Foggy Headlamps on your 02-06 Lade? Free fix - Page 3

Mobius · #31 (**permalink**) 11-08-07, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trodder

***** EDIT ********

Nevermind.... I just reread the post where you mentioned where you got them. Anyone know if there are any local part stores that carry them like NAPA, Checker, Bumper to Bumper, Autozone etc...

I doubt you will find them in any local stores. I've run across a few LEDs in parts stores, but they are crappy and barely put out decent light. I wrote a whole thread about the LED's I first tried (Matrix II's) but never got around to updating it when I got the new Lighttowers. There is some VERY important info in there about the problem with GMT-800 truck body DRL voltage issues. Summed up: the output voltage to the DRLs is 14+Vdc instead of 12Vdc. Result is burned out bulbs. If you use LED, they will get fried so you have to insert a resistor in series and chop the voltage back down to 12Vdc. Read the thread and I talk about it. Here's the original thread.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ng-lights.html (Switch to LED Daytime Running Lights)

BTW, the website for the LED's I got is www.autolumination.com, I hope that doesn't count as an advertisement. It's not meant to be. If it get's deleted, PM me and I'll tell you the website.

trodder · #32 (**permalink**) 11-09-07, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mobius

OK, got some pics. Here goes.

First two are befores, then afters. Then a shot of the LED DRL's that I have. I originally had the Matrix II from Autolumination, but they were weak. No where near enough light. I sent them back and replaced them with Lighttowers from Autolumination and they are much better. Sorry for the out of focus, as I mentioned before, my camera did not like trying to focus on these lenses. Enjoy.

Just out of curiosity... how did you get your DTRL on for that pic? I have to be in gear for mine to run after I replaced the bulbs... I replaced them to put the amber Silverstars in since one of the regualr ones was burnt out anyway. But before that I could have swore the DTRL are always on as long as the head lights are not. The only way I was able to look them running was to put it in drive with the parking brake on.

Mobius · #33 (**permalink**) 11-09-07, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trodder

Just out of curiosity... how did you get your DTRL on for that pic? I have to be in gear for mine to run after I replaced the bulbs... I replaced them to put the amber Silverstars in since one of the regualr ones was burnt out anyway. But before that I could have swore the DTRL are always on as long as the head lights are not. The only way I was able to look them running was to put it in drive with the parking brake on.

Cause I'm sneaky! LOL. No it's actually pretty simple, but not something people would normally think to do. Cover the little light sensor dome on your dash with something that will block all light. The truck thinks it's night time. Then unlock you doors with the key fob and the DRL's stay on for a while. That's what I did.

As for the silverstars in DRLs, did you read my LED thread? The Silverstars operate hotter than standard DRLs and will both melt the lamp socket and fog over your lenses over time. The lamp sockets are supposed to be a nice light tan color. Mine are now dark brown/black and distorted from the heat of the Silverstars. Just thought I'd pass that along. LED's don't put off any noticeable heat.

Caddydude420 · #34 (**permalink**) 11-09-07, 07:28 PM

*subscribing for later*

trodder · #35 (**permalink**) 11-12-07, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mobius

As for the silverstars in DRLs, did you read my LED thread? The Silverstars operate hotter than standard DRLs and will both melt the lamp socket and fog over your lenses over time. The lamp sockets are supposed to be a nice light tan color. Mine are now dark brown/black and distorted from the heat of the Silverstars. Just thought I'd pass that along. LED's don't put off any noticeable heat.

Yeah but when I pulled the housings out I noticed with the standard bulb they were getting deformed anyway. I will be ordering LEDS soon though. I just wanted something for now until I got the LEDS since I had the light housing off already to clean them out... plus I already had one DRL out so I needed to replace them right away anyway.

by the way sorry it took me so long but here are pics of my results from washing them out with hot water only. By the way I still have some moisture in my lenses do you guys think it will eventually evaporate out or do you think I need to pull them and put the hair dryer to them or let them sit overnight or something...???

by the way these are the pics of before... but believe me they do not appear as foggy in the pics as they did in real life.

trodder · #36 (**permalink**) 11-12-07, 07:03 PM

Here are the pics of after they had been cleaned. Please disregard the foggy lenses at the bottom and sides... that is the moisture I did not get out before putting them back together. By the way really like the look of the amber silverstars both on and off. When they are off you can see in these pics the multi-color effect it gives.

Mobius · #37 (**permalink**) 11-12-07, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trodder

Here are the pics of after they had been cleaned. Please disregard the foggy lenses at the bottom and sides... that is the moisture I did not get out before putting them back together. By the way really like the look of the amber silverstars both on and off. When they are off you can see in these pics the multi-color effect it gives.

That's almost exaclty the same result I got. So happy that five cents worth of water and soap (in my case) saved me over $600 instead of getting new lenses!

As for the moisture, I'd air them or hair dry them out. There isn't really a good escape route for the water to leave the lense. There are two "vents" but I doubt they do much good really. You've got a little green house in there and the water is just going to keep evaporating and condensing on the lense.

I used a hair dryer on mine and have not seen a single drop of moisture inside the lens. Just my 2 cents.

trodder · #38 (**permalink**) 11-12-07, 11:00 PM

I used a hair dryer on them for a little while but did not have time to go longer... not to mention I thought I had all the moisture out of one of them... but I guess not

JonCR96Z · #39 (**permalink**) 11-13-07, 09:21 PM

yeah, price?

trodder · #40 (**permalink**) 11-14-07, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonCR96Z

yeah, price?

price for what?

JonCR96Z · #41 (**permalink**) 11-16-07, 06:29 PM

oh, i dont know

ml05 · #42 (**permalink**) 10-20-08, 10:51 AM

I would really like to do this to my headlamps on my 03 but I don't have the tools and really wouldn't want to mess anything up and don't want to pay a whole lot for some shop to do this, Is there anyone in Tx near Austin or know someone that might be able to help me out here? I also am scared to let anyone else try on my truck and messing something up themselves. Thanks!

trodder · #43 (**permalink**) 10-20-08, 11:10 AM

you don't have a screwdriver???

It is pretty simple to do... hell my wife could do it in under a half hour.

ml05 · #44 (**permalink**) 10-20-08, 11:54 AM

Yes I do have a screwdriver but I really didn't ask on how long it would take your wife to do this, Im asking for either someone who can help walk me through this process while it is being done. I want to be very cautious since I have never worked under the hood on any car before and yes it may be a "no brainer" to any guy on this forum but I rather take the chance on someone helping before I screw up any small wire or bulb. I wouldn't be asking if I had the help but unfortunately the help I would normally get would be from my father whom is in Iraq. So it would be nice to learn something new so that later down the road if it needs to be done again I wouldn't have to ask.
Thanks
Melissa

g9s8r · #45 (**permalink**) 10-20-08, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ml05

Yes I do have a screwdriver but I really didn't ask on how long it would take your wife to do this, Im asking for either someone who can help walk me through this process while it is being done. I want to be very cautious since I have never worked under the hood on any car before and yes it may be a "no brainer" to any guy on this forum but I rather take the chance on someone helping before I screw up any small wire or bulb. I wouldn't be asking if I had the help but unfortunately the help I would normally get would be from my father whom is in Iraq. So it would be nice to learn something new so that later down the road if it needs to be done again I wouldn't have to ask.
Thanks
Melissa

Wish I could help ya. My buddy lives in Austin and has a body shop in Round Rock. If for some reason you can't find anyone to help you, I can give him a heads up and you can take it out there.