Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > General Topics > The Pub

The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 20-04-2016, 08:55 PM   #1
GO FURTHER
Moderator
 
GO FURTHER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7,940
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Fitting New Iridium Plugs & the state of the old ones - (Photo Essay) 
Default Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

I've often wondered, especially in this day and age with all the tech, gadgets and options available in new cars, why car makers don't offer a simple under bonnet engine bay light?

I mean we have courtesy lights in foot wells, the boot, cabin, glove boxes, back seat passenger reading lights, make up lights in sun visors, even under door "puddle lighting" so your shoes don't get wet

So why no engine bay light?

Would be so useful for checking your oil in the dark, roadside breakdowns at night, etc.

I know its not the expense, especially on luxury cars or high end models, as an LED light would cost manufacturers no more than a few bucks.

I know it’s not because of the heat in the engine bay or the chance of the light causing a spark and explosion, etc., because its quite possible to make both heatproof and spark proof lights and casings.

Even buying an aftermarket purpose built flat dome type light with the above criteria, you could install under your bonnet with wiring kit is not readily available at auto shops.

So in your opinion.... Why is this?

In fact, can you name any "production" cars that come with them off the top of your head?
(No googling or cheating)
GO FURTHER is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-04-2016, 08:59 PM   #2
Yellow_Festiva
Where to next??
 
Yellow_Festiva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 8,893
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

We all already carry an engine bay light in our pockets.

I think because most new cars are near bullet proof and 99% of owners don't have a need to open their bonnets.

Actually - come to think of it my own car is 1.5 years old and has near 30k km on it and I have NEVER opened the bonnet.

And it saves the manufacturers many millions of dollars!
__________________
___________________________

I've been around the world a couple of times or maybe more.......
Yellow_Festiva is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
2 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:03 PM   #3
OzJavelin
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
OzJavelin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,633
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Production cars with an engine bay light? Not sure if you mean current or historic .. but my rear engined Corvair has one .. by accident (or design .. not sure). Number plate light is attached to the hood, so works as an engine bay light ..
OzJavelin is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:05 PM   #4
Sabantien
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 924
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

I saw a documentary with some car designers, and they were saying what's only a few cents on a single car adds up to millions overall.

Mechanics have lights.
Anyone willing to work on their own engine i'm guessing also has a light.

Oh. I also noticed the Audi R8 has lights in the engine bay, and a clear lid so you can see the engine. Because why the heck not.
Sabantien is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
2 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:09 PM   #5
Top_Ghia
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,703
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: has been consistently providing good technical advice etc. to AFF members, by having the vast technical knowledge he has with the various Ford products. A valuable AFF member 
Default

Jeep have them.
Top_Ghia is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:11 PM   #6
Jastel
Donating Member
Donating Member1
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,554
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Has much experience with taxis and always jumps on here to explain things simply and help out the new guys in B-series and Contemporary... 
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Most people don't even open bonnets nowadays...and apart from checking that the engine is actually not on fire wouldn't know what to do even if they opened it.
Jastel is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
5 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:13 PM   #7
Captain Stubing
Looking for clues...
Donating Member3
 
Captain Stubing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Morayfield
Posts: 23,606
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

With modern day cars, the manufacturers only want you to check the oil levels, water levels, anything with a yellow handle on it. It might be a hang over from when engines weren't so reliable, when you needed a light under the bonnet to adjust the points, or tinker with the carby.

Nowadays, the average car owner wouldn't know what to fix under the bonnet if the car stopped, and if a component has failed they couldn't see it anyway, so why put a light there?
__________________
2016 Ford Falcon FG/X XR6 Turbo you beaut ute
1985 XR4Ti Sierra - Build Thread
1971 Fairlane 500
and... a collection of Jeep Towpigs
and... two collections of rust and some new plastic bits roughly shaped like an F-Truck
and.... some spare metal bits with holes in them
Captain Stubing is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
2 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:14 PM   #8
GO FURTHER
Moderator
 
