# Light for under the hood **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [April 8, 2017, 11:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792 "2017-04-08T23:46:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 11:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/1 "2017-04-08T23:46:24Z")
I would like to add a light under my hood to see better. Can I use a mercury switch, led, and find a 12 volt wire to tap into ? Any other ways ? ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 12:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/2 "2017-04-09T00:21:15Z")
A magnetic flashlight would be better. Fixed lights are never where you need them…i have one that has a bendable shaft with the lamps at one end and the battery pack with magnetic base at the other. No need to wire anything… ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 12:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/3 "2017-04-09T00:36:36Z")
Thanks. What is the model that you have ? ---
**Author:** ![pyrolord314](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/6a8cbe/32.png) [@pyrolord314](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pyrolord314)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 12:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/4 "2017-04-09T00:47:33Z")
I have a flexible one that I like a lot, very bright (no magnet, though, that would be helpful) > **[Stanley SquidBrite Multi-Position Work Light - Walmart.com](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-SquidBrite-Multi-Position-Work-Light/199990580?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=3294&adid=22222222227048616138&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=146904379812&wl4=pla-257760571405&wl5=9006807&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113501474&wl11=online&wl12=199990580&wl13=&veh=sem)** > > Buy Stanley SquidBrite Multi-Position Work Light at Walmart.com ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 1:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/5 "2017-04-09T01:07:52Z")
Thanks. I also found these. I hate when they do not list the lumen output. > **[NEBO BIG Larry 400 Lmn COB LED Magnetic Work Light 6306 w/ 3X EXTRA AA Batteries...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEBO-BIG-Larry-400-Lmn-COB-LED-magnetic-Work-Light-6306-w-3X-EXTRA-AA-Batteries-/141837568264?hash=item21062d8908:g:WaIAAOSwMNxXWHGv)** > > 1x NEBO Big Larry Work Light - BLACK. 3x EXTRA Energizer AA Max Alkaline batteries (3x batteries already included in worklight). The BIG Larry™ knows how to light up a room! The anodized aluminum body and recessed LED housing ensures that the BIG... > **[Under Hood LED Light Kit - Automatic on/off - Universal Fits Any Vehicle White...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/Under-Hood-LED-Light-Kit-Automatic-on-off-Universal-Fits-Any-Vehicle-White-/302106025369?hash=item4656ec1d99:g:GDcAAOxy4~BSSp1P&vxp=mtr)** > > Under Hood LED Light Kit With Automatic on/off Switch. The light illuminates when the hood is opened, and shuts off when closed. 1x hood switch. This kit is a universal application and will fit any make and model vehicle. | eBay! ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 1:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/6 "2017-04-09T01:16:57Z")
No more than I have to look under the hood a small led flashlight with magnetic base is fine and I can stick to the side of vehicle if changing a tire. Besides it will never stay on and run the vehicle battery down. ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 1:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/7 "2017-04-09T01:36:33Z")
That’s a good point. Even though switches are pretty reliable, if it failed then I will be buying a new car battery. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Triedaq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Triedaq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Triedaq)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 2:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/8 "2017-04-09T02:10:07Z")
I hadn’t thought about an under the hood light for years. It used to be an option as part of a light package A friend of my dad bought a new Chevrolet station wagon in 1948. In those days right after WW II, the factory packed all kinds of options on cars because the manufacturers knew they could sell everything they made and installing all kinds of optional accessories meant more profit. I don’t remember seeing an under the hood light since that 1948 Chevy. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/9 "2017-04-09T02:16:29Z")
On some vehicles, there is already an unused connector for the underhood light. I’m thinking of low level or mid level trim lines, for example Several of the vehicles in our fleet have the unused connector, yet no underhood light. It would be fairly easy to just add it. No wiring changes needed I don’t know what vehicle or trim line you have, but I thought I’d mention it ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 2:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/10 "2017-04-09T02:55:20Z")
