Sidemarker bulb burned headlamp housing

So over the past few weeks, I've noticed a small area of fog above the sidemarker bulb on the inside of the headlight housing, only on the passenger side. I've noticed more recently that it has become more obvious and took a look under the hood again last night. I originally thought it was moisture, but was skeptical because I know how well they were sealed. The bulb was actually putting off wayyy too much heat, and was actually burning the housing. I removed the bulb for now until i get some LED replacements. I know in the past, people have had similar issues with the DTRL burning or melting the housings, but mine are fine so far (I don't think they're on all the time for a '15). Figured I would share with my forum peeps.

Sorry for blurry pics, would have helped if i wiped my camera off first.

Burn spot with sidemarker bulb on:


sidemarker bulb removed - Luckily after settling over night, the spot became more transparent and isn't nearly as noticeable:



Removed them:

 

Did you use OEM housing when you did the retrofit or aftermarket? Just wondering if that may have anything to do with it.

 

Dang it that sucks man

 

Its all good, its barely noticeable now. Just glad I caught it before it got too bad. Going to replace the sidemarkers and DTRL with LEDs, but pretty sure I'll need to address the speed blink in the process. Anyone running LED DTRL and side-markers?

 

Lots of people run em - were you using a halogen bulb still???

 

Yup!, didn't think the side marker would put off that much heat!!! haha.

 

Dang it dude. Never honestly seen that before now......

 

Yeah, I'm running high vis amber for front turn signals and side markers from vleds.com

http://www.vleds.com/shop-applicati...57/turn-signals-front-3157-ck/3157ck-hva.html
http://www.vleds.com/shop-application/sidemarker-front/194/6-hv.html

(Not sure if the '15 has 3157CK bulb sockets... you may want to double check)

Pricey, but quality is definitely there. I had installed the DTRL set-up (OEM wire harness and flasher) but recently took it out since I couldn't get the hyper flasher to stop.

Although you could easily modify your flasher with a resistor and it should take care of the hyper flashing without the need to add resistors in line with the DTRL/turn signals. You could even run rear turn signal LEDs as well.
I couldn't get my hyper flashing to stop because I modified my rear turn signals to work with my running/stop LED's (long story).

But in your case, you should be able to solder in a new resistor onto your flasher relay and be good to go. Let me know if you want more info.

 

Thanks for the great info! I was just looking at this on the VLEDS site:

http://www.vleds.com/shop-bulb-numbers/3157-3156-led/v3-wa-set-3157ck.html

I really like the switchbacks and I know someone else with this kit, he didn't even run into the hyper blink issue.

 

No problem. Do it up man! Those are nice. I believe the system has the resistor built in, so you should be good to go. If you do end up buying the side markers, just remember that they have polarity. So if it doesn't light right up at first, rotate it 180°.

 

Will do! Now i just need to decide whether to go amber or white for the sides. I know amber is obviously factory and DOT approved, but i like the look of the white, especially with the switchbacks.

 

That's tough. If a cop wanted to, they could probably ticket you. But, you could probably talk yourself out of it. Is there an amber reflector in the housing?

http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015/Bills/Senate/PDF/S90v4.pdf

"(7) Front clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color."

 

I know this thread is a few weeks old, but I've tried the VLED amber 194 bulbs. These as well as almost every other amber 194 bulb overheat, dim and turn more orange than amber. I'm guessing that most manufacturers are designing these for maximum output but for intermittent use as blinkers.

I did find these after I was so disappointed by so many others. If you want amber side markers (194/168 bulbs) then these are definitely the way to go.

(Trust me, I know amber LEDs )

$11 SYLVANIA - 194 T10 W5W ZEVO LED Amber Bulb - Bright LED Bulb, Ideal for Interior Lighting (Contains 1 Bulb)

https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-ZEVO-Amber-Bulb-Contains/dp/B01CKQP49I