2003 headlight switch?

1999GMCZ-71 · July 28, 2003

Will the new style headlight switch, that has off, auto, parking lights, headlights posistions work in an older 99-02 new style truck. Just wondering? I know R&D makes a kit to select auto lights for my truck. Has anybody tried the 2003 headlight switch?

gmcjoe · July 28, 2003

Does your truck currently have the auto-feature or are you looking to add it?

I think there is more to it then just the switch, there is a sensor on the dash as well as the wiring...probably some programming as well.

1999GMCZ-71 · July 28, 2003

Does your truck currently have the auto-feature or are you looking to add it?

I think there is more to it then just the switch, there is a sensor on the dash as well as the wiring...probably some programming as well.

yeah it has the auto feature, just wondering if i put the 2003 headlight switch in, i would have the option of turning off the auto lights like the 2003.

gmcjoe · July 28, 2003

Does your truck currently have the auto-feature or are you looking to add it?

I think there is more to it then just the switch, there is a sensor on the dash as well as the wiring...probably some programming as well.

yeah it has the auto feature, just wondering if i put the 2003 headlight switch in, i would have the option of turning off the auto lights like the 2003.

Is your truck new body style 1999? If so, it should have the same features in the headlight knob as the '03 (I think).

If you have an old body style 99 with the automatic DRLs, the new knob won't work...

GDN · July 28, 2003

Does your truck currently have the auto-feature or are you looking to add it?

I think there is more to it then just the switch, there is a sensor on the dash as well as the wiring...probably some programming as well.

yeah it has the auto feature, just wondering if i put the 2003 headlight switch in, i would have the option of turning off the auto lights like the 2003.

Is your truck new body style 1999? If so, it should have the same features in the headlight knob as the '03 (I think).

If you have an old body style 99 with the automatic DRLs, the new knob won't work...

No - they are different - in years before 2003 - you override the headlights by pushing the dome override switch 4 times. The 2003 headlamp knob - has a position you can turn it to the left and it will turn them off or on - it is spring loaded and automatically returns to the auto mode. The funtionality of pressing the override button 4 times would have to be converted into the same funtionality of turning the knob to the left. I'm sure either one of these just sends a command to the computer telling it what to do with the headlights - turn them on or off.

It is a known though that the lights and wiring are very different on the 2003 - so the the command it sends to the computer is probably different than the previous models.

gmcjoe · July 28, 2003

Oooooooh - I didn't know the 03s had that feature I like the covert method on the 99-02 trucks instead

GnatGoSplat · July 28, 2003

I have a 2003 light switch. I wanted to put it in my 99 because I like the black knobs better, and the extra settings and LEDs just looks cool.

Anyway, it will physically fit, but the connector is different. I've compared pinouts and even dissected the switch. If you could get a wiring pigtail and splice it in, the only things that would work are park lights and headlights. The dash lights wouldn't work, because that's BCM controlled in the 03's and controlled directly by the switch in 99-02. The new light switch simply sends a signal to the BCM telling it what the intensity should be, and the BCM controls the indicator lamps directly. The Auto ON/OFF won't work, because it sends a signal to the BCM to turn it on and off. The LEDs won't work either, because they too, are controlled by the BCM.

Plus, the connector from GMPartsDirect with a short length of wiring costs $112+shipping!!! A plastic connector with 6" of wire!!!

1999GMCZ-71 · July 28, 2003

okay well that settles that. Thanks for the info guys, guess i'll go with the R&D unit. That looks pretty good.

AZ-Z71 · July 28, 2003

Is R&D still in business. I have heard from several people on here that they do not get any responce trying to contact them.

GDN · July 30, 2003

... The new light switch simply sends a signal to the BCM telling it what the intensity should be, and the BCM controls the indicator lamps directly...

It is pretty wild on the 2003 - everything just sends a command to the BCM/computer and then the operation is performed. There have been a number of people complain that the High Beam indicator light on the dash is too bright - so now there is a tech bulletin on it - you can go to the dealer - get the computer updated and now the High Beam indicator isn't as bright anymore.

JPickens · July 30, 2003

Nice to know about the TSB on the High Beam indicator - Blasted thing almost blinds me on my morning drive to work.

Gota use the beams to spot the deer. Saw over 10 along side the road this morning - in the middle of Washington DC! Since they qon't let us shoot 'em, I think a traditional Spear hunting season should be opened

dukbludvl · July 31, 2003

R&D was in business 6 months ago -- I think it's just a mom and pop type operation -- part time for the guy. I ordered the headlight and foglight controllers in Jan. It took him a while to send it out, and he never responded to my e-mail I don't think.

GDN · August 1, 2003

R&D was in business 6 months ago -- I think it's just a mom and pop type operation -- part time for the guy. I ordered the headlight and foglight controllers in Jan. It took him a while to send it out, and he never responded to my e-mail I don't think.

I traded my GMC 2000 for a 2003 in April - I really wanted to add the fog light controller. I called R&D - they answered - said it would work on the 2003, so I ordered. Got it about 4 days later - pulled the dash off only to find as many know by now the wiring is very different.

I started calling the first week of May to reach them about a new wiring diagram or to return it and they have been no where to be found since. I think they are gone. I've not heard of anyone ordering and receiving any products from them since that time.

RossT · August 2, 2003

Question about the 20003 light switch. I notice on mine that when I turn it to the left to shut the dirving lights off, the little lite does not lite up, but the driving lights do turn off. When is it suppose to lite up?

LARSONEM · August 4, 2003

I had the R & D Headlight and Fog Light controllers in both my 2001 Tahoe and 2001 Silverado. They worked great and were easy to install. I wanted the same for my 2003 Silverado, but kept reading on this site that they wouldn't work. I have sent many email and online questions to them since March, but not a single response. Too bad, because the products work well on the pre-2003 trucks. I keep visiting their site and looking around here, hoping that they will come up with a solution, but so far no luck.