Today's electrical systems

[JDgreen227]

Guys, I had to replace one of the DRL bulbs (passenger side) in my Y2K Yukon XL today, and I recalled replacing the same bulb on the driver's side about four years ago. So, in more than 13 years of ownership I have had to replace two light bulbs and the truck is on it's second battery, and that is all. Amazes me how long electrical components seem to last today, I remember replacing batteries every 3 years as well as sealed beam headlights yearly and having to struggle to remove burnt out turn signal bulbs rusted in the sockets after only a year and replace fuses frequently. In ten years of ownership the only electrical work my Lesabre required was one new battery and one tail light bulb. My '04 Saturn has needed one new battery and nothing else.

It amazes me how reliable electrical systems on vehicles have become compared to those of the past. Given the increasing complexity of the wiring and the numerous things that could go wrong we should be really grateful.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have replaced one light bulb and a battery on both my 07 BMW with nearly 90,000 miles and the same on my 08 Titan with 75,000 miles. Headlight on the BMW under warranty and a license plate bulb on the Titan.

My 06 F350 has needed a set of batteries and is getting close again but nothing else.

If you get a vehicle with electrical gremlins its a whole other story but as a whole the new stuff is just batteries, tires, brakes, and fluid changes.

Chris

 

[QRTRHRS]

I have replaced the right side DRL on my wife's CTS maybe six times in the five years we have had it. But then the only other issue has been one coil pack and even Sylvania Ultra's are not that expensive in the grand scheme of things so I guess I should not complain.

 

[Degolyerent]

Chevy trucks seem to have a problem with burned out DRL's, the trucks I pass coming at me has a high percentage chance of lights being out on one side or the other.
Not that I care but it has been enough that I have taken notice.
John

 

[Diamondpilot]

Chevy trucks seem to have a problem with burned out DRL's, the trucks I pass coming at me has a high percentage chance of lights being out on one side or the other.
Not that I care but it has been enough that I have taken notice.
John

Yep, seems about 1/3 hav3 one or the other burned out.

Drives me nuts....

Chris

 

[Oaktree]

Chevy trucks seem to have a problem with burned out DRL's, the trucks I pass coming at me has a high percentage chance of lights being out on one side or the other.
Not that I care but it has been enough that I have taken notice.

Around here it seems to be Toyotas driving around with one DRL out, haven't noticed it as much with other makes.

All in all, longer bulb life is a good thing given what a PITA it is to change a bulb on most modern vehicles.