I don't think GM is pointing to the Blazer because these adapters aren't factory items and they probably aren't aware they exist. It seems to me that GM is talking about a programming or software glitch that should've originally turned off the DRLs once the headlights were turned on, and they want to update the software to make them turn off. The way GM words this letter is that there is a malfunction in the software and the original intent in the design was to have the DRLs turn off when the headlights come on. That's not the case with other brands. My wife's Nissan Rogue Sport's DRLs simply dim when the headlights come on, just like the Blazer does now. When the DRLs on the Blazer dim, they aren't very bright at all, hence the reason for the adapters I purchased to keep them bright when the headlights are turned on. I can't see how this could've been a factory mistake. I think they are just getting a lot of complaints about it. However, no different than other manufacturers building their own LEDs into their platforms. They are all bright. My 84-year-old dad always complains about those damn bright LEDs coming toward him... lol. I haven't heard anything said about the legalities of all this yet.
I'm not trying to sell these adapters and I get nothing convincing someone to buy them, so I have no special interest in talking them up on these forums. I simply like them and, to me, it enhances the aesthetic value of the Blazer. I think many folks on these forums enjoy the aesthetic value of having LEDs in all the right places on their rigs. Everyone has LED lights these days and I'm blinded by those that have them, so I'm not worried about me having LEDs in my Blazer. Don't look directly into the light and it isn't as much of a problem. I can unplug my adapters if I ever chose to stop using them. These just plug in between the light housing harness and the harness on the downside. You can plug it back into the original in 5 seconds, but I won't. Mine will stay.
When you go into the Dealer or any place that can inspect your car, and they pass you on said inspection, then that was a legal test. If you don't fail due to overly bright headlight bulbs, then I can't see any liability in that. The fact that these bulbs are brighter than halogen, an old standard, is not a legal issue. It means that we, as a society, are having a hard time adjusting to them. Does that mean it's problematic having these bright bulbs in our vehicles... most likely. The transition from halogen, soft white and yellowish to LED/Xenon, pure white/bluish, is a difficult adjustment. I think for too many people that will never be a complete adjustment. It's extreme. Much of this is very subjective and relative to the person suffering from the glare. I would imagine if enough people complain, there could be federal regulations banning these bulbs. However, these bulbs aren't new to the market and have been out for years. I haven't read or heard chatter out there about doing away with them. I also think that people reduce the issue down to a moral one... right and wrong. It can be personal, not to negate the obvious and physical issue with the light. The debate over halogen vs LED has been around for a number of years, and that debate hasn't pointed to DRLs, it's pointed to headlights. I can't remember ever hearing an argument about DRLs being too bright in my past. Positioning of the lights can be a key issue. Keep in mind, LEDs throw a wider path of light than halogens. It's not that line of sight is the problem rather the broader throw of light emitting as a whole captures the recipient in that wash of brilliant pure white light, where before it wasn't an issue. The drastic difference between the type of light emitting from said bulbs is the issue, not so much line of sight. Originally, aligning headlights wasn't based on LED output but rather on halogen feedback. Haven't heard any legal cases coming to the public eye that says these bulbs are "illegal". We hear all the time that the light emitting from said bulbs is extreme compared to halogen. I would imagine if there is enough pushback on LED/Xenon over time, you'll see government regulation come into this and a mandate to change it.
I have to call my Chevy Dealer today for something unrelated, so I'll talk to my service advisor and see what she knows. I'll post back here if she has something to say. I always think this is a good topic to discuss.
