Turn Signal problems of the 2004 Cadillac SRX

Design and repair of daytime running lights (drl) is so poor that one is tempted to disconnect them. The drl bulb is the same as the turn signal bulb. Evidently, the housing for this bulb was designed in plastic, as is common with many light housings. However, the design failed to consider that the drl is on whenever the car is on. Over time, and frequently, there is a problem with either the bulb or the housing or the associated wiring, due to heat. Then, one or several of the components must be replaced. Not so bad, except that the overall lamp housing can only be accessed by removing multiple elements of bodywork. This can be difficult and time-consuming, then one gets to remove the actual housing, which is awkwardly placed for removing the retaining bolts. I have owned my 2004 Srx for three years and have encountered multiple failures of the drl and turn signals. Sometimes they start working again without repair, and sometimes repair is required. The safety issue is that we have drls for a reason, and we have turn signals for a reason. There are multiple blogs containing sad stories of how hard it is to make a bulb change, and I personally often see this model being driven (as I am now) with only one light working. In general, this seems a very safe and reliable car; seems that gm could have designed the bulb housing of a sturdier material.

Turn signal/day time running lights burn out every other month. I have had the vehicle for 3 years and have had to replace the bulb and socket on both sides 6 separate times.

Front turn signals do not work. Vehicle has been to the dealer no less than 6 times throughout it's life. I have personally changed 2 turn signal bulbs. I am an engineer. . . And the bulbs are fully functional after replacement. The bulbs "socket" is plastic with a wire. It appears the wire melts the plastic and the turn signal stops working prematurely. This might be fixed with bulb that is of all glass construction (which gm does not use and not available at the local parts store). Or possibly the turn signal circuit is using too much current for this application. Either way this is a certain design defect. . . Noted on Cadillac forums. I just replaced another bulb and the next day it is not working again. The problem I find, is there is no way to fix this problem. There are no "faulty" parts to replace. It must be a design defect. And owners of these vehicles are a liability on the road.

Turn signals failed to work. This is an intermittent problem which the dealer has failed to correct. The selected signal does not flash when the turn signal is activated. The operator will then cancel the signal and activate the other side and the signal still does not flash. Then, several minutes later, both signals work properly.