If I remember correctly there are two lights on the underside of the hood, which I assume are for seeing around at night if you had to. Well, mine are burnt out and/or not wired up right now. Are they worth fixing? How bright are they? Can I make them brighter?

Most people unplug them, because they will remain on as long as the hood is open. So, first place to check is make sure yours are still plugged in. Just follow the wires down to the connector.

I really doubt they put out enough light to ever actually do any work in the engine compartment. And the only reason I would ever go to the trouble of making them work again, is if I was doing NCRS shows.

Could be that the fuse has been removed to keep from draining the battery.

See this link for fuse location:

http://www.c4guru.com/modules.php?nam ... file=viewtopic&t=1433

Mine actually had the bulbs removed when I bought the car. I put bulbs in there so I'd have the lights if I ever need them but I leave them unplugged. You should have a two wire weatherpack connector on each side near the bottom of the hood. If they're plugged up, check for power there and if you have it, likely the bulbs are simply burned out or gone. Since it's a closed light, I wouldn't install a higher wattage bulb just to get more light. Mine are actually fairly bright if viewed in darkness and I'd consider them adequate for a few quick checks, were you to need them in a pinch.

I installed two microswitchs next to the light fixture.

Small, neat & very functional when needed.

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Hmm..that's not a bad idea, especially if they're known to cause battery drain.

I just like having everything work on my car

These lights can be usefull under certain conditions. No, they are not bright enough to really do any engine work. But they do help replacing a belt or just checking oil, trans fluid,etc. And also they look good with the glass lens.

I think you can get some LEDs put in there that will be much brighter and more useful then stock AND they wont melt the clear plastic lens.

The lights are very functional in the dark. I got tired of unplugging the lights or pulling the fuse so I installed a SPST switch that coat $1.95 and some heat shrink tubing and electrical tape. I located the switch in front of the hood pin on the driver;s side (see the photo). took about 15 minutes total. I put the switch in series with the fused hot wire so as not to interrupt the factory fusing.


You could also install brighter bulbs but becarefull to not create to much heat as it might cause the glass lenses to shatter.

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Amen. It's also a good idea to bag both ends of each connector when you unplug them to prevent corrosion. When the hood is open the supply side is hot, so the plastic also minimizes the admittedly low possibility of a short.