GO FURTHER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7,940
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Fitting New Iridium Plugs & the state of the old ones - (Photo Essay) 
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jastel View Post
Most people don't even open bonnets nowadays...and apart from checking that the engine is actually not on fire wouldn't know what to do even if they opened it.
Topping up your windscreen washer reservoir?
Checking oil levels?
Checking fluid levels?
GO FURTHER is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-04-2016, 09:16 PM   #9
Jastel
Donating Member
Donating Member1
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,554
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Has much experience with taxis and always jumps on here to explain things simply and help out the new guys in B-series and Contemporary... 
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

You do this at night often??
Jastel is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
5 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:18 PM   #10
GO FURTHER
Moderator
 
GO FURTHER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7,940
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Fitting New Iridium Plugs & the state of the old ones - (Photo Essay) 
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva View Post
Actually - come to think of it my own car is 1.5 years old and has near 30k km on it and I have NEVER opened the bonnet.
So you've never topped up your windscreen washer reservoir in 1.5 years?
GO FURTHER is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
2 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:26 PM   #11
MrEL
Sick Puppy
 
MrEL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,963
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

My old 1984 Chev Camaro had a factory fitted one.
MrEL is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:38 PM   #12
Sabantien
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 924
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BAXRSIX View Post
So you've never topped up your windscreen washer reservoir in 1.5 years?
My girlfriend doesn't use her windscreen washer, just leaves it dirty until she takes the car for a wash. When the reservoir ran empty (from me using it) she left it empty until the next service. Or until I get sick of the beeping and top it up.

So yes, it's possible...
Sabantien is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
2 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:40 PM   #13
SSVPom
Formally FairmontPom
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 1,126
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

My 1989 mk2 Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.3L had one !
__________________
1998 XH Falcon V8 S Pack, white, couple of dents. Bogan project
2024 Everest Platinum
SSVPom is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:42 PM   #14
Moby Vic
Cynical Idealist
 
Moby Vic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Orlando, FL, USA
Posts: 1,512
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

In the US at least, engine bay lights started disappearing in the early 2000s. Manufacturers started decontenting the extras they didn't think buyers would notice, so they could build the vehicles more cheaply.

Ford stopped painting rear axle housings, too. My '95 Mustang and '01 Crown Vic Police Interceptor both have engine bay lights and black-painted rear axle housings. I think it was '03 when they stopped painting the axle housings, so if you look under one of those cars, it's all rusty and ugly natural metal.
__________________
Your plastic pal who's fun to be with!
Moby Vic is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:45 PM   #15
jmack
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 706
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

my vhsle that i had use to have one.
jmack is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-04-2016, 09:49 PM   #16
Yellow_Festiva
Where to next??
 
Yellow_Festiva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 8,893
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BAXRSIX View Post
So you've never topped up your windscreen washer reservoir in 1.5 years?
Nope! And I wash my screen all the time.

Must have a 10l tank there somewhere
__________________
___________________________

I've been around the world a couple of times or maybe more.......
Yellow_Festiva is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-04-2016, 09:50 PM   #17
vztrt
IWCMOGTVM Club Supporter
 
vztrt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Northern Suburbs Melbourne
Posts: 17,799
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: vztrt is one of the most consistent and respected contributors to AFF, I have found his contributions are most useful to discussion as well as answering members queries. 
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Why? Cause most people wouldnt care if there was one. There is better things to spend r&d dollars on then a light.
__________________
Daniel
vztrt is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:53 PM   #18
GO FURTHER
Moderator
 
GO FURTHER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7,940
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Fitting New Iridium Plugs & the state of the old ones - (Photo Essay) 
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva View Post
Nope! And I wash my screen all the time.

Must have a 10l tank there somewhere
Maybe your washer jets are connected to your petrol tank instead
GO FURTHER is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
2 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:53 PM   #19
Yellow_Festiva
Where to next??
 
Yellow_Festiva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 8,893
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BAXRSIX View Post
Topping up your windscreen washer reservoir?
Checking oil levels?
Checking fluid levels?
Nope.

Nope.

Nope.

The joys of a new car is that if anything did do wrong there are little lights on the dash to tell me.

I park in the same spot and there is no evidence of any leaks.

