2016 GMC HEADLIGHTS IN A 2015

1300c · July 8, 2016

Anyone know the ratings of the LED's in the 2016's, like how many lumens?

Just curious as they definitely are so much better than the lights we have in our '14 & 15's.

I'm not sure on lumen output however there are 3 leds in each projector from what I can tell. I know they are made by valeo but finding any additional information has been difficult so far. I'm going to head to my dealer, and see if the module is listed in their parts directory yet.

BoomBoom19 · July 8, 2016

Just out of curiosity has anyone that has updated to aftermarket headlights noticed any difference? I am trying to decide if i want to spend $300-$400 on aftermarket headlights or $800-$1200 on a set of 2016 oem headlights.

Dunc · July 8, 2016

Just out of curiosity has anyone that has updated to aftermarket headlights noticed any difference? I am trying to decide if i want to spend $300-$400 on aftermarket headlights or $800-$1200 on a set of 2016 oem headlights.

When it comes to headlights, OEM is really the only way in my opinion. Whether you're using HIDs or LEDs I wouldn't use anything but OEM. All the proof I need is all the people who have issues with their aftermarket HID/LED setups. Not once has my OEM HID retrofits ever given me hassle. Another benefit is not having to use those silly extended dust caps with aftermarket stuff.

Silvern Sentry · July 9, 2016

Just out of curiosity has anyone that has updated to aftermarket headlights noticed any difference? I am trying to decide if i want to spend $300-$400 on aftermarket headlights or $800-$1200 on a set of 2016 oem headlights.

I answered in your other post in the thread about the class action, yes I have.

When it comes to headlights, OEM is really the only way in my opinion. Whether you're using HIDs or LEDs I wouldn't use anything but OEM. All the proof I need is all the people who have issues with their aftermarket HID/LED setups. Not once has my OEM HID retrofits ever given me hassle. Another benefit is not having to use those silly extended dust caps with aftermarket stuff.

Zero issues with my Spyder Headlights upgraded to Phillips LED headlamps bulbs, I did the projector too for one made for LED lights with the blue/purple hue to it. I love it and way friggin better than OEM, I get compliments on the looks it is unique and I am not even joking when I say the light at night is %200. brighter, pure white. There is no silly extended dust cap it all fit including the LED driver inside the actual Spyder housing There is plenty of room in these when you open it up. So as far as the truck was concerned it is plug and play. I would also say the quality of the plastics and what not also goes to spyder here. When i removed the OEM ones they just felt cheap in comparison and it is literally nothing more than some molded plastic with minimal wiring.

*There are many cheap LED headlights out there. DO NOT use cheap parts. I recommend the Phillips ones at about $200 for the kit.

Silvern Sentry · July 9, 2016

Those with 14/15 Sierras might want to check out this website for retrofitting 2014-2015 headlamp assemblies with OEM 14/15 SLT HID assemblies using a custom wiring harness with OEM connectors to replace the stock headlamps. Expensive, but appears to be on 1/2 price sale and cheaper than dealer parts

http://www.gen5diy.com/GMC/Sierra/Lighting-and-Harnesses2/Headlights/

I used these works with aftermarket too. Worth the $200 IMO and Jarred at GEN5 is a rockstar. Works like a charm 5 min install.

GM said this flat out cannot be done, there is no dealer part to do this. The OEM SLT are only the same halogen bulb as 1SA & SLE the only difference is the DRL LEDS

redwngr · July 9, 2016

Anyone know the ratings of the LED's in the 2016's, like how many lumens?

Just curious as they definitely are so much better than the lights we have in our '14 & 15's.

Don't know the rating, but the LED's are way brighter than the 2015 lights.

(Had a 2015 SLT with the light improvement program before getting the 2016 SLT)

Shredzy · July 9, 2016

I used these works with aftermarket too. Worth the $200 IMO and Jarred at GEN5 is a rockstar. Works like a charm 5 min install.

GM said this flat out cannot be done, there is no dealer part to do this. The OEM SLT are only the same halogen bulb as 1SA & SLE the only difference is the DRL LEDS

If I swap out the headlamp assemblies , going with the oem 2016 LED's. Gen5 has the harness to do that.

Don't know the rating, but the LED's are way brighter than the 2015 lights.

(Had a 2015 SLT with the light improvement program before getting the 2016 SLT)

Light improvement program? Not the pathetic TSB to install Vosla bulbs? This did nothing for my truck.

Drove a '16 SLT on an overnight "demo" from my dealer and agree that the '16 has the lights that should have been on the 2014 & '15 trucks. Whoever at GM designed and gave the "ok" to use the lights they did on the '14 & '15's should be doing something else.

redwngr · July 9, 2016

If I swap out the headlamp assemblies , going with the oem 2016 LED's. Gen5 has the harness to do that.

Light improvement program? Not the pathetic TSB to install Vosla bulbs? This did nothing for my truck.

Drove a '16 SLT on an overnight "demo" from my dealer and agree that the '16 has the lights that should have been on the 2014 & '15 trucks. Whoever at GM designed and gave the "ok" to use the lights they did on the '14 & '15's should be doing something else.

The buls and program made a significant difference on my 2015, but it was still nowhere near as good as the either the 2016 LED's or 2011 I drove previously.

