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GMC Envoy Headlight Problems

77 messages,  Last post on Feb 23, 2013 at 10:53 AM

You are in the GMC Envoy Forum.

What is this discussion about? GMC Envoy, GMC Envoy XUV, GMC Envoy XL, SUV

Messages Page 4 of 9

#25 of 77 Re: 1999 GMC HID Headlight Replacement [mojaveflyer] by rdyehl

Oct 03, 2009 (11:52 am)

Replying to: mojaveflyer (Mar 03, 2009 8:52 pm)
I have a 1999 GMC Envoy with HID low beam headlights. One of the headlights went out and I was quoted the following “replace the Igniter which costs $657.00 per side and also the Ballast which costs $616.00 per side. Or you could do the Headlamp Assembly which is around $1,000 per side.” I thought there had to be a more cost effective way to replace the headlight. Both $1,273 and $1,000 was too much for one low beam replacement. Especially when replacing two headlights cost more than the entire trade in value of the vehicle
Using the limited information on the internet I was able to convert the HID headlights to standard 9006 bulbs.
- I unplugged the wiring harness from the ballast that is mounted within/behind the bumper. I was able to unplug the harness without removing the ballast.
- I tested the harness to ensure with a voltage tester to ensure the harness connector was 12.8v +/-.
- The harness connects directly to a 9006 headlight. I bought one for $10 to ensure the appropriate fit and operation.
- The original headlight assemblies (GM 16525606 / GM 16525605) do not allow for a direct connection with a 9006 bulb.
- After talking to AutoZone and Advance Auto I got a quote for new headlight assemblies (GM2503174 and GM2502174) that would fit at $273 each. Though the bulb would connect to the new assembly - again, too much money. They advised they did not know of an “adaptor” that could mount to the existing assembly and accept the 9006 bulb.
- Through Amazon.com I found Vehicle Interior Parts. They have a storefront on Amazon. I ordered the following from them –
  o 1998-2001 GMC S-15 Jimmy Left Side Front Only Headlamp HeadLight W/O FOG LAMP,LEFT HAND replaces OEM 16526227 Hollander 114-535L Partslink GM2502174
  o 1998-2001 GMC S-15 Jimmy Right Side Front Only Headlamp HeadLight W/O FOG LAMP,RIGHT HAND replaces OEM 16526228 Hollander 114-535R Partslink GM2503174
  o Total cost including shipping for both New assemblies was $84.00 - they arrived few days later via UPS packaged well and in new condition.
  o Each assembly included the high and low bulbs already.
- I was unable to remove the existing ballast from behind the bumper. I was uncomfortable removing the body/bumper panels to gain access to remove the bumper itself. Therefore I zip tied the existing HID behind/next to the assembly location.
- I removed the existing assemblies, installed the bulbs and connectors into the new assemblies and then installed the new assemblies.
- The wiring harness on the driver side barely had enough length to plug into the slightly different bulb locations in the new assembly. I managed to manipulate the harness enough to get it installed though.

#26 of 77 Re: 2005 GMC Envoy headlight problem [angelj] by apro1

Oct 27, 2009 (12:21 pm)

Replying to: angelj (Jul 09, 2008 4:31 pm)
I have a 2004 GMC Envoy. Both low-beam hightlights went out. The high beams still work. I do think its the fuses, since I switched the low beam fuse with the high beam and still had the problem.
 
Do you have any idea what it could be?
 
Are "relays" the same as fuses?
 
Thanks

#27 of 77 Re: 1999 ENVOY-Replace the HID HEADLIGHTS [lasdoug] by susan72

Nov 10, 2009 (11:41 am)

Replying to: lasdoug (Sep 13, 2009 2:26 pm)
I had the same problem. I found a mechanic that could covert my 1999 envoy to standard headlights but GM would not send the parts. He was going to charge me $2000.00 for the job. After extensive searching this is what I did. I bought an aftermarket HID plug and play kit for 1999 envoy. I tore off the plates on the original lights and installed two brand new headlights for $250.00... no need to covert... Hope this helps. My new lights are two years old now.

