But that's just me. No doubt you live in a perfect world, where perfect Toyota's never need looked at. (please tell me how to get there!)

 

[Kmvreter]

...where perfect Toyota's never need looked at. (please tell me how to get there!)

Get there by following the guys in the other thread. Their using the left lane.

Yes, it's a mod (if you have a customized licence plate.) Where are your pics?

 

[Luxury]

I don't know what these other guys are talking about. I think this is a great mod. Sure my Mustang probably wasn't as reliable as my 4runner is, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't have a dam light. I was so surprised it didn't have one, I asked the dealer if mine was missing. GOOD MOD......now lets see some pics!

 

[Offroader]

I don't know what these other guys are talking about. I think this is a great mod. Sure my Mustang probably wasn't as reliable as my 4runner is, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't have a dam light. I was so surprised it didn't have one, I asked the dealer if mine was missing. GOOD MOD......now lets see some pics!

Sadly, only american vehicles come with an underhood light, due to their predictable unreliability.

I remember Renault 5 (Le Car) used to have reversible headlights that could be pointed to the engine bay.

Again, renaults were very unreliable.

 

[Jason B]

Yes! I still don't get it. It's a safety issue, and all cars/trucks should have them.

I added a retractable hood light on mine 4 years ago and it worked out great.

Using the retractable cord lets you put the light/magnet anywhere you need it.

Look for a full write-up on my 4Runner site.

 

[TeryT]

Get there by following the guys in the other thread. Their using the left lane.

Yes, it's a mod (if you have a customized licence plate.) Where are your pics?

Just got back from a camping trip pulling a 24' travel trailer (it did very well)! Will post some pix Monday hopefully.

 

[Thai]

Well, a few months ago, i went to Sharper Image (rip off place) and bought myself a HUMMER flashlight (why did they have to name it after the Hummer H2??!! Damn it!). It is indestructible. Water resistant. No batteries...you just have to shake it up for 30 sec to get 5 min worth of lighting. Bulb is LED...thus, it will last forever. It's not the brightest flashlight but it can be seen 1 miles away.

I think that it costs around $27. You can also buy this over the internet for a bit less.

I also have a tire pressure compressor with a light (with a light bulb). It plugs into the cigarette lighter.

Both of these things are among my recovery tools that i always carry in the car.

 

[TeryT]

PIX

Here's the pix as promised - sorry it took so long, but I be a busy boy.

I found the lights at Checkers (CSK). They are Blazer brand B461. I took the cover off, and drilled out one hole. I mounted two of them to the hood scoop bolts.

The plunger switch is mounted in a hole normally filled with a plastic gromet to hold the black plastic. I took out the gromet, and there was just enough room for the pin when it was depressed by the closing hood. Tightened it down, and the star washer provided made a good ground.

For this, you have to have either a 2 wire light, or a 2 wire switch. I ran the wire along a seam. Also added a small fuse.

Total cost of project under $20 (not counting all the time & gas - LOL)

 

[TeryT]