Daytime Running Lamp Issues! Help?
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Daytime Running Lamp Issues! Help? I have a 99' Trans Am and my daytime running lamp/parking lights keep burning out. They burn out so much and I make sure they are sealed but they keep burning out. What should I do to fix my problem? Someone please help!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
The most common cause of DRLs burning out is water in the housing. If you have sealed the housing you may also have a problem with too much heat build up. Make sure the vent on the back of the housing at the top isn't blocked so that some air can get in. Also, check the sockets - corrosion caused by earlier water problems can shorten the life of the bulbs.
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
The most common cause of DRLs burning out is water in the housing. If you have sealed the housing you may also have a problem with too much heat build up. Make sure the vent on the back of the housing at the top isn't blocked so that some air can get in. Also, check the sockets - corrosion caused by earlier water problems can shorten the life of the bulbs.
So there should be a hole in the top to let out hot air? Anyone have a picture of the housing taken out? I am really lost here.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
The dielectric grease (goo crap) is designed to prevent corrosion by keeping water out of connections. It won't fix existing corrosion - you have to get new sockets for that (although sometimes the contacts can be cleaned if they're not too bad). Don't get sockets from the dealer - they want way too much for them. You can get generic GM pigtails at your locval auto parts store for just a few dollars.
If you look at the back of the housing (the gray plastic area) you will see a square protrusion near the top with a small hole in it. That hole is located so that water won't get in but air can.
I had to buy new housings for both sides because the lenses were cracked and letting water in. Fortunately, they only cost about $25 each. You'd be amazed at how much brighter the DRLs and turn signals are after replacing the housings. I hadn't noticed how cloudy the lenses had become.
If you look at the back of the housing (the gray plastic area) you will see a square protrusion near the top with a small hole in it. That hole is located so that water won't get in but air can.
I had to buy new housings for both sides because the lenses were cracked and letting water in. Fortunately, they only cost about $25 each. You'd be amazed at how much brighter the DRLs and turn signals are after replacing the housings. I hadn't noticed how cloudy the lenses had become.
