Electrical gremlin in the Daylight Running Lights

[Paul Douglas]

The "daylight running lights/turn signal" on the right front of my 2002 Coupe worked fine for 3 1/2 years and then the right one burned out. Thought no big deal. Went to the parts house and got the correct Sylvania bulb. When I installed it, I found that the original bulb had a hole broken in the nose of it.

New bulb worked for one month, then it went out. It had a hole in the front also.

Replaced it, and it lasted two weeks. When I replaced this one, I wore surgical gloves, used dielectric grease in the socket, and it lasted a week, same type of hole.

I have noticed that the light tan socket/connector is slightly burned (or overheated) looking. My Chevrolet dealer has no idea what could be causing this problem. Was suggested by them that I drive it too much, which makes the light stay on too long, and it burns out.

I know there has to be a simple answer that one of you techy people will know. I need help. Thanks.

 

[LLC5]

Can you show pictures of the bulb and socket? Sounds like the socket pin wire conn's are loose and are creating heat in the socket. Replacing the socket and installing a new bulb (don't touch the bulb with your fingers) should fix it. Check your lens and light assembly for any cracks that can let moisture in and damage the bulb.

 

[Ghost]

Driving too much? That seems to be a moronic answer, eh? I'm not a real tech guy, but perhaps excess vibration is causing that side to fail? I'd try it again, make sure everything is snug and secure, make sure the bulb is clean when installed. I'd also change out the fuse for the DRL's too, just for insurance. If its just the right side, then you're not driving the car too much. something else is causing the bulb to fail. Perhaps a bad relay could cause the bulb failure?

If you look at the filament of the bulb under a magnifying glass, do the broken ends of the filament have a little ball shape blob? This is usually what the filament looks like if it breaks while illuminated. If the bulb is breaking with it not powered up, the ends won't have that little blob...

Not much help, I know. good luck...

 

[Patrick]

Paul,
Since you created two threads on the same subject, I'm going to merge these together into the thread you created in the C5 Technical Forum.


-Patrick

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Make sure you use the correct KRYPTON bulb, otherwise it will NOT last.
Designation is 3157NAK, the NA is for the orange tint and the K is for the Krypton design.
You will always see a little browning around the socket, as long as the terminals are NOT burned, your just fine.
Allthebest, :bang

 

[Paul Douglas]

Gremlins in the Electronics

Thank you C4C5 Specialist. You may have solved my problem. I had been getting my bulbs (3157NALL) through the auto parts house. They don't show the NAK bulb that you spoke of.

So I went to another Chevy Dealership and they knew what the problem was, and had what I needed. They gave me a 4157NAK, which according to them is what replaced the 3157NAK. Bulb was $8.97, but if it keeps me from changing bulbs twice a month----is a bargain.

Thanks again all of you for your help.

Paul

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Yes, Im sorry I forgot the replacement part number.
Please keep us posted on your condition.

 

[Paul Douglas]

Only Thought I had it solved.

So I went to another Chevy Dealership and they knew what the problem was, and had what I needed. They sold me a single 4157NAK, which according to them is what replaced the 3157NAK. Bulb charge was $8.97. So I installed it thinking that my problems were over.
Then I looked at the wedge base of the old bulb that I took out, and it was stamped 4157NAK. That bulb came from a two bulb package labeled 4157NALL(cost $5.60 for two)that I bought at Auto Zone. So I looked carefully at the other two bulbs that were burned out prior, and they were all stamped 4157NAK that had come from NALL packaging. So I have been using the correct bulb all along?

There are no holes or leaks in the light housing on the car, so it is not getting wet. I know there has to be a simple answer.

Paul Douglas

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
So my next question, is it always the same side that is burning out??
Allthebest:bang

 

[Paul Douglas]

Electrical Gremlin

Yes it is always the right side. I know that it is probably not the fault of the bulbs, as it worked fine for almost four years. But I'm darned if I, or anyone else has a good idea what is causing it.

Because the lamp housing is sealed, with the exception of two holes coming in from the bottom. This is where the bulb in question, and a side marker lamp plug in. This whole assembly is buried down inside the fender, and is clean and dry.

Thanks for your interest.

Paul

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
It would be suggested to take a look at the ground source for that side turn signal/DRL.
This is located on the frame rail, passenger side, directly behind the radiator shroud.
Make sure its clean and tight.
Also, take a look INSIDE the package that is there.
Make sure it looks relatively clean and NOT green with corrosion.
It will have about 10 wires entering the connection.
Allthebest,

 

[Ollie]

I have a 97 and when I had it inspected in October they changed the left driving light/blinker. It was burned out again before I even got it home. Bought two replacement bulbs and replaced it. The new one lasted less then 1 hour. Just repleced it again but have not had the car out so not sure how long it will last. I did use the correct NAK bulbs. My bulbs also look like they were over voltage or current. The total inside of the bulb turned a bright yellow so I could not see inside the bulb.

 

[Paul Douglas]

Ollie,

That is exactly how my bulbs looked. Contacted Sylvania engineering re: this problem. They sent me a prepaid shipper to send them my burned out bulbs (2). I'll post their findings when they get them to me.

So far, my last bulb change has lasted almost two weeks, although I have done nothing different.

Paul

 

[Ollie]

Thanks for the response. I will be interested in what Sylvania has to say. My car is in storage already so I have not driven it since I last changed the bulb. Though given the mild weather we are having in NH I am wondering if I needed to put it in storage.

 

[Paul Douglas]

Sylvania phoned me back several times asking questions. They really tried to figure my problem out. They sent me four new bulbs (exactly what I had been buying) and told me to stay in touch.

I haven't had to use them because I haven't had another burn out. Sometimes I think we're not supposed to understand everything about our cars.