This 'Easter Egg' was once a standard element in Chevy trucks.

This 'Easter Egg' was once a standard element in Chevy trucks.

      Chevrolet, obsplus/eBay, edited by the author

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      Before every phone doubled as a flashlight, certain cars included convenient built-in lights for inspecting the engine or underside when needed. GM's retractable Trouble Light, present in pre-Y2K Chevy trucks and SUVs, stands out as a fascinating piece from the pre-smartphone automotive landscape.

      Originally, the Trouble Light wasn’t intended as a hidden feature, but over time it has gained that status. It's definitely not something that everyone recognizes immediately anymore. When the GM C/K pickups were first released, it simply served as a useful tool for examining the engine when investigating unusual noises or checking the dipstick in a dim garage. However, as people now refer to vehicles from that time as having originated in “the 1900s,” these charming little lights mainly evoke nostalgia today.

      Numerous iterations exist from decades past, along with various aftermarket alternatives (some of which plug into the 12-volt cigarette lighter). The Chevy version from the '80s and '90s goes by GM part number 15528774. Although not all GM pickups were equipped with one, many engine bays from before the GMT800 body style contain them.

      This past weekend, a fellow editor shared a video of a young truck enthusiast demonstrating such a light in an older Suburban. His presentation made me realize how much time has passed. A new generation is growing up and discovering these features! I say this with no negativity whatsoever; in fact, it fills me with joy to see young individuals passionate about classic cars, which certainly applies to the Speed Bump Garage crew.

      Indeed, back in the '90s and earlier, the Trouble Light was common. It’s a simple incandescent bulb that extends on a retractable cord that surprisingly reaches the back of a Suburban. It could be updated with an LED bulb for increased brightness—the light assembly is easily found on eBay for a low cost. However, in 2025, it's far more practical to rely on your phone or, even better, to keep a USB-rechargeable headlamp in your car for roadside inspections.

      GM wasn’t the sole automaker with this concept. Older Datsuns and other vehicles also featured long-corded troubleshooting lights. Around the turn of the century, some models included battery-powered lights as standard equipment for similar uses. My '98 Mitsubishi Montero had one (although a previous owner misplaced it), and old BMWs feature them too, stored in a glovebox compartment that also serves as a charger.

      Are there any other old-car features that have become relics? I’d love to hear about them—feel free to reach out at [email protected].

This 'Easter Egg' was once a standard element in Chevy trucks.

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This 'Easter Egg' was once a standard element in Chevy trucks.

Initially a basic piece of standard gear, GM's retractable Trouble Light has become a charming artifact from the time before the iPhone.