Author Topic: Amber DRL's How-to (Read 6963 times)

bluedevil · « **on:** July 22, 2007, 12:23:29 PM »

Ambers is the popular conversion of changing out the white 4114K factory Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) to AMBER bulbs. This mod <modification> is popular in any Chevy Avalanche Club conversion used to identify other club members. It is also really neat-looking, PLUS it is actually a safety enhancement as amber light is visible at a further distance. (Amber is the color to which the human eye is most sensitive.) Some vehicles such as Corvettes, Buicks and Chevy Vans are factory equipped with Ambers. However, check your local laws as some localities are very specific about what you can and cannot do as far as making changes to automotive lighting.

Now on to accomplishing the AMBERS mod.

If you have the plastic skirting all around your Av, you have a CLADDED (aka Body Hardware) Av. If you have NO CLADDING you have a WBH or- Without Body Hardware Av. (GM terminologies.)

The procedure for changing the DRLs is different for each of the two models.

On the CLADDED Av, your DRLs are located within the lowest part of your front bumper and are the INBOARD lights (closest to the tow hooks.) Switch on your fog lamps while the LOW BEAM headlamps are on and the transmission is in PARK. The DRLs are the extinguished lights next to the fog lights. NOTE: The fog lights will normally switch off whenever the HIGH BEAMS are on.

On the WBH Av, your DRLs are located within the set of lights below the headlamps. The DRLs are the INBOARD lamps (closest to the grille.) Switch on your parking lights while the transmission is in PARK and the DRLs are the extinguished lamps adjacent to the parking lights.

Amber bulbs to purchase <for either model of Av> are Sylvania 3157/4157NALL. A pair can be obtained at certain auto parts stores for around $5.50 or so. Do NOT pay $10 for these bulbs, as some other parts stores (who will remain unnamed) charge.

CLADDED Avys. From beneath the bumper, depress the lock tab on the DRL socket and turn 1/4 turn, pull socket out of housing. Remove factory bulb and replace with the amber. Reinstall socket (turn to lock.)

WBH Avys. Open hood. Remove L shaped shiny aluminum retainer pins from the tops of left and right headlamp assemblies. Carefully lift assemblies up and out of the way. (Do NOT disconnect any of their sockets/wiring.) Reach down to the DRL socket and depress its lock tab, then turn socket 1/4 turn, pull socket out of housing. Remove factory bulb and replace with the amber. Reinstall DRL socket (turn to lock) and reinstall headlamp assemblies. You may have to fuss a bit when reinstalling the drivers side headlamp assembly as the wiring may need to be positioned to allow clearance. Very easy to do, just do not force anything. The headlamp retainer pins may utilize a slotted tab at the top of the assemblies in which to lock the pins in place.

CHECKING YOUR DRLs.

BE FREAKING CAREFUL whenever you do this using method B!

Your DRLs will normally only be on in daylight (NOT inside your garage,) with the engine running and in DRIVE, NOT in PARK. The DRLs will switch off when the transmission is placed into PARK.

Method A) The safest method is to drive somewhere to observe the reflection of your Av in a glass window. Go to a local business, or convenience store (you need beer anyway, right?) Check DRL operation in drive, with the engine running, footbrake applied.

Method B) You can also check DRL operation by placing your Av in DRIVE on a flat, open area, and engaging the parking brake. Get out and observe the DRLs. DO NOT walk directly in front in case the brake slips. Or you can have someone stay in the drivers seat, depressing the brake pedal while you make your check.

Method B) is not recommended unless you live out in the boonies, as method A) is so easy and safe.

Method C) You can monitor DRL operation during the course of normal driving. At traffic lights you can often see a reflection off the back of a vehicle in front of you. This is an easy method for monitoring lamp status to determine a burnout. They should last quite a few years as the "NALLs" are long-life bulbs.

Follow up notes.

