HID Headlight Quibbles

[Buckshot556]

I noticed two issues with my HID headlights on my 2016 Sierra HD. Wondering if anyone noticed the same and if there is a fix.

 

First, I noticed when driving down dirt roads, the drivers side headlight appears to vibrate considerably. I thought at first it was the front end bouncing, but on closer inspection, the passenger side is holding steady and the driver side is bouncing up and down.  The housing seems solid, I think it's the HID bulb itself vibrating.  I'm worried it will cause premature failure of the headlight.

 

Second, in winter only I've noticed after driving then shutting down the truck that the lower half of my headlight housing fogs up.  Mind you it's cold out so that fog ends up crystallizing. After about 10 mins of driving the fog ends up burning off but I worry if there is moisture trapped in there that it will cause durability issues down the road, probably after warrenty expires!

 

anyone had these issues?  Are these resolvable or will I be wasting my time with the dealer?

 

 

[hiltz]

I have the same problem but both headlights "jiggle" I went to dealer and spoke to GM Canada directly, both had no resolve. dealer said "problem could not be duplicated to diagnose" and GM Canada said to try and get video evidence and show dealer... now with the fogging, dealer also said its normal and nothing they will do. So I picked up some moisture absorbing packets, took the bulbs out dropped a few in and re-installed bulbs. No fogging anymore.

 

Hope it helps...

Damon

[Buckshot556]

Were the headlights difficult to open?  I have a dual battery and looks to be kind of a pain in the ass. But willing to do it an check out the jiggle while I'm in there.   My friend posted pics of her new Colorado on Facebook and her headlights were fogged up slightly as well.  I'm guessing the manufacturer is in a humid country.  Really embarrasing to me.

[SierraHD17]

Your headlights like any other projector have a mechanical shutter that opens and closes to partially block the bulb and give you a cut off line.  That's what you are seeing jiggle or move when hit something rough.  My 2017 does it too if I hit washboard or whatever.  Hell I can make my 2014 Impala's shutters jiggle if I hit a rough enough spot.  

 

Both my previous 2013 F150's did it too with Ford's oem projectors.  You drive a rough riding 3/4 ton so something is going to give.  

 

Yes one doesn't do it as much as the other and I get that but it's luck of the draw... my drivers jiggles more than the passenger side.  

 

The fogging is something separate though and you shouldn't be dealing with that but then pulling the bulb and leaving the truck somewhere warm would dry them out quickly.  I have done it with my Impala because of my aftermarket HID setup.  Even just removing the rear cover and leaving the bulb alone should do the trick.

 

To get to the bulb it is just a twist to open circular plastic rear cover.  

[newdude]

On ‎12‎/‎30‎/‎2017 at 8:24 PM, Buckshot556 said:

I noticed two issues with my HID headlights on my 2016 Sierra HD. Wondering if anyone noticed the same and if there is a fix.

 

First, I noticed when driving down dirt roads, the drivers side headlight appears to vibrate considerably. I thought at first it was the front end bouncing, but on closer inspection, the passenger side is holding steady and the driver side is bouncing up and down.  The housing seems solid, I think it's the HID bulb itself vibrating.  I'm worried it will cause premature failure of the headlight.

 

Second, in winter only I've noticed after driving then shutting down the truck that the lower half of my headlight housing fogs up.  Mind you it's cold out so that fog ends up crystallizing. After about 10 mins of driving the fog ends up burning off but I worry if there is moisture trapped in there that it will cause durability issues down the road, probably after warrenty expires!

 

anyone had these issues?  Are these resolvable or will I be wasting my time with the dealer?

 

 

 

On ‎12‎/‎31‎/‎2017 at 1:23 PM, hiltz said:

I have the same problem but both headlights "jiggle" I went to dealer and spoke to GM Canada directly, both had no resolve. dealer said "problem could not be duplicated to diagnose" and GM Canada said to try and get video evidence and show dealer... now with the fogging, dealer also said its normal and nothing they will do. So I picked up some moisture absorbing packets, took the bulbs out dropped a few in and re-installed bulbs. No fogging anymore.

 

Hope it helps...

Damon

 

You guys ready for this?  Hot off the GM press:

 

Quote

 

#18-NA-001: Information On Headlamp Shakes or Flickers

 

2015-2018 Silverado/Sierra Models

 

Condition:  Some customers may comment that the headlamp shakes or flickers at night over bumps.

 

Information: 

 

HID headlamps do not have filaments like traditional bulbs. Instead, high-voltage is used in order to create an arc between electrodes in the arc tube (bulb). On HD trucks, when driven on dirt roads or rough pavement, the impact of road irregularities changes the position of the arc inside the capsule located in the light housing. This causes the arc to move on the electrode changing the position within the capsule (bulb) body and the relationship between the arc, the reflector, and the lens of the lamp.

This condition may be more noticeable on HD trucks, due to the stiffer suspension.

 

The vehicle should be compared to a known good vehicle:

• If they are the same, Do Not replace the headlamp assemblies, bulbs, or any other component of the headlamp system for this condition. The light has not failed, it has no effect on the longevity of the system, there is no safety issue and only occurs at the edge of the pattern on rough road surfaces.
• If the vehicle in question is notably worse than a comparable unit, the vehicle should be inspected for anything that might cause the lamp housing to be unstable and repairs should be made to correct that condition only.

 

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