R&D Head Light Controller

kgornek · June 25, 2003

I know some of you run this controller and I wanted to ask a few quick questions.

I have always thought that it was too much of a pull (amperage) on the type wire and/or circuit that GM might of installed. Also, I would be concerned with the heat with the combined low and highs on at the same time. Also, I'm running the Silverstar's and I heard that these bulbs created more heat than the stock bulbs.

Why doesn't GM, or any other automaker just leave the highs on with the low beams for the added light? Or is it a legal thing maybe?

Can anyone confirm of deny these thoughts?

Victory Red · June 25, 2003

I don't know what the problem is. They used to have four lights on cars for years, and both came on when you click on the high beams. My 85 El Camino did it, and my 82 GMC truck did it. I don't think heat is a problem. Although with those lights you installed it might be over time. I drove my '01 Z71 for almost two years with the R&D controller, and no heat or wiring problems with the four lights on. I drove my new truck at night for the first time and was amazed at how crappy the single high beams were. I haven't hooked up my R&D unit to the new truck yet, but I am now!

That is if I can ever get them to answer my email. Does anyone know if the R&D controller wires up the same in the 03 trucks as it did in the 01's?? I can't get anybody at R&D to answer me. I'm not wasting money calling them just yet. They don't have an 800 number.

Worktruck · June 25, 2003

I know the 03's are not the same as the 01's but not sure what the difference is. If you did a search for that here I'm sure you'd find some more info. I have the controller in my 02 ( not the same as 03's either) and had a wierd problem the other nite. Had all the lights on and I shifted from drive to park and the lights went out, than back to drive and the lights would not come on even with the light switch (auto headlights). Finally I shut off the high beams and turned them back on and they all came back on. Huh

lrymal · June 25, 2003

Guys, for the '03s, do a search for DIODE and spend some time reading the messages about the four light thing. Should be a lot of messages and there is one in particular complete with a photo of a five minute modification with the diode between the low beam and high beam relay. It is THIS board where I learned to do mine.

I did this several months ago on my '03 and was shocked just how much brighter things are. The high beams do a great job of reaching out and touching distance objects, and you have the low beam for close up illumination.

Some argue that some voltage is pulled from the low beam and it dims slightly with the modification, but I think, mind you---think, that I sorta disagree. Before I made my rewire job for this permanent, I would connect and disconnect the "diode-wire" and watch the illumination. I couldn't see any difference. If there is a difference, it is very slight.

Others have talked about rigging up a relay, and others refer to a kit that beefs up the wiring. Anyway do some searching for R&D, and also diode on this board. You'll find ample instructions.

GDN · June 25, 2003

I think R&D is gone.

I've not ever used the controller to keep high and low beams on, but on my 2000 I had the controller to turn fog lights on when the headlights came on- I really liked it. The week I bought the 2003 (April 30 week) I called them and they answered and said yes - all the products work on the 2003. So I ordered a new foglight controller.

When I went to install it, it doesn't take long to realize all the wiring harnesses are different on the 2003 and the same devices don't work.

Since the week after I got my truck - they've not answered the phone or retured email. They had some great products, but obviously a mom and pop shop - and now appears not to support their customers and are gone. I'd love to see them come back - but I haven't heard from them after many attempts.

For the person that wouldn't call because of the toll - they do have a toll free number, been on the web page since I've been trying to contact them. From the main page, click on comments - down on the lower left. It is (877)865-4450.

If anyone should hear from them - let us know.

Tucson_02Silverado · June 25, 2003

Painless Wiring has had the kits for the 88-98-Classic and the 99-02 with an announce 03 kit. Look under Headlight Relays and accessories. Summit Racing carries Painless.