Questions about headlights.

Omarios · April 8, 2017

Hello there!

I have a 2016 regular cab Sierra, and I just want to know, can I change the current headlights and install a 2015 one? I am a fan of the amber headlights/cab lights combo and sadly the 2016 doesn't have any of it. Installing amber cab lights won't really look right with the new led lights. I have heard that the 2016 lights aren't backwards compatible due to wiring and what not, but what about if I want to install the 2015 headlights on a 2016 truck, will it work? If that is too much to ask, then are there any aftermarket mods that can change the current led lights to amber/orange ones or no?

Thanks in advance!!

Towerhog · April 8, 2017

In a nut shell..... NO. The 16 was the first year of a front end design change. As for aftermarket.. don't know.

Omarios · April 8, 2017

Well that was straight forward lol. But why is it a definite no exactly? I've seen a user on this forum or another one I'm not sure, that installed a 2016's SLT headlights on a 2014 truck.

Sean Neilan · April 8, 2017

The 2016 headlights fit in 2015 no problem, I'm sure the 2015 would fit in the 2016. You'd need to wire it yourself though. However, as the owner of a 2015, let me tell you the 2016 headlights are 100x better than the 2015. I also like the looks of the 2015 better than the 16+, but the '15 lights are HORRIBLE. You can greatly improve them with HID's though if so inclined.

O_J_Simpson · April 8, 2017

In a nut shell..... NO. The 16 was the first year of a front end design change. As for aftermarket.. don't know.

I guess you have missed the pages of posts that people are swapping 2015-2016 parts?

Hello there!

I have a 2016 regular cab Sierra, and I just want to know, can I change the current headlights and install a 2015 one? I am a fan of the amber headlights/cab lights combo and sadly the 2016 doesn't have any of it. Installing amber cab lights won't really look right with the new led lights. I have heard that the 2016 lights aren't backwards compatible due to wiring and what not, but what about if I want to install the 2015 headlights on a 2016 truck, will it work? If that is too much to ask, then are there any aftermarket mods that can change the current led lights to amber/orange ones or no?

Thanks in advance!!

Yes it can be done but you will have to wire it yourself. They will bolt right in.

Omarios · April 8, 2017

What kind of wiring will have to be done? Sorry but I'm not an expert on the technical part. Will it need some SERIOUS work or will it be just a bolt on and an it a bit of wiring??

Omarios · April 8, 2017

The 2016 headlights fit in 2015 no problem, I'm sure the 2015 would fit in the 2016. You'd need to wire it yourself though. However, as the owner of a 2015, let me tell you the 2016 headlights are 100x better than the 2015. I also like the looks of the 2015 better than the 16+, but the '15 lights are HORRIBLE. You can greatly improve them with HID's though if so inclined.

Yea I know my truck's headlights are pretty powerful. When I'm cruising around at night some people tend to get pissed when I haven't done anything wrong.

Sean Neilan · April 8, 2017

What kind of wiring will have to be done? Sorry but I'm not an expert on the technical part. Will it need some SERIOUS work or will it be just a bolt on and an it a bit of wiring??

I know they make wiring harnesses for swapping 2016 into 2015, but I don't think anyone makes the harness for going the other way. If your 2016 had halogens it probably wouldn't be that bad, but if you have LED or HID it will be a project.

Towerhog · April 9, 2017

Well then. I stand corrected. Rewire away.

Edited: I was in the mind set he was talking about a Silverado (since thats what I have). Didn't occur to actually read SIERRA in the post.

Omarios · April 9, 2017

I know they make wiring harnesses for swapping 2016 into 2015, but I don't think anyone makes the harness for going the other way. If your 2016 had halogens it probably wouldn't be that bad, but if you have LED or HID it will be a project.

Well, I guess for the time being I'll leave things as is. Maybe a yellow/orange sticker on the glass would do something. Since it's possible then I might do this, but not now.

Thanks everyone!

Omarios · April 10, 2017

One more question:

Can't I put an orange/yellow LED light instead of the factory bulb? Or does that not make sense?

Currently I'm, thinking on installing Raptor-style amber grille lights (I have a black plasti dip grill so it'll fit the looks) amber DRLs, and cab lights, hook them up to the DRL lights and I guess that would work.

(To anyone wondering why am I doing this on a facelifted vehicle: initially, the truck wasn't mine, I decided to take it from my brother who didn't use it as much).

ChevyRoofer · April 10, 2017

One more question:

Can't I put an orange/yellow LED light instead of the factory bulb? Or does that not make sense?

Currently I'm, thinking on installing Raptor-style amber grille lights (I have a black plasti dip grill so it'll fit the looks) amber DRLs, and cab lights, hook them up to the DRL lights and I guess that would work.

(To anyone wondering why am I doing this on a facelifted vehicle: initially, the truck wasn't mine, I decided to take it from my brother who didn't use it as much).

Should be able to, your turn signal has an incandescent light in it.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/199932-2016-silverado-headlight-swap-question/page-3

gmtech117 · April 10, 2017

I mean I'll take those crappy 2016 headlights off your hands for ya! ?

Omarios · April 10, 2017

Should be able to, your turn signal has an incandescent light in it.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/199932-2016-silverado-headlight-swap-question/page-3

What type of bulb does it use though? Honestly it's pretty frustrating, I can't find any type of blueprints of the lights or it's replacement parts. I went to a local accessories shop however he told that he has cheap Chinese bulbs that are much worse than factory bulbs while another told me that he needs the light'a part number.