I have / had older cars and of course the bonnet goes up and down on a very regular basis but not the newer stuff.
__________________
___________________________

I've been around the world a couple of times or maybe more.......
Yellow_Festiva is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
3 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:54 PM   #20
Yellow_Festiva
Where to next??
 
Yellow_Festiva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 8,893
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by BAXRSIX View Post
Maybe your washer jets are connected to your petrol tank instead
Nah - diesel would make a right mess of the screen!
__________________
___________________________

I've been around the world a couple of times or maybe more.......
Yellow_Festiva is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 09:59 PM   #21
mechanic
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Cairns FNQ
Posts: 602
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

They used to and the early Japanese makers provided a 12v lead light in the glove box which plugged into the cig lighter from memory.
mechanic is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 10:05 PM   #22
Windsor220
Now Fordless
 
Windsor220's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Fremantle, WA
Posts: 3,611
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Probably wouldn't be that reliable with the heat inside the engine bay
Windsor220 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 10:19 PM   #23
Pilko FNQ
Regular Member
 
Pilko FNQ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Gladstone
Posts: 255
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Top_Ghia View Post
Jeep have them.
Would get a regular work out me thinks.......
Pilko FNQ is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-04-2016, 10:32 PM   #24
GO FURTHER
Moderator
 
GO FURTHER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7,940
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Fitting New Iridium Plugs & the state of the old ones - (Photo Essay) 
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Windsor220 View Post
Probably wouldn't be that reliable with the heat inside the engine bay
I have a light inside my oven in my Kitchen (as most people do), and my oven can reach temperatures that far exceed my engine bay temperature on a hot day, and I've never had to replace or had a failed oven light
GO FURTHER is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-04-2016, 10:37 PM   #25
STINKY NINJA
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PERTH. WA
Posts: 4,697
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Lol,they don't want you to even open the bonnet,they want you to pay them to when it breaks...
STINKY NINJA is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
3 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 10:39 PM   #26
SumoDog68
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,128
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

One of the reasons is that all the checks (fluids , hoses , leaks etc.) would be expected to be done during a day as preventative maintenance. Installing under bonnet light almost indicates admitting car is unreliable if you need to do work at night on the side of the road.
SumoDog68 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 10:42 PM   #27
GO FURTHER
Moderator
 
GO FURTHER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7,940
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Fitting New Iridium Plugs & the state of the old ones - (Photo Essay) 
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by STINKY NINJA View Post
Lol,they don't want you to even open the bonnet,they want you to pay them to when it breaks...
Most new car owners won't be paying for the first 3 years / 100,000Km under warranty
GO FURTHER is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-04-2016, 10:46 PM   #28
Pedro
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Pedro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Hervey Bay
Posts: 4,198
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmack View Post
my vhsle that i had use to have one.
I hash a vhsle de zame when I leffsh de pub.
Pedro is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
6 users like this post:
Old 20-04-2016, 10:46 PM   #29
arronm
BA/F6 BF/F6 SSV/R TTG
 
arronm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Perth
Posts: 7,251
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

What you can't see won't hurt you.
__________________
BA BF FPV starter button repairs. PM me.


Nizpro equipped and Tuned by the BEST in the west
Xtreme Ford Tuning

479RwKw Fuel limited, more pumps and power too come.

F6#0507 & #0639 Pro racer and Tech expert

NIZPRO modifying falcons like Premcar can only dream of , see VIDEO below.
https://youtu.be/oa4IfguGQ-A
arronm is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-04-2016, 10:55 PM   #30
GO FURTHER
Moderator
 
GO FURTHER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 7,940
Tech Writer: Recognition for the technical writers of AFF - Issue reason: Fitting New Iridium Plugs & the state of the old ones - (Photo Essay) 
Default Re: Why don't most car makers install an engine bay light?

Quote:
Originally Posted by arronm View Post
What you can't see won't hurt you.
Next time the missus asks why my Falcon does not have a light in the vanity mirror on the passenger sun visor like her own car, when doing her make up at night... I'll tell her that
GO FURTHER is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
2 users like this post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 07:28 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL