DIY: Make 2015-2017 LS/LT headlights operate like a LTZ headlight (LED as DRL vice low beams)

[Tylus]

*** Disclaimer: Try at your own risk. I have provided some information and a method. Please be aware that you can break your vehicle. I am not responsible for what YOU do to your vehicle. That said, good luck modding. ***

Quick and painless. Takes 2 tools and about 20 minutes.

Tools:
5/16” Nut Driver
Pick

​

Procedure:
Drivers side
1. Unplug the 8 wire connector (only 7 present) from the headlight.

2. Strip back the tape and wire loom protector about 3”
3. Using a small pick, gently remove the off-white pin separator from the connector (see picture below)

4. Gently using pick, unlatch the detent for #2 wire (yellow). Gently pull the yellow wire out bottom of the connection. Bottom of connector has numbers to indicate which wire is which.

5. Gently using pick, unlatch the detent for #6 wire (purple). Gently pull the purple wire out bottom of the connection. Bottom of connector has numbers to indicate which wire is which.
5a. #7 wire will be the same purple (grey on passenger) color. Do not remove this one.
6. Feed the purple wire into the #2 spot. Align the male end to match the other pins.
7. Feed the yellow wire into the #6 spot. Align the male end to match the other pins.
8. Ensure all of the pins are aligned. #8 will be empty. Gently insert the off-white pin separator into the connector. It will click into place and sit flush.
9. Put the wire loom cover back in place and put a few wraps of electrical tape as needed. Reconnect connector to the headlight.

Passenger side
10. Using Nut driver, remove the hose clamp from air box hose to intake silencer. Remove the MAF harness. In-clip the MAF wire harness from lower ledge of the air box (by cylinder #1
11. Remove the air box. It will come out without having to take lid off.
12. Rinse and repeat for Passenger side. The #6 wire will be gray. Exact same placements as drivers side will be utilized.
13. Re-install airbox and MAF harness.

Enjoy. With headlight switch in Auto. Now whenever DRL are needed, the LED strip will turn on. And when headlights are needed, the low beam and LED strip will turn on.

Hard to see. But the 'Burb is in gear and the LED strips are lit (ie: as the DRL).​

See post #2 for wiring schematics and the how/why this works. Of note: whenever the running lamps are on manually, you will now have the headlights on as well.

TLDR version: swaps the low beam and the DRL circuits. LTZ uses programming to do this in PCM

 

[Tylus]

Premise: Make 2015-2017 LS/LT headlights act like LTZ headlights

LTZ vehicles have RPO code Y91 (MERCHANDISED PKG-LUXURY EDITION…ie: Upgraded Lights). This package is a different wiring harness and uses PCM programming to accomplish LED strip as the DRL.

Chevrolet - RPO Code X88
Cadillac - RPO Code Z75
GMC - RPO Code Z88

Chevrolet LS/LT vehicles use the -Y91 wiring schematic for X88 drawing. LTZ vehicles use the Y91 section to reflect their wiring harness.

Looking at the schematic, Chevy does some funky wiring. The lights are not operated like traditional. They operate as follows:

1. In Park, the LED strip only
2. In any gear, the low beam lights operate as DRL
3. Light switch manually selected to on, LED and Low Beam are powered.

Currently when in any gear the low beam lights are used for DRL. The LED strip only operates when in Park, or when dark outside (in auto on switch) or when manually turned on. From the Upfitter Manual

To make the LED strip operate as DRL and the Low Beam only come on when required:

1. Position #2 is the low beam
2. Position #6 is the LED strip
3. Swap the #2 and #6 pinouts in the X110 and X120 connector (headlamp plugs)
4. That’s it. The vehicle will now operate the LED strip when DRL are commanded by the PCM. And when the PCM (auto position) or switch commands all lights, the low beams will energize.

Headlight Connector

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Headlamp wiring Circuit

Low Beam Power Supply

​

 

[BEIS]

This is great. Thanks for your work on this. Now, if we could only figure out how to make the LED strips brighter like the LTZ during the day time.

 

[Tylus]

This is great. Thanks for your work on this. Now, if we could only figure out how to make the LED strips brighter like the LTZ during the day time.

If you look at the wiring diagram, the LTZ LED strip is physically different than LS/LT LED.

I R Mekanic, but it looks like a logic circuit for the Y91 setup that allows for variations. Which gives us the brightness difference.

I haven’t dug through the upfitter manual yet, but I’m betting there are 2 different part numbers.

 

[Kpwweb]

I think this is great!

I wonder if there is a problem feeding the LEDs with the PWM signal from the low beams?

Conversely, is there a problem feeding the lamps straight 12V without the PWM? Shortened life maybe? Course it would help with hid conversions!

Thank you for the great research and write-up!!

 

[Tylus]

I wonder if there is a problem feeding the LEDs with the PWM signal from the low beams?

Conversely, is there a problem feeding the lamps straight 12V without the PWM? Shortened life maybe? Course it would help with hid conversions!

The -Y91 harness essentially feeds directly off the fuse box. 20A for lows, 15A for the LED. Plenty of power to drive HID. But probably better to drive HID off a separate 12v battery source.

