Hummer Forums by Elcova - For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

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- - For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question. (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19729)

OrangeCrush

08-21-2006 11:22 PM

For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

I replaced all my bulbs in my H2 with the blue bulbs... you know the ones that glow a cool white color. (not like Mercedes HID's, just white bulbs)

I haven't had any problems with my lights on my roof, driving lights or headlamps but for the DRL's, well, they keep blowing out every month or so.

I bought them from a fast and furious type import store. It was the best (if you can say that) quality bulb they had. Free lifetime replacement...

Turns out after mentioning to the owner of the shop, he did some digging and came up with this.

Our bulbs are 4157's. They produce 35 watts of power. The bulbs he gave me to use (since that's the only ones that he can come up with) are 3157's which are only 27 watts.

I guess that's why they keep blowing.

Anyone know of the correct replacement bulbs and where to get them for DRL's in blue?

Thanks,

Mark

OrangeCrush

08-22-2006 01:26 AM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

Phil,

I agree about the quality. I'm sure they are crappy in comparison to real bulbs but that's the only ones I could find...
As far as switching, I'd like to keep all my lights are blue. I want the DRL's to match when off. (I know, probably vain but...)
As you can see, even the foglights on top are blue when off. Surely someone out there makes a better quality bulb?

Didn't someone do a bulb conversion for these lights? Or did they replace the lamps with some PIAA lamps or something. Either way, I gotta do something.

PARAGON

08-22-2006 01:47 AM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

take the plastic valance off, pull the DRL's out and throw them in the trash. PIAA has some lights now that should fit pretty good in the same location but you will have to cut the entire backside of the DRL light bucket off. The DRL's attach to the valance from the rear and that plastic will have to be removed. You would then drill a hole in the top of the metal bumper for a secure mount for the PIAAs.

I think it's the 510s that should fit there nicely. I have done this but used Cibie Tangos.

OrangeCrush

08-22-2006 02:41 AM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilD

BTW PIAA make a 3157 that is blue, part # 19295. You'll most probably find that it is better quality than some of the other stuff.

Another BTW is that X157 bulbs are dual filament, but the H2 only uses one. X156 bulbs are single filament and will work fine.

Which reminds me.... why do they put a 2 filament bulb in a application that uses only one?

Thanks Phil, I ordered some PIAA bulbs ebay.. 9.99

We'll see...

Mark

corvette184

08-22-2006 03:03 AM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

i have the sylvania silverstar 3157's in mine and have no problems yet(since november) and these look chrome inside the clear housing but when they are on give a super bright yellow light.... they look awesome

JamesT

08-22-2006 04:33 AM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

I tried the PIAA's. After 2 months the plastic chromed housing was melted. They are just too hot.

dochummer

08-22-2006 06:46 AM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

One of my silverstars just blew. I think I've had them in for a year now. Time to hit walmart again... :)

HummBob

08-22-2006 08:20 AM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

I use the PIAA 3157's for my DRL's. They pretty much match my HID's at night. I'm on my 2nd set in 16 months. Not bad when they are only $10/set.

OrangeCrush

08-22-2006 11:38 AM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesT

I tried the PIAA's. After 2 months the plastic chromed housing was melted. They are just too hot.

James,

I'm not sure why they would have done that. The bulbs are only 27 watts. The factory ones are 35 watts...shouldn't get as hot, I wouldn't think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HummBob

I use the PIAA 3157's for my DRL's. They pretty much match my HID's at night. I'm on my 2nd set in 16 months. Not bad when they are only $10/set.

Yep, that's them. We'll try them and see if they're better than the ones I'm using now.

BTW, can you buy them local? I bought them off ebay. 10 bucks plus 10 shipping.

Thanks guys,

Mark

Sportsdude

08-22-2006 05:25 PM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

I have the same problem with the chrome xenon 3157 bulbs. In the last two weeks, I went through 2 sets. From looking at the bulbs that I have, it's not well made. As a temporary fix, I'm using 3057 amber bulbs and it's lasting so far. Hope the PIAA last for you. I want to switch to PIAA 600 HID but will have to wait for $$.

md_sailor

08-22-2006 06:15 PM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilD

In simple terms the lower wttage ones will just produce less light, but they won't blow any faster simply vecause they are lower wattage. The lower wattage ones in theory should last longer. Higher wattage = more current and more heat. Of course, quality comes into it and I've found many of the fake xenon super white whatever 3157 bulbs are just real cheap and nasty and will blow often, even if they charge a lot of money for them.

Let me throw another idea at you. I really didn't care for the blue bulb look when they were off, and I tried just about every type of bulb I could at one point. In the end I settled I settled for SilverStar 3157's, they have a chrome appearance when off, but are amber when on. They actually stand out more than white bulbs as DRL's and are much more noticeable.

I've had them in for over two years and no problems at all.

[img]http://www.*******club.com/events/moab2005/images/020.jpg[/img]

X2 over a year on mine and no issues :)

HummBob

08-22-2006 07:13 PM

Re: For those of you who have changed DRL bulbs...question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

James,

Yep, that's them. We'll try them and see if they're better than the ones I'm using now.

BTW, can you buy them local? I bought them off ebay. 10 bucks plus 10 shipping.

Thanks guys,

Mark

Hey Mark, No, I bought them on e-Bay as well. After my 1st set died (around 10 months), I bought 4 sets of of e-Bay. Combined shipping ROCKS. The 1st set was $10 to Canada ($5 US:( ) then each additional was only $2.50:D

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