Problem is a defective "headlamp driver module" AKA Relay 46 in underhood fuse panel. Looks like '06,07 TB and Envoy, 06,07,08 Rainier, Saab, Isuzu. http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/12/01/gm-headlights-recall/19748153/ . Could not find the recall number. Have not received any letter yet. This will be my 3rd recall trip back to a dealer, may just DIY if it's only the relay. Anyone have more details ??
Low Beam Headlight Recall for 2006-2008 models
- Thread starter bobdec
- Start date
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/12/01/gm-headlights-recall/19748153/
General Motors is recalling 273,182 midsize SUV's and Buick LaCrosse sedans in the U.S. because the low-beam headlights can cut out, temporarily or permanently.
Besides 2006 to 2009 LaCrosse sedans, the recall includes a raft of SUVs under various GM brands. They include the 2006 and 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer and 2006 TrailBlazer EXT; 2006 and 2007 GMC Envoy and 2006 Envoy XL; 2006 and 2007 Buick Rainier; 2006 to 2008 Saab 9-7X and 2006 to 2008 Isuzu Ascender midsize SUVs.
The problem has been traced to the headlamp driver modules. If they aren't working properly, the low-beam headlamps and daytime running lamps could intermittently or permanently fail to illuminate, GM says. But this condition does not affect the high-beam headlamps, "marker lamps," turn signals, or fog lamps.
General Motors is recalling 273,182 midsize SUV's and Buick LaCrosse sedans in the U.S. because the low-beam headlights can cut out, temporarily or permanently.
Besides 2006 to 2009 LaCrosse sedans, the recall includes a raft of SUVs under various GM brands. They include the 2006 and 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer and 2006 TrailBlazer EXT; 2006 and 2007 GMC Envoy and 2006 Envoy XL; 2006 and 2007 Buick Rainier; 2006 to 2008 Saab 9-7X and 2006 to 2008 Isuzu Ascender midsize SUVs.
The problem has been traced to the headlamp driver modules. If they aren't working properly, the low-beam headlamps and daytime running lamps could intermittently or permanently fail to illuminate, GM says. But this condition does not affect the high-beam headlamps, "marker lamps," turn signals, or fog lamps.
Mounce
Member
I think that's BS.
Explanation: Every recall that comes out only affects the '05+ models, what about us pre-05 guys? Our relays go bad too...mine has.
Explanation: Every recall that comes out only affects the '05+ models, what about us pre-05 guys? Our relays go bad too...mine has.
I wonder why 08-09 are not included? Is the system that much different? I wonder if it was just a batch problem of the modules.
Mooseman
Moderator
Well both of mine weren't working when I bought my 9-7x but that was because the HID modules were dead. They've been fine since using eBay modules. I'll wait and see if it's a relay or other module issue regarding this recall.
Mounce
Member
Lol no, I'm just not feeling the love from GM..a lot of us have had our relays fail that aren't 05-6+ yet we don't get a recall. Also, what about our ignition switches? They're replacing them in lots of other models yet the GMT360 issue of haywire switches hasn't been addressed.
Imagine how much money people spend at a shop trying to figure out why their abs and brake light comes on + their AC turns off randomly. :banghead:
Maybe I'm just craving some free work from a dealer lol.
Imagine how much money people spend at a shop trying to figure out why their abs and brake light comes on + their AC turns off randomly. :banghead:
Maybe I'm just craving some free work from a dealer lol.
Mooseman
Moderator
Mounce
Member
What's the specs on that recall? Haven't mentioned it here but my tank will poor fuel if I over-fill it...Mooseman said:
IllogicTC
Member
- Dec 30, 2013
- 3,452
It's all a numbers game. There is some acceptable rate of failure, and of course this rate increases with age. These, for their age, have likely gone above a certain failure rate.Mounce said:Lol no, I'm just not feeling the love from GM..a lot of us have had our relays fail that aren't 05-6+ yet we don't get a recall. Also, what about our ignition switches? They're replacing them in lots of other models yet the GMT360 issue of haywire switches hasn't been addressed.
Imagine how much money people spend at a shop trying to figure out why their abs and brake light comes on + their AC turns off randomly.
Maybe I'm just craving some free work from a dealer lol.