#28 of 77 Re: 1999 ENVOY-Replace the HID HEADLIGHTS [susan72] by mscollard

Nov 12, 2009 (12:13 pm)

Replying to: susan72 (Nov 10, 2009 11:41 am)
This just happened to me and I fixed it today for $20 and it was really easy.
 
Same story, passenger low-beam died and I was quoted over $1300. Went to a local auto store and bought the 9006 low-beam and the socket for it. Total $20. I removed the headlight cluster and took out the old HID light and igniter. Following the wire back to the ballast, I cut it and threw it all away. I left the old ballast where it was because it was a pain to get at. Next I cut the wires going into the ballast on the opposite side from the one I just cut. This is just the good old regular juice to make the good old regular headlight you just bought work. Wire the two together and you are good to go.
 
You will have to make sure the new light is secure in the cluster. I used a short piece of metal strapping and screwed it right into the same holes. I may do the driver's side just to get them both out of the way. Total cost $40, or maybe $75 if you want higher end bulbs.

#29 of 77 Re: 1999 ENVOY-Replace the HID HEADLIGHTS [susan72] by 1999envoy

Dec 04, 2009 (6:52 pm)

Replying to: susan72 (Nov 10, 2009 11:41 am)
a little more input would be appreciated like what kind of conversion kit and what plates you tore off Pics if avalable would be a plus or mabie a website thanks:)

#30 of 77 04 GMC Envoy XL by tdtgh26

Dec 04, 2009 (9:54 pm)

I have a 2004 GMC Envoy XL and my headlights will go out, out of no where. I am sure there is a short somewhere, but how do I find out where? Also, my air conditioner works up front, but the rear vents do not work. Any hints?

#31 of 77 Re: 1999 GMC HID Headlight Replacement [rdyehl] by mealworm

Mar 18, 2010 (2:32 pm)

Replying to: rdyehl (Oct 03, 2009 11:52 am)
Just wanted to say thanks a million for your post. I had searched and searched for solutions to the Envoy HID problem with no luck. When we bought our 2000 Envoy the passenger-side HID, igniter, and ballast had all been removed already. I used some metal strapping to hold a 9006 bulb in the HID hole, but it was not a good long-term solution.
So I decided to try the two headlight assemblies you listed from Vehicle Interior Parts on Amazon. $35/ea + shipping = not bad. They got here quickly and were well packaged and brand new.
The passenger side was a breeze since the 9006 connector had already been freed from the ballast. The driver's side was tougher. I tried like hell to remove the ballast, but without completely removing the front bumper cover, it seemed impossible. Then I just tried to get the 9006 connector free, which was also a bitch because it was impossible to get my hand into the space where it was connected. I fussed with trying different angles for a good half hour. I finally sent a long flathead screwdriver into the cavity and it pried off really easily (note to self for next time). At this point, the original assembly was now dangling from the ballast. I cut the wire as close to the ballast as I could and was finally free to install the new light. The wires barely reached, but they did.
This is an excellent solution for those of us who prefer regular, easy to find, cheap headlights over proprietary redonkulously expensive HIDs.

#33 of 77 2005 GMC Envoy Intermittent Headlights by jenny42203

Apr 13, 2010 (6:11 pm)

I have a 2005 GMC Envoy. Recently while driving at night, they both turn off. This has happened to me quite often in the past week. I have had to ride the rest of the way to my destination with my high-beams. However, my fog lights still work.
 
I have replaced the fuses for both headlights and checked the battery, in case a cable was loose.
 
It turned off on me when the car was on but in park. It has come back on for me once. This was after I hit the top of the fuse box cover to lock it back in place and the lights immediately turned on.
 
Could anyone tell me what else to check for?

#34 of 77 Re: 1999 ENVOY-Replace the HID HEADLIGHTS [susan72] by lasdoug

May 01, 2010 (7:00 am)

Replying to: susan72 (Nov 10, 2009 11:41 am)
I like your way-BUT can you provide me EXACTLY what you BOUGHT & WHERE
on-line and what your mechanic had to do exactly. That would really help my mechanic who I think will take this job on if its not going to be a nightmare!!
Would appreciate additional info from you-it would really help.
Thanks you much, in advance
Doug

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