Daytime Running Lights Out

Burrito · July 11, 2005

Why do I see so many chevy daytime running lights out? Usually just the one on the driver's side but occasionally the passenger. Am I just imagining this or have other's seen this too?

oldwrench · July 11, 2005

have other's seen this too?

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Extremely common. Replacement 3157s are even shorter-lived than the factory 3157KXs. Replace them with LEDs.

2004GMC1500CC · July 11, 2005

have other's seen this too?

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Extremely common. Replacement 3157s are even shorter-lived than the factory 3157KXs. Replace them with LEDs.

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Got a part number and place to buy LED replacements?

MrQuadrasteer · July 11, 2005

Where can ya get the LEDs ??

I just stuck ambers in mine this weekend

Swapped the blinkers, too. The old ones still worked, but the danm yellow plastic wrap or paint or whatever was flaking off

Markeaux · July 11, 2005

ha ... my driver's side amber LL just went out after at least 2yrs so i just replaced them both with stocker white LL's (goin back to stealth mode )

July 12, 2005

I switched mine to amber when I first bought my truck so that I could be a little different. Then everyone started using amber then colors to match the paint. I went back to stock white and I look different than everyone else! Go figure.

bob1527 · July 12, 2005

I switched mine to amber when I first bought my truck so that I could be a little different. Then everyone started using amber then colors to match the paint. I went back to stock white and I look different than everyone else! Go figure.

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i feel ya.

im still with the amber though

sonjaab · July 13, 2005

Burnt out DRLs are common ....................

NOTHING gets officer friendlys quick attention and a ticket at the wrong time !

My trucks DRLs I just pulled the bulbs..................

My Caddy I used info found at http://www.lightsout.org to shut them off!

I LIKE stealth mode driving and using my headlights when

conditionswarrant them......................

Please....NO "DRLs make your vehicle more visible/safe/etc."

flame posts ! I ride a motorcycle EVERYDAY with lights on and

the IDIOTS in cages still can't see ya and run you down if your

not VERY careful!

...........geo

BBSilverado · July 13, 2005

Where can ya get the LEDs ??

https://www.surplusled.com/Merchant2/mercha...egory_Code=_AUT

or

www.ledtronics.com

or

Ebay

oldwrench · July 19, 2005

Sorry about my advice in an earlier post to use LEDs because I figured they'd last longer.

In fact, I've learned that they rarely last very long at all. For some reason "the output on the DRL circuit spikes to very high levels. Please understand this is not a problem with our bulbs, but a design defect from GM. Standard incandescent bulbs don't even last their normal lifespan."

I guess we're just doomed to short bulb life until they can develop a more hardy LED bulb.

GnatGoSplat · July 19, 2005

Where did you get that? DRL output can't possibly spike to any higher than alternator output voltage, which should always be below 14V.

oldwrench · July 19, 2005

The above was a direct quote from Jake York at Velocity LEDs in response to some questions I asked about GM truck DRLs.

If your alternator is working right, you should get 15.4 to 15.6 volts briefly after a hard start or if the battery has been rundown a little (like listening to the sound system or using lights) before the most recent start. Within a minute, the voltage should settle in between 14.2 to 14.7 volts, dependent on ambient temperatures. After several minutes should settle in about 13.5 to 13.8 volts.

He didn't specify whether he meant voltage or current spikes. In any case, apparently the present LEDs are not hardy enough to tolerate these higher voltages.

For incandescents, Sylvania is now recommending 4114K or 4114LL bulbs which are designed to operate at 14.2 volts rather than the 3157K or 3157LL which are designed for 12.8 volts.

willfxp · July 19, 2005

They are cheap and easy to replace, that's why they don't fix it I guess.. heh.

GnatGoSplat · July 19, 2005

If your alternator is working right, you should get 15.4 to 15.6 volts briefly after a hard start or if the battery has been rundown a little (like listening to the sound system or using lights) before the most recent start. Within a minute, the voltage should settle in between 14.2 to 14.7 volts, dependent on ambient temperatures. After several minutes should settle in about 13.5 to 13.8 volts.

He didn't specify whether he meant voltage or current spikes. In any case, apparently the present LEDs are not hardy enough to tolerate these higher voltages.

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That's a higher spike than I thought, but even then, an LED designed to take 50mA with a voltage of 12V would only see 66.6mA with a 16V spike.

It sounds like his LEDs must be running at very close to max possible current, and may possibly even be overdriven.

Maybe Velocity LEDs would fail when used as DRLs, but I really don't think that's true of all LEDs.

Bish · July 19, 2005

I see more on the road with one out than I see with both lit! Agree on the comment about unnecessarily attracting MR Policeman.

I replaced both of mine at 10K with 3157NALL (amber long life) and have yet to replace them again and I'm up to 148K. The film on the bulb is starting to peel so I may just replace them with the same.

I agree with the comment made about them being so cheap and easy to replace, just replace them and don't give them a reason to pull you over.

Just wish I could get the same life out of my Silverstars!!!!!