DRL recall

[DougAMiller]

I have a question about this for anyone that has had the recall performed. After the fix, do the DRLs turn off completely, or do they dim? Pretty much every car I see on the road with LED strip DRLs have them dim when the headlights turn on. They don't turn off completely, which is how my Escalade currently works.

So, what I would like to know is, are mine currently functioning as they should and the recall won't change anything, or will they turn off completely when the headlights are on after they do the recall fix? I asked the Cadillac service advisor and he said they will turn off, but I have been watching Tahoe/Yukon/Escalades on the road at night and every one that I have seen have been on, but dimmed. So I am not sure if he is correct.

Even better if there's a GM tech on here that has performed the recall that could give a definitive answer.

 

[StephenPT]

I had the BCM flash done at the dealer a week ago. The DRLs dim when the headlights are on. I did not notice my DRLs staying bright with the headlights on before the update. My guess is it's a software glitch and sometimes they dim and other times they don't. The software update takes care of that glitch.

The change I and others on the forum noticed after the update is that during the day if you turn your fog lights (Yukon only) on, the DRLs will stay bright. Before the update the DRLs would dim if you turned on the fog lights.

 

[DougAMiller]

Thanks for the feedback, that's what I was suspecting.

 

[Banks22]

On my 22’ refresh Silverado the DRL’s are bright when the headlights are off and go dim when headlights on. It’s a 3 way multifunction switch for the DRL’s, bright, dim, blinker. I know cuz I had mine into service 6 times cuz my blinker kept going out and this was the issue, replaced the whole switch. So I assume this is how they want the Tahoe’s to work

 

[ZKWBQD]

I have a question about this for anyone that has had the recall performed. After the fix, do the DRLs turn off completely, or do they dim? Pretty much every car I see on the road with LED strip DRLs have them dim when the headlights turn on. They don't turn off completely, which is how my Escalade currently works.

So, what I would like to know is, are mine currently functioning as they should and the recall won't change anything, or will they turn off completely when the headlights are on after they do the recall fix? I asked the Cadillac service advisor and he said they will turn off, but I have been watching Tahoe/Yukon/Escalades on the road at night and every one that I have seen have been on, but dimmed. So I am not sure if he is correct.

Even better if there's a GM tech on here that has performed the recall that could give a definitive answer.

I permanently disabled my Daytime Running Lights a few days after receiving my new Tahoe. They do nothing to improve safety and are only a "decoration”. General Motors, on two separate occasions, petitioned the government to mandate the use of Daytime Running Lights. On both occasions, the Department of Transportation was unable to find ANY safety improvement with the use of DRLs. GM's request was denied, twice. You'll notice most law enforcement vehicles have there DRLs OFF, including ones from General Motors that require a simple programming ‘bit’ to disable.

Remember, DRLs are not mandatory in the United States. You don't have to have them if you don't want them. If buying from stock, INSIST that the dealer disable the DRLs as a condition of sale. Contrary to what the dealer might say, there is no law in the US preventing them from doing so. On my Tahoe, I can turn them on, or off anytime at my command.

There are MANY situations where you want to turn off all vehicle lights. There are over 400 Movie Drive-Ins in America today, or you might be waiting outside for someone at night and don't want to shine your lights in someone's face or windows. Or maybe you just think it's silly to drive around with your lights on when it's hot and sunny outside.

Daytime Running Lights also (slightly) reduce fuel efficiency. That is why ALL auto manufacturers disconnect them for the EPA fuel efficiency tests. Toyota, Tesla, and some other manufacturers have “DRL OFF” right on the light switch.

 

[BrokerThis]

Daytime Running Lights also (slightly) reduce fuel efficiency. That is why ALL auto manufacturers disconnect them for the EPA fuel efficiency tests. Toyota, Tesla, and some other manufacturers have “DRL OFF” right on the light switch.

Never heard that one before for a gas/diesel ....

 

[adam_engler]

On my 22’ refresh Silverado the DRL’s are bright when the headlights are off and go dim when headlights on. It’s a 3 way multifunction switch for the DRL’s, bright, dim, blinker. I know cuz I had mine into service 6 times cuz my blinker kept going out and this was the issue, replaced the whole switch. So I assume this is how they want the Tahoe’s to work

I have a 23 Tahoe on order and I really want the DRLs to stay bright with headlights on. Do you know or have you heard of this being possible after this stupid recall? I've looked at a few different models and the DRLs dim with headlights on. I just really like the brighter look.

 

[adam_engler]

I permanently disabled my Daytime Running Lights a few days after receiving my new Tahoe. They do nothing to improve safety and are only a "decoration”. General Motors, on two separate occasions, petitioned the government to mandate the use of Daytime Running Lights. On both occasions, the Department of Transportation was unable to find ANY safety improvement with the use of DRLs. GM's request was denied, twice. You'll notice most law enforcement vehicles have there DRLs OFF, including ones from General Motors that require a simple programming ‘bit’ to disable.