Mounce
Member
To be honest, I haven't even looked. It's just recently got me worried. Normally it would just drip...couple weeks ago it puked about a cup of gas right when the gas pump shut itself off.IllogicTC said:
Mounce
Member
0 open recalls. Thanks for the link though. I'll eventually get around to checking the issue out..
Sorry for getting this thread so off topic.
Sorry for getting this thread so off topic.
IllogicTC
Member
- Dec 30, 2013
- 3,452
Could always double-check on Chevy's website just to be sure. https://recalls.gm.com/#/Mounce said:
Mooseman
Moderator
For my tank, it was for 2002-2003 only. Cracking at the fuel fill inlet due to a defect. They had a 10 year 200k km special warranty on it. All expired now.
For recalls in general, I saw a report that automakers have a formula as to when it's worth it to actually fix a problem vs. just paying the lawsuits for the deaths. Sometimes it was just cheaper to pay the lawsuits. Basically they put a dollar amount on people's lives. They can't do that anymore.
For recalls in general, I saw a report that automakers have a formula as to when it's worth it to actually fix a problem vs. just paying the lawsuits for the deaths. Sometimes it was just cheaper to pay the lawsuits. Basically they put a dollar amount on people's lives. They can't do that anymore.
C-ya
Member
- Aug 24, 2012
- 1,098
I checked the NHTSA complaints and on the first page was a complaint of an '05 losing low beam headlights while driving.
From this page: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues I just picked 2005 Chevy TB EXT 370 for the search.
Date Complaint Filed: 06/29/2014
Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of Incident: 05/14/2014
NHTSA ID Number: 10606763
All Products Associated with this Complaint
Details 
0 Associated Documents
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1GNET16S056...
SUMMARY:
ALL OF A SUDDEN HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS, FUSES AND RELAY. HAD THIS PROBLEMS CHECKED OUT SEVERAL TIMES, NO ONE CAN FIND A SOLUTION TO WHY THEY DON'T WORK. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY COMING HOME WHEN THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING, I HAD TO PUT MY HIGH BEAMS ON TO BE ABLE TO GET HOME SAFELY.
From this page: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues I just picked 2005 Chevy TB EXT 370 for the search.
Date Complaint Filed: 06/29/2014
Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of Incident: 05/14/2014
NHTSA ID Number: 10606763
All Products Associated with this Complaint
Details 0 Associated Documents - Crash:No
- Fire:No
- Number of Injuries:0
- Number of Deaths:0
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1GNET16S056...
SUMMARY:
ALL OF A SUDDEN HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS, FUSES AND RELAY. HAD THIS PROBLEMS CHECKED OUT SEVERAL TIMES, NO ONE CAN FIND A SOLUTION TO WHY THEY DON'T WORK. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY COMING HOME WHEN THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING, I HAD TO PUT MY HIGH BEAMS ON TO BE ABLE TO GET HOME SAFELY.
rcam81
Member
My relay failed tonight. I wonder how long its going to take GM to start replacing the faulty ones???
I have an '05 and have noticed mine dimming, then coming back (independent of engine speed, so I don't suspect an alternator). I was thinking I had adaptive headlights and nobody told me.C-ya said:
As someone who decided recently never to go to a dealership again (see my postings for details on that), I would like to do a DIY repair for this. Is the part number 15016745 for relay 46? Is it simply a matter of pulling the old relay straight out of the fuse block and putting in a new one?
IllogicTC
Member
- Dec 30, 2013
- 3,452
Yes, but your vehicle will not be marked as recall repair completed unless you went to the dealer for the free fix. So you may end up receiving letters for a while over it, at the least. It may also cause issues if you try going to sell it, if people run the VIN and notice an open recall (even though the FIX IS FREE!) they might bug out on it.ComputernerdBD said:
Ok thanks. If I ever do sell this car, I will get the dealer to do the recall work prior to that point. I won't receive the letters since GM doesn't have my new address and I did not give it to the dealer.IllogicTC said:
I ordered the relay from Amazon. Funny how the reviews really show the problem that people have been having. $21.17 for the part. I would recommend ordering it before they sell out in the event a spare is needed. At that price, I may consider ordering a second one to keep in the truck especially how it is multipurpose and also works for the cooling fan clutch. I wonder if they used the same relay in my 98 Jimmy......
rcam81
Member
Its wierd that GM included the Buick LaCrosse in the recall and not the Grand Prix or Impalas. They all have the same relay in them.
Mooseman
Moderator