I have a 2009 CX-7 ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 2:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/11 "2017-04-09T02:56:52Z")
I could use the light because my car is covered parking and it’s real dark under the popped hood. ---
**Author:** ![wolyrobb](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wolyrobb/32/45497_2.png) [@wolyrobb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wolyrobb)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 5:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/12 "2017-04-09T05:46:52Z")
400 lumen and magnetic (one photo shows it on the underside of the hood)available from other stores as well. [http://www.homedepot.com/p/Might-D-Light-10-Watt-400-Lumen-Dark-Gray-Rechargeable-Folding-LED-Work-Light-LED140/205756057?MERCH=REC-](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Might-D-Light-10-Watt-400-Lumen-Dark-Gray-Rechargeable-Folding-LED-Work-Light-LED140/205756057?MERCH=REC-)_-PIPHorizontal1\_rr-_-207179379-_-205756057-_-N ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 1:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/13 "2017-04-09T13:23:13Z")
Thanks and it’s rechargeable. Will check to see if batteries are replaceable. ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/14 "2017-04-09T19:55:28Z")
After investigating the various lights available, I decided to build one from scratch and custom design to meet my needs. I enjoying making things. 🙂 It will probably use led strips. (with from 400 - 1000 lumens) It will use off the shelf NiMh batteries. It will have a hook and STRONG magnets. It will be portable so that if I have a flat at night, I can use the light. ---
**Author:** ![wentwest](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wentwest/32/6073_2.png) [@wentwest](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wentwest)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 9:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/15 "2017-04-09T21:36:07Z")
Try using a head light. It’s an LED lamp that straps around your head and sits on your forehead. They are sold all over the place; some are junk and some are very, very good. Sporting goods stores and camping or hiking stores should be a good source. Finally you don’t have to try holding a flashlight in your mouth, which really never worked. ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 9:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/16 "2017-04-09T21:49:39Z")
Great idea. I will try to find with that is at least 400 lumens. And it’s probably cheaper that the others. ---
**Author:** ![RandomTroll](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/randomtroll/32/12184_2.png) [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 9:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/17 "2017-04-09T21:49:51Z")
I got 2 of these [Portable worklight](http://www.harborfreight.com/27-led-portable-worklight-flashlight-67227.html) from Harbor Freight free (free coupons over the years; I pass by 1 about monthly). I’ve never used the 2nd one as I haven’t broken the first 1 yet. There’s a free-with-purchase coupon now. I’d rather not risk running down my car’s battery too. ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 9:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/18 "2017-04-09T21:54:13Z")
I found this. Sounds like a winner at $10. > **[Rechargeable 5X CREE XM-L T6 LED 35000LM Headlight Travel Head Torch Headlamp US...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/30000-Lumens-Headlamp-CREE-XML-3-x-T6-LED-Headlight-18650-Charger-Batteries-/262845204266?hash=item3d32cb872a:g:mfwAAOSwnHZYbYIQ)** > > 5000 Lm XM-L XML T6 LED Headlamp Headlight flashlight head light lamp 18650. XM-L T6 Headlamp. 1 x XM-L T6 LED Zoomable Headlamp(Battery is not included). Model of LED:XM-L T6. LED Headlamp. Model of LED: 3x XM-L T6. | eBay! I doubt the 30,000 lumen claim. 🙂 But it should be plenty bright. I have a Cree 1000 lumen flashlight for my apt. that is very bright. Li-ion UltraFire 18650 batteries can hold a large charge for a long time. ---
**Author:** ![kurtwm1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/13edae/32.png) [@kurtwm1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kurtwm1)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 4:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/19 "2017-04-10T16:32:16Z")
they already make those…look at Harbor Freight Tools. They have many that might fit your needs in the $20-30 range. ---
**Author:** ![Andy-Ke](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/andy-ke/32/41664_2.png) [@Andy-Ke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Andy-Ke)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792/20 "2017-04-10T17:11:38Z")
Thanks a lot. [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/light-for-under-the-hood/102792.md?page=2)