how many reversing/fog lights have you got ?

**jcb** · 04-06-2008,05:36 PM

i have a new shap A6 on and 04 plate . its the 3.2 quattro with LED rear brake lights and xenons. i noticed that i only have one reversing light and one rear fog light (the corresponding light in the cluster on the other side is a simply a blank). i saw and 06 plate A6 reversing into a parking space the other day and noticed it has two reversing lights. how many have you got ? is it possible to add the second light (ie is the wiring there, will i need a complete new clsuter ?)

**Niall76** · 04-06-2008,06:15 PM

Why? You have what is needed - don't bother with the hassle and get out there and drive.

**jcb** · 05-06-2008,11:33 PM

i feel safer with two. its sometimes difficult to see one reversing light if the car is at and angle. Also on my old A6 the rev lights are really bright and actually illuminate my drive when i reverse onto it. the new one doesnt. plus it doesnt seem like progress - its a retrograde step !!

**Niall76** · 06-06-2008,07:42 AM

I see your point. Maybe try brighter bulbs?

I suspect putting in the other unit could get expensive....

**gazza57** · 06-06-2008,11:07 AM

Originally Posted by jcb

i have a new shap A6 on and 04 plate . its the 3.2 quattro with LED rear brake lights and xenons. i noticed that i only have one reversing light and one rear fog light (the corresponding light in the cluster on the other side is a simply a blank). i saw and 06 plate A6 reversing into a parking space the other day and noticed it has two reversing lights. how many have you got ? is it possible to add the second light (ie is the wiring there, will i need a complete new clsuter ?)

JCB,
This is some thing which has been on VW's for years and as you say, fog lights and reversing lights used to be installed in pairs.
I enquired about doing this and apparently the rationale behind fixing only one fog light is one of asymmetry, tests prove that a driver behind you is more likely to see just one light because of the imbalance between left and right, something which obviously one does not get with brake lights.
It all seems a bit tenuous as far as I can see, seems more like an excuse to cut costs and fit one fog lamp, makes complete sense therefore to fit one reversing lamp in the unused left hand cluster and you've saved all round!
Perhaps I'm a bit cynical!
Trying to modify what you've got is too fraught with difficulties, not one Audi loom is even similar to the next, believe me I tried it!
Gazza57

**jcb** · 06-06-2008,11:14 AM

the silly think is the light clusters are symettrical from the outside - the corresponding "light" on the other side is simply a dummy with no bulb/wiring. Putting two reversing lights in would be very easy (at time of manufacture) . i think its a safety issue only having one as from certain angles people cant tell you are in reverse !! i wish accountants woudl stop desigining cars and leave it to designers. i also notice the red light on the inside of the drivers door has been down graded to a reflector as well. cheap skates !!! and to think my car would have cost someone over £35k new !!!

**paul b** · 06-06-2008,11:53 PM

This seems strange, my A6 DOES have 2 reversing lights, but as you all say only 1 rear fog light.

I thought about the possibility of putting in the second rear fog light, but after all, how often is it really that foggy?

Paul