My car is a 2020 Ford Focus Active.

The reversing light is hopeless so

1. Is there an upgrade to the standard LED reverse light or ..

2. Can  I tap into the existing loom and fit an extra light without canbus errors.

3. How do I remove the panel surrounding the boot catch so I can see where to drill safely for the new light.

Many thanks for any replies

5 hours ago, IgottaFord said:

1. Is there an upgrade to the standard LED reverse light or ..

Not really. You could buy a new driver side rear light for a LHD car and replace your light so you have two reverse lights. of course you would then need to fit a separate rear fog light, perhaps just under the edge of the rear bumper.

5 hours ago, IgottaFord said:

2. Can  I tap into the existing loom and fit an extra light without canbus errors.

You can't directly wire any additional lights to the reverse light circuit because the BCM will detect the extra current and think it is a fault. You could connect a 12V relay (coil) to the reverse light circuit as the current draw is so very small that the BCM wouldn't detect it. The power you would then need for the new light could be taken off the constant live supply to the rear wiper motor and feed it via the relay contacts.

5 hours ago, IgottaFord said:

3. How do I remove the panel surrounding the boot catch so I can see where to drill safely for the new light.

Remove the plastic handles on the inside of the tailgate and then it's just a matter of pulling the plastic panel off. Personally I'd advise against drilling holes in the bodywork. LED lights that can be stuck on the bottom of the bumper are probably a better option. @StephenFord might post a picture of his extra reverse light just to give you some ideas.

6 minutes ago, unofix said:

Remove the plastic handles on the inside of the tailgate and then it's just a matter of pulling the plastic panel off. Personally I'd advise against drilling holes in the bodywork. LED lights that can be stuck on the bottom of the bumper are probably a better option. @StephenFord might post a picture of his extra reverse light just to give you some ideas.

You mean this?

Apoolgies for the late return - endured a quick trip to A&E this week with a broken nose 

I'll look into sticking a light on. Presumably the wiring harness is accesible underneth the vehicle?

2 minutes ago, IgottaFord said:

I'll look into sticking a light on. Presumably the wiring harness is accesible underneth the vehicle?

On mine, really accessible, on removing the reverse lamp for bulb replacement, the harness is easy to get at. I'm sure your newer car can't be that much more difficult?

Isn't the Mk4 reverse light part of the cluster?  Will need to access the loom inside the hatch area.

Yes all the wiring is inside the boot.

Just to add a bit of excitement, Ford have made all of the wires black with identification only at the start and end of each wire. Of course the LHD models get a full glorious Technicolor harness 🙄

Perhaps because the Europeans aren't as smart ? 🤣🤣