Clunking Sound When Turning On High Beams

[ScummyBadger]

Hello, I have a 2018 Sierra CC. Has anybody experienced a “clunking” sound when turning on their high beams? I just noticed this today, the sound is coming from inside the housing on both headlights. Any input would be appreciated.

[1SLOW1500]

Hello, I have a 2018 Sierra CC. Has anybody experienced a “clunking” sound when turning on their high beams? I just noticed this today, the sound is coming from inside the housing on both headlights. Any input would be appreciated.

What headlight do you have? Some have a shield that covers most the beam because hid would. Need a. 2nd balst and second bulb for high. Also would. Be slow to power up. There is a little motor that. Moves fast to on cover the bulb.

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[ScummyBadger]

Here is a photo showing the headlight. Its a 2018 GMC Sierra SLT 

[1SLOW1500]

Oh led hmmm wonder if there is a shield. Or cutoff in it. I have same lights but. Never. Looked. If so there are 2 small wires for the motor.

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[damnthetorpedoes]

Those are hid headlights. They have a powered shutter that you are hearing. It allows the beam to change from low to high. 

[1SLOW1500]

Those are hid headlights. They have a powered shutter that you are hearing. It allows the beam to change from low to high. 

Oh your right I saw the projector and thought it was like my Denali. But I see now. Yes hid shutter.

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[damnthetorpedoes]

Just now, 1SLOW1500 said:

Oh your right I saw the projector and thought it was like my Denali. But I see now. Yes hid shutter.

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Yeah, the easiest way to tell is by the turn signal. Incandescent means hid headlights. SLT Premium Plus and Denali get LED turn and headlight (no shutter).  

[ScummyBadger]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. Is there anything that can be done to make the sound go away or do I just get over it? Doesnt really bother me, just curious 

[damnthetorpedoes]

It shouldn't be too loud, do you notice it when you're driving? My truck has LED headlights but I have had other vehicles that use HID's with shutters (Bi-xenon). Since it's a new truck you could test another one next time you are in for service to make sure yours doesn't have an issue. 

Otherwise your options are get over it or upgrade to the LED headlights, but that has a decent price tag attached to it. 

[ScummyBadger]

Its definitely a noticeable thump when I hit the brights. I’ll be by the dealership for an oil change in about an hour, I’ll mess with some others while I’m there. 

[newdude]

Normal.  Its the projector shutter as mentioned.  HID and Halogen high/low headlights use the shutters.  No way to get rid of it really unless you did a Denali LED headlight swap. 

[1SLOW1500]

Normal.  Its the projector shutter as mentioned.  HID and Halogen high/low headlights use the shutters.  No way to get rid of it really unless you did a Denali LED headlight swap. 

Yes other than a. Rewire. But that. Means lights are stuck in high or low. Back in the day we would just run brighter single hid lights and have no high opinion for the customers that didn't want to spend money on dual hid system. And for use hid gm headlights are a lot more money then. A set of hids.

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[ScummyBadger]

Found a couple holdover 2018 SLT’s on the lot this afternoon, both of them made the same sound. Guess I just never noticed it until today. Thanks for all the info guys. 

[Styles_888]

I always wondered what that sound was and had no idea until now, thanks guys !