I was initially concerned about swapping the leads. But I also have LED low beams. And they draw less than the halogen H11 bulbs. Evens out in my head.

Even temporarily kicked around the idea of doing a 12v relay for the lows (like discussed above for HID). Use the Purple/Grey wires to trigger the relay and energize low beams. If I have issues, I will swap to that.



Whole point of this was to keep it clean and minimize (hopefully) any issues with aftermarket equipment. My fog lights don’t work at the moment. The relay failed today while I was under the hood. What I get for using cheap Chinese stuff lol

 

[LT1ZOB]

Thank you OP. Your write up is great. Will do this as soon as I have some time

 

[fire730]

Great work.
I wish I would have seen this when I had my whole front end off to change my condenser on Friday night.

 

[Tylus]

Great work.
I wish I would have seen this when I had my whole front end off to change my condenser on Friday night.

You can access the drivers side without any disassembly

Passenger side is just the air box.

About as easy a “mod” as can be luckily

 

[cmatt]

@Tylus very well done. I actually just built pigtail harnesses that swap these circuits so the factory forward lamp harness doesn't have to be modified. That way it's plug and play and reversible.


I updated the pic with the finished harnesses (taped & wire loom like the factory harness)

Couple questions:

1. You mentioned the Y91 forward lamp harness is larger to allow for more voltage draw. However, the wire gauge sizes are similar across the suv platforms at the headlamp connectors. The only exceptions are for those with RPO 6J7 (for PPV highbeam flasher) and the Escalade DRL circuit. Both are 18AWG instead of 20AWG in those instances. What am I missing? In 2018, when GM began using the LED strip for DRLs on all Tahoes, the main harness change I see is the wire at position 6 on the headlamp connectors only being 18AWG and only describing it as the DRL Control circuit.

2. I also saw where you said the wiring diagram showed the LTZ LED strip being physically different. Can you expand on which diagram and where it shows that? I'm not seeing it.

Getting the LED strip to have the same brightness as the LTZ version is what I've been working on. What I haven't determined yet is whether the LED strip hardware is different on the LTZ or if it's the circuitry/programming on the components inside the headlamp assembly. The parts catalog I can see doesn't show anything about the LED (only HID/non-HID assembly). Like @Kpwweb mentioned, I wonder if it's a PWM control issue where bypassing it with a relay would work. Although, if that's the case, I would think Gen5DIY's $230 LED DRL harness with its relays would address it. They make a point to state the LED brightness won't change. Maybe that's all their harness does, swap the circuits and use the DRL control to activate relays to provide a constant +12v. They even give the same disclaimer on park lamp/headlamp functionality change that you noted. What are your thoughts?

The only other way I'm currently aware of to do this is with three relays. That allows the LED strip to function as DRLs and keep factory functionality with the other headlamp functions. That's the way @73Vetteman did it.

I'm happy to build the pigtail harnesses with or without the relays for those interested. I'll even do the install with the relays if you'll come to me so I can verify the LED brightness. I'm in Mobile, AL.

 

[Tylus]

@Tylus very well done. I actually just built pigtail harnesses that swap these circuits so the factory forward lamp harness doesn't have to be modified. That way it's plug and play and reversible.

very nice and slick. I couldn't find connectors. Would have built something very similar if I had. I prefer your way.

1. You mentioned the Y91 forward lamp harness is larger to allow for more voltage draw. However, the wire gauge sizes are similar across the suv platforms at the headlamp connectors. The only exceptions are for those with RPO 6J7 (for PPV highbeam flasher) and the Escalade DRL circuit. Both are 18AWG instead of 20AWG in those instances. What am I missing? In 2018, when GM began using the LED strip for DRLs on all Tahoes, the main harness change I see is the wire at position 6 on the headlamp connectors only being 18AWG and only describing it as the DRL Control circuit.

Good catch. I didn't realize that the Z75 (Cadillac) was the only harness with position #6 being physically larger. I was reading that wrong.

Looks like when the upgraded the 2018 models to LTZ function, they bumped the wire size to match Cadillac

2. I also saw where you said the wiring diagram showed the LTZ LED strip being physically different. Can you expand on which diagram and where it shows that? I'm not seeing it.

Refer to Piece #13 and #14 below. The LTZ has piece #13. LS/LT has #14 (minus Y91 package)
I don't know if it's something we can retrofit or not.

Getting the LED strip to have the same brightness as the LTZ version is what I've been working on. What I haven't determined yet is whether the LED strip hardware is different on the LTZ or if it's the circuitry/programming on the components inside the headlamp assembly. The parts catalog I can see doesn't show anything about the LED (only HID/non-HID assembly). Like @Kpwweb mentioned, I wonder if it's a PWM control issue where bypassing it with a relay would work. Although, if that's the case, I would think Gen5DIY's $230 LED DRL harness with its relays would address it. They make a point to state the LED brightness won't change. Maybe that's all their harness does, swap the circuits and use the DRL control to activate relays to provide a constant +12v. They even give the same disclaimer on park lamp/headlamp functionality change that you noted. What are your thoughts?