A) The amber bulbs will not burn your sockets or plastic lamp housings. When you go to change them from the factory bulbs, you may notice a very slight burnt look to the base of the sockets. This is noted to occur on the factory sockets with factory bulbs and is not to be of any concern to you. Lamp sockets which have just a little use (a brand new Av, for example, with only a few hours of running) may exhibit the slightly burnt-looking socket condition. Simply ignore this non-issue.

B) The description of how the DRLs and headlamps operate during daytime, as told in the above instructions, assumes that you have an original factory electrical wiring setup. Other modifications, such as Full Time DRLs (or All Time DRLs) and All Four-On High changes the way the DRLs and headlamps operate compared to the original factory set up.

You can do a search here to learn more about these additional modifications.

Thanx to avalanCHEVY for the writeup

Richie_Rich · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2008, 02:59:53 PM »

Here is a picture of my '04 Avalanche 2500 with Amber DRL's.
I used the 3157/4157NALL bulbs.

Notice my DRL's are down by the fog lights.

It took me longer to put my garage jacket on and find cardboard than to swap out the bulbs.

I put the parking brake on, turned on the ignition without starting the truck and put it in drive.
I didn't need to worry about the truck moving.

Fowlhunter · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2008, 06:23:29 PM »

Hey Rich,
That looks great!

Did you switch any wires in the electrical box under the hood? If not your amber DRL's will not come on at night, only during the daylight hours. If the lighting outside is too dark the DRL's will go off and your headlights will come on. I'm not sure if the procedure is the same for the 04 as it was for my 02?

I'll be looking for you!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2008, 06:48:42 PM »

The drls will go out with the truck in park and the brake on. If it's in drive they will stay on.

boilers94 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2008, 07:53:16 PM »

Nice write up on the DRL's, BD!!! By the way, that's a GREAT picture of the Av with the DRL's on!! That guy needs to clean up his garage though!!!!

TannerMac · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2008, 06:37:31 PM »

Is there a need to mess with the wiring when putting in the Ambers?

I'd hope I can just change out the bulbs.

bluedevil · « **Reply #6 on:** August 06, 2008, 06:39:57 PM »

Quote from: TannerMac on August 06, 2008, 06:37:31 PM

Is there a need to mess with the wiring when putting in the Ambers?

I'd hope I can just change out the bulbs.

Nope. No wiring involved. Just pull the old ones and insert new. $1.99 at the gas station.

tdybr27 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 06, 2008, 06:40:58 PM »

Quote from: TannerMac on August 06, 2008, 06:37:31 PM

Is there a need to mess with the wiring when putting in the Ambers?

I'd hope I can just change out the bulbs.

Nope, no need to mess with the wiring, just crawl under and switch them out!

TannerMac · « **Reply #8 on:** August 11, 2008, 09:10:03 AM »

Thanks Guys!

Ambers are now installed and they Look Great!

Unsure how to post Pic. or maybe I cannot do that yet.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #9 on:** August 11, 2008, 07:01:12 PM »

Quote from: TannerMac on August 11, 2008, 09:10:03 AM

Thanks Guys!

Ambers are now installed and they Look Great!

Unsure how to post Pic. or maybe I cannot do that yet.

when you use the REPLY button at the bottom (or top depending on how your preferences are set) not the QUICK REPLY button there is a line that says additional options. click on that, there you will find an attachment set up similar to your email.

Here's a link to the help page that you will find out about "additional options" like posting pix.

TannerMac · « **Reply #10 on:** August 12, 2008, 08:41:44 AM »

Let's see if I followed that....

boilers94 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 12, 2008, 10:30:23 AM »

Looks good!!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #12 on:** August 12, 2008, 04:19:18 PM »

Looks good, glad the pix posted

jtdchevy · « **Reply #13 on:** September 15, 2009, 08:41:20 PM »

Finally got my Ambers in today. wasn't too bad. the passenger side was a bit of a problem the wire was shorter than the one on the driver side.

bluedevil · « **Reply #14 on:** September 15, 2009, 08:52:33 PM »

Quote from: jtdchevy on September 15, 2009, 08:41:20 PM

Finally got my Ambers in today. wasn't too bad. the passenger side was a bit of a problem the wire was shorter than the one on the driver side.

