FIX- is your stock mk1/2 interior or trunk light too dim ?

[Baron VonZeppelin]

Mine were about like striking a match in a cave.

They use 5watt bulbs.

Came across some 10watt bulbs today at AdvanceAuto that fit Perfect. The difference is about 5 times more light - almost blinding compared to 5watters. LoL

Well worth the $6 for 2 bulb pack.
And that was with the LongLife upgrade/option.

Sylvania #DE3425 LL   (drop the LL from number for standard issue)

[79rabbit4dr]

it would also be a good idea to voltage drop the bulb socket to see if there is resistance elsewhere in the circuit. you should measure the same voltage at the battery as at the trunk light... so long as there isn't anything else in parallel  SERIES with that bulb circuit.

[DCC]

I bought some led bulbs in DealExtreme. It makes a huge difference. Something like this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/photogallery.dx/sku.5512

[theman53]

it would also be a good idea to voltage drop the bulb socket to see if there is resistance elsewhere in the circuit. you should measure the same voltage at the battery as at the trunk light... so long as there isn't anything else in parallel with that bulb circuit.

Right now Tyler is smiling really big

[burn_your_money]

Right now Tyler is smiling really big

BUSTED.

Parallel won't effect voltage though, only amperage. Series will effect the voltage which will effect the brightness.

I imagine that the bulb will be hotter and you may melt stuff

[79rabbit4dr]

Parallel won't effect voltage [...] Series will effect voltage/brightness.

Thanks for the catch guys, not sure why I brain-farted as the rest of the comment is all about SERIES (high resistance in SERIES with bulb) but such is life, correction made.

Parallel circuits essentially have their own power and ground so they use full battery voltage (minus wire/connector resistance a.k.a voltage drop).

So if you check voltage at the socket and it shows whatever your battery shows (~ 12.6) then you're good. If it's lower than your battery voltage by more than .5V then you've got high resistance somewhere in SERIES with your bulb.

[ToddA1]

The stock bulbs usually melt/distort the plastic base in the Rabbits.  I'm referring to the 82-84 centrally mounted ones.  I went with high power SMD led festoon styles.  It's like stadium lighting in my diesel, with a minuscule amperage draw.

-Todd

[Rabbit on Roids]

my cars have 15watt blue tinted bulbs in the dope lights. they are really REALLY bright. i thought 10watt bulbs were stock. my trunk lights are both very dim tho. probably the old 5watt lights..