Day Time Running Lights - Excessive Failure Rates Options

[KeithO]

I have had to replace my right-front DRL 4 times this year on my 97 WS6. The socket looks like it's getting too hot. Everytime it burns out, the turn signal doesn't work. Is there a higher-than-stock-spec bulb that I can put in there? Right now, I just keep spares in the console and replace as needed. I can do it quickly but this is getting ridiculous.

[John_D.]

I disabled mine on my 98 Camaro. There was a pin on the bcm that once grounded, disabled them.

I also swapped to Silverstars at the same time, but I don't think that in itself did anything.

[Ojustracing]

Keith what number Bulb are you replacing it with. Gm does have a more robist DRL bulb they come up with namely the chevy Pu I would asume it the same. I've had failure of the sockets on other gm cars. You say the socket looks like it is getting hot. Is it discolored and Melted a bit?

John

[GlennCMC70]

in my Camaro, the lens kept getting water in it. the sloshing water would break the bulb. i drilled a smalldrain hole on the bottom of the housing and it seems to have fixed the issue.

[bsim]

Mine are fine (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/nutkick.gif)

(IMG:http://www.bsimconsulting.com/midohio/2007/images/07mo3360.jpg)

[Ojustracing]

Mine are fine (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/nutkick.gif)

(IMG:http://www.bsimconsulting.com/midohio/2007/images/07mo3360.jpg)

So Brad is that to show all the guy you are coming up from behind..... Isnt that what Flash to pass is for LOL

John

[KeithO]

Keith what number Bulb are you replacing it with. Gm does have a more robist DRL bulb they come up with namely the chevy Pu I would asume it the same. I've had failure of the sockets on other gm cars. You say the socket looks like it is getting hot. Is it discolored and Melted a bit?

John

I don't have access to the car at the moment and the replacement bulbs are in the console. I do know that they are produced by Sylvania and use red lettering on the bubble-pack style packaging.

Yes, the socket is discolored and melted. Usually the glass surrounding the element is brittle and it's 50/50 whether or not I can get it out without breaking the glass.

Disabling the DRL's sounds like a winner to me. I never liked them that much anyway.

...my 95 Formula doesn't have this problem...

This post has been edited by KeithO: Nov 5 2007, 10:36 AM

[zlexiss]

After going through 3 bulbs in two weeks during monsoons a couple years ago, I replaced both sockets and lamps and did the !DRL mod at the same time. No problems since.

I just think that the lamp volume is too small for the wattage of the lamps in there. Especially the amber lamps which have more heat at the bulb than using a clear bulb with an amber lamp lens.

[CrashTestDummy]

Same problem with our '02 GMC 2500HD. Driver's side DRL went out (the usual one, although our truck supposedly had the upgraded bulbs). Pulled the socket out of the housing and the whole thing is black. Broke part of it trying to pull the bulb out. I was _really_ afraid I was going to break the bulb pulling it, I was using so much force. It is supposed to just pull out. Got it changed. I'd like to replace the socket.

The problem is probably the problem with most of the light harness, the wires are too small, causing too much resistance and making too much heat. It doesn't help that the things are on all the time. If I find another socket, I may try bigger wires to see if that doesn't help the situation.

Yeah, DRLs are pretty stupid, now that everyone runs them (except the cops). But I'd still like to run with them, given the 'bright flashy thing distracts me' mentality of most of today's drivers. Maybe one little light will prevent me getting balled up by Soccer Mom™ in her lifted diesel Excursion while she is yaking on the phone putting makeup on, running through that intersection. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

This post has been edited by CrashTestDummy: Nov 7 2007, 03:48 PM