Silvern Sentry · July 10, 2016

The buls and program made a significant difference on my 2015, but it was still nowhere near as good as the either the 2016 LED's or 2011 I drove previously.

2016 are HID, only Denali and All Terrian($500 option) have high energy LED headlamps installed.

Don't know the rating, but the LED's are way brighter than the 2015 lights.

The LED I installed are 2500 lumin each Phillips brand. I compared to a 16 denali and I would say mine were slightly brighter but not much. I tried to ask GM about the specification or even what brand so I could look it up and they said and I quote 'That information is not available to the public at this time' If anyone with 16 AT or Denali is brave enough to pull one out and look I would LOVE to see some pics / info.

1300c · July 10, 2016

2016 are HID, only Denali and All Terrian($500 option) have high energy LED headlamps installed.

The LED I installed are 2500 lumin each Phillips brand. I compared to a 16 denali and I would say mine were slightly brighter but not much. I tried to ask GM about the specification or even what brand so I could look it up and they said and I quote 'That information is not available to the public at this time' If anyone with 16 AT or Denali is brave enough to pull one out and look I would LOVE to see some pics / info.

The only issue I've seen with plug and play led headlight bulbs regardless of the housing they are in is the hotspot. They light up the foreground so much you lose depth of vision compared to hid, or factory led lighting. Even from what I've seen of the new 2 stroke led lights are the same way. Until they make an fxr caliper projector specifically for led lights this design flaw will continue in aftermarket lighting. That said I'm not brave enough to crack mine open to see the module they use inside lol.

Silvern Sentry · July 10, 2016

The only issue I've seen with plug and play led headlight bulbs regardless of the housing they are in is the hotspot. They light up the foreground so much you lose depth of vision compared to hid, or factory led lighting. Even from what I've seen of the new 2 stroke led lights are the same way. Until they make an fxr caliper projector specifically for led lights this design flaw will continue in aftermarket lighting. That said I'm not brave enough to crack mine open to see the module they use inside lol.

No hotspot in mine compared to 16 Denali. They even have the same horizon level and a smooth white light. I used the projector specifically designed for this by Phillips (probably higher quality that the Denali but since GM wont say who makes them who know, all i know is GM sure as shit does not and they come from China/Taiwan). If you think GM knows more about lighting than Phillips then I have a bridge in san francisco to sell you.

That said I'm not brave enough to crack mine open to see the module they use inside lol.

Then maybe do a little research or at least listen to someone that HAS, that stock headlamp housing and halogen bulb cost GM LESS to make than I spent on my lunch yesterday. It is cheap molded plastic with minimal wiring and a cheap ass projector.

1300c · July 10, 2016

No hotspot in mine compared to 16 Denali. They even have the same horizon level and a smooth white light. I used the projector specifically designed for this by Phillips (probably higher quality that the Denali but since GM wont say who makes them who know, all i know is GM sure as shit does not and they come from China/Taiwan). If you think GM knows more about lighting than Phillips then I have a bridge in san francisco to sell you.

Then maybe do a little research or at least listen to someone that HAS, that stock headlamp housing and halogen bulb cost GM LESS to make than I spent on my lunch yesterday. It is cheap molded plastic with minimal wiring and a cheap ass projector.

No need to be so defensive, I wasn't attacking your ego or anything. I had a 15 with factory halogen projectors, and I now have a 16 with factory led projectors. The new led lights are made by valeo just like the 15 halogen, and according to the back of the headlight it says made in Hungary. I've researched what kind they are, and valeo makes a few different led projectors at the moment however they divulge no real information online about them. The parts supervisor at my local dealer, and I are good friends, and we both share an interest in led lighting. As soon as a part diagram breakdown becomes available showing the module I'll share that info. If you beat me to it by all means please share.

My response to you was in reference to the fact that most people want fast and easy which would be plug and play led lights. There are too many posts on this site to mention regarding those types of lights. Those have terrible distribution of light. If you can please share some photos of your lights with the led projectors it could be very helpful to those wanting led without getting a new truck.

Silvern Sentry · July 10, 2016

If you can please share some photos of your lights with the led projectors it could be very helpful to those wanting led without getting a new truck.

Ask and ye shall receive. (These are recorded on a S5 phone at night so kind of shit quality and I would say both are at least 50% brighter than camera shows here). Still shows the focus of the LED projector though hitting just the ground in front of me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnnsAnBd3-c

1300c · July 10, 2016

Ask and ye shall receive. (These are recorded on a S5 phone at night so kind of shit quality and I would say both are at least 50% brighter than camera shows here). Still shows the focus of the LED projector though hitting just the ground in front of me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnnsAnBd3-c

Thank you! I have a Samsung phone too. The only luck I've had with night photos being a little better is in pro mode.

Silvern Sentry · July 10, 2016

Thank you! I have a Samsung phone too. The only luck I've had with night photos being a little better is in pro mode.

Thanks may try that, still not much of a lens there really but what do I know about photography. So far my strategy of getting one of these cute girls I see walking around with $2000 Nikon and stuff to take some pics is not working.

"Hey baby, you want to come for a ride in my truck down a poorly lit road with me at night", Does not seem to illicit a lot of volunteers =D