Are 10+ year old LED headlights worth replacing? (2015 Yukon XL)

[davidortenn79]

Hey everyone,

My wife has a 2015 GMC Yukon XL, and I’m pretty sure the LED headlights are still the original ones. I’ve never changed them.

A few months ago, the headlight on my 2013 Silverado went out, so I replaced both with new LED headlights — and wow, they’re so much brighter. Honestly, they’re the best headlights I’ve ever had.

Now, when I drive her Yukon, even her high beams aren’t as bright as my low beams. They’re really dim by comparison.

So here’s my question:

Can you replace just the bulbs on these Yukon headlights, or do you have to replace the entire assembly like I did with the rear lights?

And for anyone who’s replaced decade-old LED headlights while they were still working — did you notice a big difference in brightness or night visibility?

Appreciate any advice or experiences you can share!

 

[CMoore711]

The only thing LED about your current headlights are the “C” DRL. The one that then blinks amber on the lower horizontal leg of the “C” when the turn signal is activated.

Is your ‘15 Yukon a Denali trim or not?

If it’s a Denali then the low beam projector is an HID.
If it’s any lower trim Yukon then the low beam projector is just a halogen bulbs.

For reference; What are the LED headlights you recently installed in your ‘13 Silverado? This information would be helpful if you’re looking for a similar performance/output on your ‘15 Yukon.

Providing more information and details on the trim level of your ‘15 Yukon will help other members provide better advice and input.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving clarifying questions from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum. I am not familiar with the details of your 2015 Yukon's headlight setup, but @CMoore711 seems to have described it.

LED brightness can vary all over the place by brand, depending upon the chips used in the LED assembly. To my knowledge, LEDs do not deteriorate over time in terms of brightness. When their useful life is up, they simply don't light up anymore.

 

[davidortenn79]

We have the non-Denali trim. So, you're saying they're not LEDs and just normal headlights?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

From what I can see, your headlights are Halogen bulbs.

 

[CMoore711]

As previously posted... The only thing LED about your current headlights are the light for the “C” DRL and turn signal. The one that then blinks amber on the lower horizontal leg of the “C” when the turn signal is activated.

I think some of the issue may be terminology and actually understanding more detail about your headlights. It appears that you're using the term "LED Headlights" pretty loosely.

Do your K2XX headlights have LEDs in them? Yes.
Does the low beam or high beam light source come from an LED? No

Since your K2XX Yukon is NOT a Denali then the low beam is a projector, and has a halogen bulb in it. Your high beam is a reflector bulb housing and also has a halogen bulb in it.

 

[davidortenn79]

So i did replace the lights. confirmed they are just normal old headlights and contradicts me thinking always they were LEDs from the factory. They're LEDs now and noticeably brighter.