rotatorsrus

Fellow wagoners: The liftgate light cluster has a blank for what is likely a rear fog light in other markets. With the onset of inclement weather and reduced visibility, there's a way to implement a "rear fog light" on the wagon without re-wiring anything.

The taillight is the typical 168 bulb, rated at ~5W; it's noticeably dimmer than the stop/tail in the main cluster. Just need to get something brighter in there to simulate a rear fog light. It can be replaced with either a 168 Xenon or 9xx type bulb.

The 168X bulb requires a little homework to track down. For something off the shelf, go for the 9xx type bulb; it's a larger bulb but fits in the socket. I plugged in a 906 bulb, rated at ~11W @ 13.5V... translated into a 12V system, that's ~10W of output. The cluster is definitely brighter when on, without being the full brightness of a brakelight (slightly brighter than the tail light, but definitely brighter than the 168 bulb).

If you're a student of the "more wattage is better" school, you can go with the 922/923/925 bulbs. These are rated higher than the 906. Due to different testing standards, the rated wattage of the 9xx type bulbs are all over the place. Convert to 12V to get the approximate wattage in the light cluster; 12V output = Rated Wattage divided by (rated Voltage/12V).

Presto, swap the bulb and mimic the effect. Obviously, this "mod" only works if your lights are on. Stay visible!

PPower

So if the weather sucks, go plug in the bulb to be a rear fog light and pull it back out when weather gets better?I wouldn't want to drive around with a rear foglight on all the (night)time. Interesting to know that it works and what bulb to use.

achebee4you

So is the rear visisbilty that much more limited compared to the sedan I want to get the wagon for my wife but she's horribly with blind spots very accident prone maybe the wagon might not be the better option in my case? What is you're experience?

spg900ny

@achebee4you: I think the topic is a little misleading.

@rotatorsrus is saying this mod is to help OTHER people see YOU -- so you won't be rear ended in the fog or inclement weather, not to help YOU see OUT of the car (which is what I thought it was about too when I clicked on the topic).

Coming from a Saab 9-5 wagon, which has excellent visibility from the driver's position (I'd give it a 9 out of 10), I'd say the Acura TSX Wagon isn't that much worse. Maybe a 7 or 8 out of 10. No worse than the sedan as far as I can tell (only drove one, as a loaner for a day).

I seem to recall seeing a scale somewhere that showed relative outward visibility based on driving position, window height, etc. of new cars. Can't find it now, but if I do I'll edit this post. Wonder how the TSX stacks up...

Update: Well, the Accord is one of the best per Consumer Reports, so the TSX can't be far behind:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...lity/index.htm

Ken1997TL

Visibility is excellent in the wagon and stands head and shoulders above other vehicles.

rotatorsrus

@achebee4you - Visibility from the drivers seat is generally fine. My experience: Not having spent much driving time in a wagon/SUV, there was an adjustment with the wagon. The wagon/SUV body provides a slightly narrower field of vision out the back glass; it's like a tunnel effect. This is b/c the wagon glass is ~2-3' further from where the glass would be on a sedan/coupe; the additional roof length and D pillar contribute to the effect.

This is completely YMMV. You're gonna do this any way, eliminate the uncertainty and have everyone driving the car sit in the drivers seat to evaluate. HTH.

@spg900ny - Thanks for the clarification.

@ppower - Not implying the bulbs should be swapped with the weather; although it wouldn't be that difficult. The panel/bulb are easy to access. If you want to set it and forget it, the 906 option will give similar brightness as the tail light but nowhere as bright as a rear fog lamp. Worse case, it's a $5 experiment.