Tail Lights
#1
10-01-2011, 09:12 AM
Tail Lights
Quick q for those with Tahoe and base Yukon hybrids ...
I'm trying to figure out if my tail lights are working properly or if I'm missing something ...
When I look at the tail lights of regular tahoes at night I see them operating as follows:
Upper red: Dim light while driving, bright light when braking
Middle: Reverse
Lower red: Dim while driving, bright when turn signal on
Now as you know the hybrid tails have leds as the top light ... what I am getting on mine is as follows:
Upper red leds: Dim light while driving, bright light when braking
Middle: Reverse
Lower red bulb: Completely off, and only turns on as turn signal.
Basically at night, my lower red doesn't stay dim. This results in very low light output at night because unless I am braking or signaling, the only rear lights that are on are the leds on dim setting and the tiny little side lights.
So I'm not sure if this is how it is meant to be or if I am either using the wrong bulb or wiring setup. I don't think it's the wiring because I have the entire setup, harnesses and all, back to stock.
Anyhoot, if someone can test this for me to let me know if theirs is the same I'd much appreciate it.
Cheers!
I'm trying to figure out if my tail lights are working properly or if I'm missing something ...
When I look at the tail lights of regular tahoes at night I see them operating as follows:
Upper red: Dim light while driving, bright light when braking
Middle: Reverse
Lower red: Dim while driving, bright when turn signal on
Now as you know the hybrid tails have leds as the top light ... what I am getting on mine is as follows:
Upper red leds: Dim light while driving, bright light when braking
Middle: Reverse
Lower red bulb: Completely off, and only turns on as turn signal.
Basically at night, my lower red doesn't stay dim. This results in very low light output at night because unless I am braking or signaling, the only rear lights that are on are the leds on dim setting and the tiny little side lights.
So I'm not sure if this is how it is meant to be or if I am either using the wrong bulb or wiring setup. I don't think it's the wiring because I have the entire setup, harnesses and all, back to stock.
Anyhoot, if someone can test this for me to let me know if theirs is the same I'd much appreciate it.
Cheers!
#2
10-01-2011, 08:21 PM
Re: Tail Lights
My wife just pulled in late from work tonight, so I went out and checked out our lighting system for you as she was pulling in.
It looks like you're lighting system is working fine because mine was working just like yours.
Upper red leds: Dim light while driving, bright light when braking
Middle: Reverse
Lower red bulb: Completely off, and only turns on as turn signal.
It looks like you're lighting system is working fine because mine was working just like yours.
Upper red leds: Dim light while driving, bright light when braking
Middle: Reverse
Lower red bulb: Completely off, and only turns on as turn signal.
#3
10-01-2011, 09:55 PM
Re: Tail Lights
Thanks FT, I really appreciate you looking for me.
So basically our tails, while the headlights are on, only the upper part is lit when driving or parked ... what a strange and seemingly dangerous setup that provides but minimal lighting. I guess GM decided that our upper leds dimmed are as bright as non hybrid dual (upper and lower) dimmed.
I'm unconvinced and wondering how one could get the lowers to behave the same way as the non hybrids.
So basically our tails, while the headlights are on, only the upper part is lit when driving or parked ... what a strange and seemingly dangerous setup that provides but minimal lighting. I guess GM decided that our upper leds dimmed are as bright as non hybrid dual (upper and lower) dimmed.
I'm unconvinced and wondering how one could get the lowers to behave the same way as the non hybrids.
#5
10-06-2011, 07:02 AM
Re: Tail Lights
Hi Ed,
Thanks for the pic.
Yeah I've looked at it again, and like you sad the light output doesn't seem to be lacking.
However the symmetry fail is a little aggravating ...
I dunno, I'll see if it can be easily remedied by running a wire to the lower section to add the dim setting.
Sometimes it's hard to understand what GM is thinking when they design these things ... they could have easily made the lower part LED to match the top, or even put leds around the incandescent bulb where little useless decorative detail is. *shrug*
Btw, how do you like your lockpick?
I was thinking of getting the GMX 550 but have heard mixed results as to proper operation, and have always wondered if it messes with the hybrid drive display on our navs.
Cheers!
Thanks for the pic.
Yeah I've looked at it again, and like you sad the light output doesn't seem to be lacking.
However the symmetry fail is a little aggravating ...
I dunno, I'll see if it can be easily remedied by running a wire to the lower section to add the dim setting.
Sometimes it's hard to understand what GM is thinking when they design these things ... they could have easily made the lower part LED to match the top, or even put leds around the incandescent bulb where little useless decorative detail is. *shrug*
Btw, how do you like your lockpick?