Remember, DRLs are not mandatory in the United States. You don't have to have them if you don't want them. If buying from stock, INSIST that the dealer disable the DRLs as a condition of sale. Contrary to what the dealer might say, there is no law in the US preventing them from doing so. On my Tahoe, I can turn them on, or off anytime at my command.

There are MANY situations where you want to turn off all vehicle lights. There are over 400 Movie Drive-Ins in America today, or you might be waiting outside for someone at night and don't want to shine your lights in someone's face or windows. Or maybe you just think it's silly to drive around with your lights on when it's hot and sunny outside.

Daytime Running Lights also (slightly) reduce fuel efficiency. That is why ALL auto manufacturers disconnect them for the EPA fuel efficiency tests. Toyota, Tesla, and some other manufacturers have “DRL OFF” right on the light switch.

How do DRL being on reduce fuel mileage? I can't wait to here this one. I've been a diesel/auto mechanic for 25 years so I'm really excited for the answer to this question! Can't wait to tell the boy's at the dealership this one.

 

[R32driver]

Why would anyone want to disable the drl on these new vehicles? They look awesome and most people want them to stay brighter not turn off altogether. Sure there’s certain time you might want them off but a simple twist of the headlight switch gets that done

 

[adam_engler]

Why would anyone want to disable the drl on these new vehicles? They look awesome and most people want them to stay brighter not turn off altogether. Sure there’s certain time you might want them off but a simple twist of the headlight switch gets that done

I totally agree with you! If I can figure out how to fully enabled the DRLs while headlights are on I will definitely leave the answer here!

 

[Brand0n]

I had the BCM flash done at the dealer a week ago. The DRLs dim when the headlights are on. I did not notice my DRLs staying bright with the headlights on before the update. My guess is it's a software glitch and sometimes they dim and other times they don't. The software update takes care of that glitch.

The change I and others on the forum noticed after the update is that during the day if you turn your fog lights (Yukon only) on, the DRLs will stay bright. Before the update the DRLs would dim if you turned on the fog lights.

How long did the update take?

 

[steiny93]

How do DRL being on reduce fuel mileage? I can't wait to here this one. I've been a diesel/auto mechanic for 25 years so I'm really excited for the answer to this question! Can't wait to tell the boy's at the dealership this one.

He's referring to the increased load on the electrical, which makes the alternator draw more mechanical energy from the engine, hence reduced mileage. He isn't wrong, but... the amount from a pair of lights is likely not measurable.

 

[StephenPT]

How long did the update take?

I can't say for sure. I brought it in to get the update and also have them check the balance of the tires (Midlothian flat spots). All said I was out of there in 2.5hrs. If it was just the update, my guess is I would have been out of there in less than 45min.

 

[BlaineBug]

How do DRL being on reduce fuel mileage? I can't wait to here this one. I've been a diesel/auto mechanic for 25 years so I'm really excited for the answer to this question! Can't wait to tell the boy's at the dealership this one.

Electric vehicle shenanigans, where it's recommended that you don't use the heat in cold weather to prolong drivability.

 

[BlaineBug]

I had the BCM flash done at the dealer a week ago. The DRLs dim when the headlights are on. I did not notice my DRLs staying bright with the headlights on before the update. My guess is it's a software glitch and sometimes they dim and other times they don't. The software update takes care of that glitch.

The change I and others on the forum noticed after the update is that during the day if you turn your fog lights (Yukon only) on, the DRLs will stay bright. Before the update the DRLs would dim if you turned on the fog lights.

My 2019 performs the same way, if the fog lights are turned on manually, the headlights are left in auto mode, and the ambient temperature is not sufficient to trigger the headlights, the DRLs will continue to stay at full bright mode. However the marker/parking lights do illuminate in conjunction with the fog light operation regardless.

 

[Brand0n]

Had the update performed today. Can confirm the DRLs dim with headlights on. I asked if the update would also address the remote start issue and the advisor wasn't positive if the entire BCM software gets flashed or only select features/functions...

 

[DuraYuk]

I can't say for sure. I brought it in to get the update and also have them check the balance of the tires (Midlothian flat spots). All said I was out of there in 2.5hrs. If it was just the update, my guess is I would have been out of there in less than 45min.

Been reading about that. My camper with linglong tires sits for a long time and never had flat spots. Maybe GM should switch to linglongs?

 

[StephenPT]

Been reading about that. My camper with linglong tires sits for a long time and never had flat spots. Maybe GM should switch to linglongs?

Your camper probably doesn't sit out in a field with zero shade baking in the Texas heat all summer long either. Believe me, I thought the flat spot issue was a bit of over the top "forum issues" until I couldn't drive my rig much above 70 without a rhythmic shaking in the seat. Hunter road force balancing proved the flat spots existed and Michelin warranted them.

 

[DuraYuk]

Your camper probably doesn't sit out in a field with zero shade baking in the Texas heat all summer long either. Believe me, I thought the flat spot issue was a bit of over the top "forum issues" until I couldn't drive my rig much above 70 without a rhythmic shaking in the seat. Hunter road force balancing proved the flat spots existed and Michelin warranted them.

I think the tires are just cheap. Continentals?

 

[H1Chester]

I can’t believe how bent out of shape people are getting over this.