Under Hood Lighting

[ObscureMachine]

I was thinking about adding some lighting in the engine compartment for emergency repairs etc.. GM had a retractable under hood light which seemed cool, but I think I would want more light than that. So now I'm thinking about some kind of switched LED lights.

What do you guys have? Or, what do you think would be cool?

 

[Steve83]

The GM version is totally manual - unlock the bulb, turn the switch on, turn the switch off, crank the reel back in, & lock the bulb.



The Ford/Jeep (ITT) version is totally automatic - tilt switch, spring-loaded latching reel.



Both use a bulb holder with a dome lens & magnetic base. I put the ITT light in Frank's & mine, but they usually need to be rebuilt to clean out the latching mechanism, & coil the spring a little tighter so they go all the way back in. It's pretty easy, as long as you don't let the mile-long spring uncoil.

 

[Ranchtruck]

I like the mecury tilt switches that ford put in 90-94 explorers and 97-newer F-series and expeditions. It's easy to drill a couple holes for it to clip to the hood brace with, and quick to wire. I'm usually only under the hood to check/fill fluids so I don't need a portable light. It's nice to have some light automatically come on when you lift up the hood.

 

[trailpsycho]

I picked up a seemingly new GM style one. Its awesome and probably bright enough for most uses. The cord is long enough to get it to the back of the truck.

 

[ObscureMachine]

Could I use a switch like this? AMAZON.COM

 

[Z Bronco]

I took a light out of an S10 and wired in an on/off switch, works great.

 

[RustyShackelfor]

97-02 escorts had a good bolt on switch for the hood to activate a light. Thats what I am going to use.

 

[73azbronco]

I think a flashlight works great. I've had the underhood things.

 

[sriha]

I have a tap light that has velcro on the back. I put the other side of the velcro under the hood in two spots so I can put the light there if I need it. Never had to use it yet.

 

[Steve83]

I like the mecury tilt switches...

Ford didn't...



And that ITT light has the better mechanical tilt switch, so it does what you're talking about.

Could I use a switch like this?

You could, but a junkyard mech. tilt switch would be cheaper & more reliable. And it won't poison you if it cracks open.