Sorry...had to.

Ambers is one of my fave mods

Troublemaker · « **Reply #15 on:** September 15, 2009, 09:47:07 PM »

One thing to note, is that this process only applies to the 2002-2006 model years.

For 2007 and up, the location of the DRL's is the same as the WBH (uncladded) AV's, but the process of replacing them is must more difficult.

There are about 5 hex-head screws to remove on each side of the grill that need to be removed, and then the headlight assembly can be moved forward A LITTLE BIT. Do not move the headlight assembly too much, or you will break it. There is a single screw on each side that is accessible by removing the wheel-well cover in the front (3 bolts on each side, if I remember correctly.) If you are CAREFUL, you can pull the grill assembly out far enough to reach your hands behind the grill to the DRL bulb and remove the housing enough to pull the stock bulb, and replace it with the Amber DRL bulb.

This process can take about 20-30 minutes, depending on how small your hands are. Following the "proper" procedure of removing the wheel-well covers can take a little longer (but is less of a chance of breaking anything).

Main One · « **Reply #16 on:** September 16, 2009, 07:39:02 AM »

Quote from: Troublemaker on September 15, 2009, 09:47:07 PM

One thing to note, is that this process only applies to the 2002-2006 model years.

For 2007 and up, the location of the DRL's is the same as the WBH (uncladded) AV's, but the process of replacing them is must more difficult.

There are about 5 hex-head screws to remove on each side of the grill that need to be removed, and then the headlight assembly can be moved forward A LITTLE BIT. Do not move the headlight assembly too much, or you will break it. There is a single screw on each side that is accessible by removing the wheel-well cover in the front (3 bolts on each side, if I remember correctly.) If you are CAREFUL, you can pull the grill assembly out far enough to reach your hands behind the grill to the DRL bulb and remove the housing enough to pull the stock bulb, and replace it with the Amber DRL bulb.

This process can take about 20-30 minutes, depending on how small your hands are. Following the "proper" procedure of removing the wheel-well covers can take a little longer (but is less of a chance of breaking anything).

Great write-up!

This makes me glad I've got a classic Avalanche.

dnice58 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 07, 2010, 11:42:49 AM »

just installed ambers less than five minutes. very simple mod all i had to was lift out the headlight assembly, reach in undo the DRL's and change the bulb out. I'm glas i've done it was thinking it would take longer. mine is a 06, so all you 06 owners that haven't done this mod it's simple like i said less than five minutes.

dnice58 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 07, 2010, 11:45:53 AM »

almost forgot I will post up when I get Big Baby cleaned up very nasty right now not to mention I'll have to get a front replacement bumper as I had a meeting with a curb guard at the bank, I thought those things were plastic or rubber. got to pay more attention.

bluedevil · « **Reply #19 on:** May 07, 2010, 11:47:17 AM »

Quote from: dnice58 on May 07, 2010, 11:42:49 AM

just installed ambers less than five minutes. very simple mod all i had to was lift out the headlight assembly, reach in undo the DRL's and change the bulb out. I'm glas i've done it was thinking it would take longer. mine is a 06, so all you 06 owners that haven't done this mod it's simple like i said less than five minutes.

Yep,.... easy on the 02-06.

Now for 07+ its a bit complex. Several things need to come off before getting to the headlights.

The bulbs can be picked up at the gas station for $3.

coolram62 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 17, 2010, 01:48:18 PM »

I agree the '07 Avalanche's (at least it's similar to the Tahoe,Sub,Yukon) front light housing is a pain to remove to change bulbs. Also the lamp chart calls for DRL bulb P/N 5201 which isn't in the Sylvania catalog. I checked at several auto parts stores with no luck. Well I had to replace my turn signals (I genrally do in pairs) so I thought I'd take a look at the DRL. And I find both sides have a 3157 in there. Now I bought her used ,and she is an early build 07/2006, so I don't know if she came that way or if they had been replaced. The turn signals had 3457NA when the catalog calls for a 4157NA. The bulbs are same base so is the wattage the same or different - does anyone know? It's typical GM to change bulbs and how you access them.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #21 on:** August 17, 2010, 02:36:33 PM »

