04 Sierra Running Light Burning Out

hivoltg · June 3, 2009

I have an 04 Sierra 1500 Z71. I have replaced the driver's side running light twice recently. The bulb keeps burning out and I just noticed condensation inside the light housing. What can I do to keep these lights from burning out so often?

This must be a common issue because I see a lot of these trucks running around with only one daytime running light working

Thanks for the help

Volt

bossier62guy · June 3, 2009

I have an 04 Sierra 1500 Z71. I have replaced the driver's side running light twice recently. The bulb keeps burning out and I just noticed condensation inside the light housing. What can I do to keep these lights from burning out so often?

This must be a common issue because I see a lot of these trucks running around with only one daytime running light working

Thanks for the help

Volt

Are the light sockets burned from heat? If so replace them. What bulbs are you running? Should be a 4114LL...

brims · June 3, 2009

Just throw the bulbs away, you're in USA, no need for DRLs.

Gryphon · June 3, 2009

The 4114 bulb is basically a VERY long life 3157 specifically designed to be constantly on in this application. Mine hadn't burnt out (4 years later) but I wanted to replace them with something nicer. When I took the sockets out they were scorched brown. I think GM farked up on estimating the heat generated by these bulbs.

Anyways, I installed these and I'm very happy with them. Gonna get some for the backup lights to match. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE GM DRL SPECIFIC BULBS as they are over-voltage protected (which apparently is a common occurence!) or you will be replacing expensive bulbs often.

http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/Back-Up...0-p5846251.html

hivoltg · June 3, 2009

Thanks guys. I'm running the factory bulbs. Might just unplug the other one. No need for them really

Bmart · June 3, 2009

just a quick question here,

for you guys in the states, do your trucks come with drl anyways? or do those lights come on with your headlights?? or do they just sit there and are never used?

georgecdisc · June 3, 2009

You mentioned condensation. I would try using some electrical grease to keep moisture out of the electrical connection.

bill190 · June 3, 2009

Use a bit of "dielectric grease" in the electrical connections.

Read the instructions which come with the bulb. Some of these say do not touch the bulb with your fingers. Use a paper towel to handle the bulb. (Oil from your fingers can get on the bulb.)

Then get replacement gaskets for a water tight seal or use some sort of sealant, leave the cover off for several hours to let all the moisture dry out.

Other than that, I recently bought 3 replacement dome lights for my car. They were not lasting more than a week or two weeks! I finally got fed up with these poor quality bulbs and bought an LED replacement. Been working fine ever since. Might poke around the internet and see if an LED replacement is available or not???

redvett · June 3, 2009

All GM vehicles have DRL's since 1995.

just a quick question here,

for you guys in the states, do your trucks come with drl anyways? or do those lights come on with your headlights?? or do they just sit there and are never used?

brims · June 3, 2009

All GM vehicles have DRL's since 1995.

just a quick question here,

for you guys in the states, do your trucks come with drl anyways? or do those lights come on with your headlights?? or do they just sit there and are never used?

The GMT900s just use the low beams now, not a dedicated bulb. Past models may be the same.

1 of the main reasons I don't like DRLs is that motorcycles are required by law to have the lights on at all times, turn it on, lights are on. That is a good idea, a motorcycle is smaller and harder to see for some of those moron drivers out there. Then the car companies came along and were like "hell, we'll do that too". Now the motorcycles are screwed. I am interested in motorcycles, but don't yet have one. I just feel it was a stupid move on the part of the car manufacturers.

Stylous · June 3, 2009

just a quick question here,

for you guys in the states, do your trucks come with drl anyways? or do those lights come on with your headlights?? or do they just sit there and are never used?

They stay on until your headlights go on. You can also shut them off by pressing the dome light control 4 times. The factory bulbs suck. Use the LL bulbs and they last much longer. I went orange to match the Vet look.

Stylous · June 3, 2009

I have an 04 Sierra 1500 Z71. I have replaced the driver's side running light twice recently. The bulb keeps burning out and I just noticed condensation inside the light housing. What can I do to keep these lights from burning out so often?

This must be a common issue because I see a lot of these trucks running around with only one daytime running light working

Thanks for the help

Volt

I was getting water inside the housing as well. I just drilled to VERY small holes on the bottom of the housing and haven't had a problem since. The water just bleeds out as I drive and I no longer see condensation in there.

low05crewcab · June 30, 2009

Use the glass ended bulbs instead of the plastic ended ones. Used to replace them every day at the chevy dealer. After that, no problem(unless the connector was too far gone). Give that a shot,hope it helps. ASE certified tech,11 years and counting.