Headlight Illumination Issues

tanner709 · May 13, 2016

I did a quick search that yielded no results...what is the 16 Silverado headlight performance like? Are they LED in models above 1LT ? Any pictures would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Matt

Cvincent · May 19, 2016

has anyone had the TSB done that is supposed to reprogram the computer to send more voltage to the headlights or had the bulbs replaced with the part number in the TSB? And if so, was the results better for either or both??

thanks

Sierra Jon · May 19, 2016

has anyone had the TSB done that is supposed to reprogram the computer to send more voltage to the headlights or had the bulbs replaced with the part number in the TSB? And if so, was the results better for either or both??

thanks

There's a PIT listed in this thread. Go back a few pages and you'll find it. General consensus is that it definitely improved the lighting but not enough to be satisfactory. Also many people (including myself) had the new bulb go out in a matter of months... that's the result of putting higher wattage thorough a bulb - shorter life span.

I went with BPS LED's... They are much better but it's worth getting a clean HID install done. There's another thread here on that.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

SierraRover · May 20, 2016

Agree with Sierra Jon. My estimate is the Vosla bulbs that come with the TSB are about 20% brighter -- it is an improvement -- but it is not much; and it comes with a cost. The cost is, they are only rated to last around 250 hours. At 30 MPH driving average, that is only 7,500 miles... Mine still work -- its been about a year, but I put very low mileage on my truck -- but I am carrying around a set of 9011 65 watt Philips HIR bulbs with the mounting trimmed to fit the 9012 bulb's slot. They are about the same brightness as the Vosla bulbs and should last a bit longer (and they are available through Amazon, eBay, and Home Depot for around $20).

Most of us are unhappy with the 2014-2015 Sierra's headlights. It came home to me again the other night when I was driving in the rain -- I am okay where there are good streetlights and other cars, but blind where the road is dark and wet. So head to the NHTSA web page and file a complaint if you agree these headlights are not what they should be: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

Haus_Z71 · May 25, 2016

I've been to the dealer once and had the different bulb and reprogram done. It was maybe a 10% improvement but like mentioned, far below par.

Lafleur 10 · June 17, 2016

Looking for info...had my crappy headlight bulbs replaced at dealer in my 2014 Sierra....still crap....is there a brighter bulb I can buy and install in the existing housing?

Shredzy · June 18, 2016

Looking for info...had my crappy headlight bulbs replaced at dealer in my 2014 Sierra....still crap....is there a brighter bulb I can buy and install in the existing housing?

Here's one thread with more info on the subject:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/156233-halogen-led-headlight-bulb-upgrades/page-49

SierraRover · June 18, 2016

Looking for info...had my crappy headlight bulbs replaced at dealer in my 2014 Sierra....still crap....is there a brighter bulb I can buy and install in the existing housing?

The options are limited, unless you install a HID system -- which can be expensive and troublesome (many threads and posts on this topic).

For a slight gain, you can try Philips 9011 65 watt HIR bulbs https://www.amazon.com/Philips-9011-Standard-Halogen-Headlight/dp/B00480J5CW but you have to modify the base (e.g., clip tabs) to make them fit the 9012 socket in your 2015/15 Sierra. See http://shnu.us/HIR%20Trimming%20A.htm

I intend to put modified Philips 9011 65 watt HIR bulbs in my 2014 Sierra when the Vosla 9012 55 watt bulbs burn out. The Vosla bulbs have a relatively short expected life span, and are expensive.

My GMC Sierra is superb in all regards except for the headlights! If you read back through this thread, you will see a lot of frustration. If you think yours are unsafe, please file a complaint https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/PCDB-BDPP/fc-cp.aspx?lang=eng with Transport Canada and let them know.

Lafleur 10 · June 18, 2016

The options are limited, unless you install a HID system -- which can be expensive and troublesome (many threads and posts on this topic).

For a slight gain, you can try Philips 9011 65 watt HIR bulbs https://www.amazon.com/Philips-9011-Standard-Halogen-Headlight/dp/B00480J5CW but you have to modify the base (e.g., clip tabs) to make them fit the 9012 socket in your 2015/15 Sierra. See http://shnu.us/HIR%20Trimming%20A.htm

I intend to put modified Philips 9011 65 watt HIR bulbs in my 2014 Sierra when the Vosla 9012 55 watt bulbs burn out. The Vosla bulbs have a relatively short expected life span, and are expensive.

My GMC Sierra is superb in all regards except for the headlights! If you read back through this thread, you will see a lot of frustration. If you think yours are unsafe, please file a complaint https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/PCDB-BDPP/fc-cp.aspx?lang=eng with Transport Canada and let them know.

thanks for the info...I have been talking with GM...there is a lawsuit in California having to do with theses lights, also, a gentleman from Michigan I have been in contact with and he ended up getting GM to replace his headlights with ones from a 2016 model with good results!....I am pushing for that now from GM also...wish me luck!

Beer Belly · June 18, 2016

a gentleman from Michigan I have been in contact with and he ended up getting GM to replace his headlights with ones from a 2016 model with good results!....I am pushing for that now from GM also...wish me luck!

let us know how to get this done.....I think it would be a first.

Lafleur 10 · June 18, 2016

let us know how to get this done.....I think it would be a first.

It has already been done by the gentleman I mentioned....just needed to add a "anti-flicker " harness. I'll update as I get more info

Beer Belly · June 19, 2016

I have been talking with GM...there is a lawsuit in California having to do with theses lights, also, a gentleman from Michigan I have been in contact with and he ended up getting GM to replace his headlights with ones from a 2016 model with good results!....I am pushing for that now from GM also...wish me luck!

It has already been done by the gentleman I mentioned....just needed to add a "anti-flicker " harness. I'll update as I get more info

GM replaced his Headlights with a set from a 2016 ?....GM did this ?....Please keep me in the loop on this one, the Headlights are the only thing I can't stand about my truck....otherwise, the truck is great...so far.

Lafleur 10 · June 19, 2016

GM replaced his Headlights with a set from a 2016 ?....GM did this ?....Please keep me in the loop on this one, the Headlights are the only thing I can't stand about my truck....otherwise, the truck is great...so far.

yes they did.....go to.....http://www.carcomplaints.com/GMC/Sierra_1500/2014/lights/terrible_headlights_poor_visibility.shtml

its comment #66

SierraRover · June 19, 2016

I am going to try again to see if I can get GM to take action -- to install 2016 lights in my truck. That is what the recall should be!

There is a company in California, I think, which offers to do this -- but the cost they charge is in the thousands of dollars. It shouldn't be THAT much.

Lafleur 10 · June 19, 2016

I am going to try again to see if I can get GM to take action -- to install 2016 lights in my truck. That is what the recall should be!

There is a company in California, I think, which offers to do this -- but the cost they charge is in the thousands of dollars. It shouldn't be THAT much.

That is what I am pushing for...I told GM that they already got a lawsuit in California with regards to the poor lighting and that its just an accident waiting to happen.