I'm not sure about a difference in the wattage. I'm pretty sure I've put 4157LL (long life) in for ambers. It's the same as the turn signal bulb but the DRL only uses one filament instead of two.

coolram62 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 17, 2010, 03:54:18 PM »

Thank you oHIobellboy I was thinking the same but thought it better to ask. The Sylvania catalog lists wattage for some but not for all. And some of the bulbs have the wattage stamped on the base while others don't. The amber DRL mod does make for a unique look. I always use the LL bulbs if available and replace in pairs.

LuvMyAvy · « **Reply #23 on:** April 22, 2011, 08:57:02 PM »

okay I have a question... on my 04 I'm not sure where to put ambers, the bottom lights (down by the hooks) only have 1 bulb is that the ones I change?? I need those to stay the same for night driving so I can see better or is it the lights right under the chrome strip that goes across the grill??

dnice58 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 22, 2011, 09:52:41 PM »

IIRC they are the inner ones below the chrome strip

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #25 on:** April 23, 2011, 02:52:13 AM »

Quote from: dnice58 on April 22, 2011, 09:52:41 PM

IIRC they are the inner ones below the chrome strip

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

You are correct.
On the WBH (WithOUT Body Hardware, or cladding), You have two lights right under the headlights. The one closest to the grille are your DRL's. Twiggy's is the one on the right in this pix.

FlaAv · « **Reply #26 on:** April 23, 2011, 12:30:03 PM »

Anybody done a 2011 yet??

Light body removal seems quite different.

One bolted point accessible from wheel well - but getting the houising out seems impossible??
Anybody have success?

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #27 on:** April 23, 2011, 01:08:54 PM »

Quote from: FlaAv on April 23, 2011, 12:30:03 PM

Anybody done a 2011 yet??

Light body removal seems quite different.

One bolted point accessible from wheel well - but getting the houising out seems impossible??
Anybody have success?

I've done one set on a second generation. We just took out the bolts holding in the top of the grills and I snaked my hand behind the light housing. Tight fit but I did it. There are 3 bolts holding in the housing if you want to go that route. 2 behind the fender well and one on top under the hood.

Sent by my Atrix 4G

AHNAML · « **Reply #28 on:** April 24, 2011, 12:13:54 PM »

Saw this thread on Thursday had them in on Saturday

......Wife likes the look of the amber driving lights.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #29 on:** April 24, 2011, 12:17:42 PM »

Quote from: AHNAML on April 24, 2011, 12:13:54 PM

Saw this thread on Thursday had them in on Saturday ......Wife likes the look of the amber driving lights.

Makes a world of difference. Easier to see now coming down the road.

AHNAML · « **Reply #30 on:** April 24, 2011, 12:21:40 PM »

That and of the 3 Vic. Red Avs driving around this city.....now people can tell it's me from the front instad of waiting for me to pass to look at the rims.

Like being a little different.

AHNAML · « **Reply #31 on:** July 19, 2011, 04:25:55 AM »

I was wondering if anyone else has this problem with the ambers. I put some in (Sylvania 4147NALL) in April and since then the coat has baked off, turned white and one of the lights has burned out already.....Is this normal or did I have some crap bulbs?

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #32 on:** July 19, 2011, 04:44:13 AM »

Quote from: AHNAML on July 19, 2011, 04:25:55 AM

I was wondering if anyone else has this problem with the ambers. I put some in (Sylvania 4147NALL) in April and since then the coat has baked off, turned white and one of the lights has burned out already.....Is this normal or did I have some crap bulbs?

Sounds like you got a set of bad bulbs.

AHNAML · « **Reply #33 on:** July 19, 2011, 03:27:52 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on July 19, 2011, 04:44:13 AM

Sounds like you got a set of bad bulbs.

Figured......Well before I go and get some new ones does it make much of a difference between the 3157 or the 4157?