I was thinking of getting the GMX 550 but have heard mixed results as to proper operation, and have always wondered if it messes with the hybrid drive display on our navs.
Cheers!
#6
10-06-2011, 06:17 PM
Re: Tail Lights
I like the way the LED's look. But you are right, they should have done all the bulbs LED's.
Guess that don't want them looking to much like the Escalades.
I like the way you decked out your ride, I thought about doing it. Especially the wheels.
Did you notice any mileage decrease?
I was worried going to the 20"'s, then they released the Hybrid Escalade with 22"s
I have not had any problems with the lockpick. I don't use it too much. Mainly for the backup camera, DVD's and entering addresses on the move.
Guess that don't want them looking to much like the Escalades.
I like the way you decked out your ride, I thought about doing it. Especially the wheels.
Did you notice any mileage decrease?
I was worried going to the 20"'s, then they released the Hybrid Escalade with 22"s
I have not had any problems with the lockpick. I don't use it too much. Mainly for the backup camera, DVD's and entering addresses on the move.
#7
10-06-2011, 07:38 PM
Re: Tail Lights
Thanks Ed ...
I personally haven't noticed any mpg changes, but tbh I haven't been obsessing or keeping track over it. The whole mpg thing is so vague anyway with hybrids, you go to the GMC and Caddy sites and the Denali and Esky Hybrids listed mpg is the same as those of the base Tahoe and Yukon ... and those trucks are way heavier with all the standard options and features, 22s, AND shlep the hybrid battery AND have none of the so called aero stuff on them. Someone somewhere is fibbing ... which is fine by be cause that's how I rationalize all my mods.
http://www.chevrolet.com/tahoe-hybrid-suv/
http://www.gmc.com/tools/comparator/...odel&year=2011 click on 'fuel'
And thanks for the lockpick info.
I personally haven't noticed any mpg changes, but tbh I haven't been obsessing or keeping track over it. The whole mpg thing is so vague anyway with hybrids, you go to the GMC and Caddy sites and the Denali and Esky Hybrids listed mpg is the same as those of the base Tahoe and Yukon ... and those trucks are way heavier with all the standard options and features, 22s, AND shlep the hybrid battery AND have none of the so called aero stuff on them. Someone somewhere is fibbing ... which is fine by be cause that's how I rationalize all my mods.
http://www.chevrolet.com/tahoe-hybrid-suv/
http://www.gmc.com/tools/comparator/...odel&year=2011 click on 'fuel'
And thanks for the lockpick info.
Last edited by HyHoe; 10-06-2011 at 07:46 PM.
#8
10-07-2011, 12:15 PM
Re: Tail Lights
Just a quick update on the tails ...
I'm going to do an experiment soon which will involve sending my tails with harnesses off to a specialist and undertake an led retrofit to accomplish the following look: http://www.anzousa.com/ProductImages/311062.jpg
Essentially to duplicate the upper led design on the lower light box. I will also ask to rewire the top to function as the bottom. So basically with the lights on/night driving, both upper and lower led sets will have dim + brake + turn signal features.
I don't know if any of this is possible mind you, but I'd like to find out as I enjoy such explorations ... we shall see.
In the meantime I ordered a couple of red SMT LED bulbs and resistors to replace the lower incandescent bulbs.
Stay tuned ...
I'm going to do an experiment soon which will involve sending my tails with harnesses off to a specialist and undertake an led retrofit to accomplish the following look: http://www.anzousa.com/ProductImages/311062.jpg
Essentially to duplicate the upper led design on the lower light box. I will also ask to rewire the top to function as the bottom. So basically with the lights on/night driving, both upper and lower led sets will have dim + brake + turn signal features.
I don't know if any of this is possible mind you, but I'd like to find out as I enjoy such explorations ... we shall see.
In the meantime I ordered a couple of red SMT LED bulbs and resistors to replace the lower incandescent bulbs.
Stay tuned ...
#10
12-08-2011, 09:51 PM
Re: Tail Lights
WOW...I love the look! Awesome job.
Hmmm. I was thinking of replacing the rear turn bulbs with led's (what bulb size are they? Any recommendations? )
Unfortunately since the tahoe is my daily driver i cant send the tails for a complete retrofit. But honestly the lower lights not lighting up isnt a big issue for me...but leds will look cool.
Once again AMAZING JOB!!!
Hmmm. I was thinking of replacing the rear turn bulbs with led's (what bulb size are they? Any recommendations? )
Unfortunately since the tahoe is my daily driver i cant send the tails for a complete retrofit. But honestly the lower lights not lighting up isnt a big issue for me...but leds will look cool.
Once again AMAZING JOB!!!