Like I said above. I'm 99% positive the LTZ DRL is physically different. The Y91 electrical circuit has the logic module. And it looks like the PCM can command varied voltage to the LED strip to achieve different levels of brightness to those equipped.

The only other way I'm currently aware of to do this is with three relays. That allows the LED strip to function as DRLs and keep factory functionality with the other headlamp functions. That's the way @73Vetteman did it.

relays fail...sadly.

And I cannot remember the last time I ever needed my parking lamps and not needed the headlamps. It's a unnecessary complication that invites failure for me. Very cool though for the complete LTZ mimicry.

I'm happy to build the pigtail harnesses with or without the relays for those interested. I'll even do the install with the relays if you'll come to me so I can verify the LED brightness. I'm in Mobile, AL.

I'm not positive more voltage would help. The LED strip is already receiving nearly 12v. It's more a lumen issue. The LS/LT strip doesn't have the same lumen output that the LTZ does.

 

[Kpwweb]

@Tylus very well done. I actually just built pigtail harnesses that swap these circuits so the factory forward lamp harness doesn't have to be modified. That way it's plug and play and reversible.

...

I'm happy to build the pigtail harnesses with or without the relays for those interested. I'll even do the install with the relays if you'll come to me so I can verify the LED brightness. I'm in Mobile, AL.

I’m game for a harness, not sure on the relay part yet... I also don’t live near you, but I would buy one.

Let me know. Thanks!

 

[cmatt]

I’m game for a harness, not sure on the relay part yet... I also don’t live near you, but I would buy one.

Let me know. Thanks!

Sent you a PM.


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[fozzi58]

....I'm not positive more voltage would help. The LED strip is already receiving nearly 12v. It's more a lumen issue. The LS/LT strip doesn't have the same lumen output that the LTZ does.

I have a 2017 LS and there are 2 spots on the LED strip that have brighter LEDs than the remainder of the strip. I will see if I can pick out a picture tonight. That might confirm a different part or possibly show that the voltage is dropped to reduce the brightness.

You obviously have a much higher understanding of the electrical system than most of us here. Any assistance with the upfitters guild would be appreciated. I would like to add some features to my truck such as the Caddy mirrors with the power fold etc (no 360) so knowing what part numbers to purchase and what fuses to add would be very helpful.

I would also be interested in the harnesses for the DRLs since the kit available from Gen5DIY is still $200+

 

[mdravc]

I’m game for a harness, not sure on the relay part yet... I also don’t live near you, but I would buy one.

Let me know. Thanks!

I'm also interested in the harness you built-- let me know as well!

 

[cmatt]

I have a 2017 LS and there are 2 spots on the LED strip that have brighter LEDs than the remainder of the strip. I will see if I can pick out a picture tonight. That might confirm a different part or possibly show that the voltage is dropped to reduce the brightness.

You obviously have a much higher understanding of the electrical system than most of us here. Any assistance with the upfitters guild would be appreciated. I would like to add some features to my truck such as the Caddy mirrors with the power fold etc (no 360) so knowing what part numbers to purchase and what fuses to add would be very helpful.

I would also be interested in the harnesses for the DRLs since the kit available from Gen5DIY is still $200+

I can help with the Escalade mirrors and DRL harness. Send me an email to cmattbuild1 AT gmail DOT com so not to clutter up the thread.

I'm also interested in the harness you built-- let me know as well!

Send me an email to the addy above.

 

[Tylus]

Another unrealized consequence of doing this. This is essentially the 6 light mods for the 2015+ models.

When the high beams are turned on, the low beams and fog lights remain powered

FYI for those who get inspected and/or worry about such things.

 

[RST Dana]

Another unrealized consequence of doing this. This is essentially the 6 light mods for the 2015+ models.

When the high beams are turned on, the low beams and fog lights remain powered

FYI for those who get inspected and/or worry about such things.

Hopefully it does not change anything with the auto dim feature.

 

[Tylus]

Hopefully it does not change anything with the auto dim feature.

Nope. All of my auto dim functions worked great this morning

 

[dvpvic]

Well I’m new on here just got the wife a 2016 LT well equipped. I was looking up LED/HID options and stumbled on this LED DRL thread and done little research. I had a friend that has a set of 2018 non HID headlamps and swapped them in to see if they will work direct plug and play. Here’s what I found; on my rig DRL seems to be the led strips only. I don’t have any other lamps come on when in gear D/R etc. I then swapped in a single 2018 unit and left one original one. Attached is a pic that shows the brightness difference. I also took 12v directly to each unit and they lit up as the function while on vehicle which shows that’s there’s no funky pwm going on. Not sure if I have some kind of mod. It come from a family that had it serviced at dealers etc so no one did any mods to my knowledge. I have RPO codes X88 and Y86 I think one of these is tied with the DRL option that I saw OP post about. Anyone know what I’m missing? Anyone on here have a 15-17 that could describe how their DRL functions? Because I think I’m just going to keep the 18’ set on and have the brighter LEDs. You can also see a slight color shift towards the cooler spectrum on the brighter LED

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