C3 Aircross (2020) - replacing the Reversing bulb - DIY

[HarryHedgehog]

I have a 2020 C3 Aircross and I find the reversing light a quite dull.

I want to replace it with a LED equivalent but the hand book states I have to take it to the dealer to get this bulb fitted!
Is that right - I can see it is molded into the bumper?

Has anyone been able to replace the reversing bulb, and if so how and what specific type of bulb does it take?

Many thanks

[Juan Sheet]

I think that's not possible as they look to be LED already. The unit has no replaceable bulbs (none are shown on parts), so looks like the whole module is replaced if it fails and that's a £140. Similarly for the front DRL LEDs - no bulbs are replaceable, it's a complete module.

The issue will likely be that the rear may have a darkened tint to the rear windows and quarter lights, so not much you can do unless you have the reversing camera option. And if you do, cleaning the lens with some warm soapy water can make a huge improvement.

[HarryHedgehog]

Thanks for the reply. I thought I'd check this out further and it looks like the unit isn't LED from what I can tell and takes a P21W bulb.
It looks like it was a bulb unit until at least 07/2021

This is the part number 9820759780 (https://eurowagens.com/reverse-light-le ... rcross-18/)
From the images it looks like a simple twist release on the unit to free the bulb.

Question is - can I get access to it by just reaching underneath - or do I need to remove the bumper?
Has anyone successfully replaced this bulb or for that matter the fog light bulb on the other side?

[Juan Sheet]

I haven't checked mine so couldn't be sure, but there is no procedure for removing these - only as part of the rear bumper removal. You may be able to get in via the rear wheel arch, by removing the wheel and the trim in the arch to get to the back of the bumper area where the rear light housing is, but I can't say for sure and it depends on your model as to whether you will have the access (Adblue tank / fuel tank / spare wheel recess etc. depending on model and equipment).

[HarryHedgehog]

Think I will take a look this weekend - can't be that hard surely.

[HarryHedgehog]

Well for the record you CAN change the reversing bulb on an C3 Aircross (2020) just by reaching under the bumper and unplugging the bulb.
Took me 2 minutes.

A bit fiddly to plug it back in as the bulb holder has 3 gaps for the pins and they are not symmetrical, so the plug only goes in one way round.
A bit tricky as you are doing this by touch only.

Replaced my reversing bulb with a CANBUS 1600lm LED and its like a flood light out the back now!!

[TorbayC3A]

I thought replacing standard lamps with LED was an MOT fail, or is that just headlamps

[Juan Sheet]

Technically yes LED bulbs for Halogen lamps are NOT 'e' approved. The only time I would consider this would be in the above example for reversing where there is a low risk, but never Headlamps, brake lights, tail lights etc. as they can cause dazzling and potentially accidents for which your insurance may be invalid if involved in an accident and it's discovered this was the cause (illegal modification).

[Spaceddoggy]

It's a really poor design by Citroen, the low and inset position on my c3 makes it virtually useless.I have given up using it when I reverse down my long dark drive and have bought a rechargeable 30w magnetic led light from Amazon which I just slap on the boot when I reverse.