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What is happening to my 997.2 LED tails

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Old 03-27-2017, 09:29 AM
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New911
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Default What is happening to my 997.2 LED tails

There was some condensation build up in my left tail light, which I didn't worry too much about.

Has anyone seen this before?

Last edited by New911; 05-19-2017 at 02:52 AM.
Old 03-27-2017, 12:43 PM
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myw
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Is your car winter driven , or driven in rain often ??

If it's flickering and throwing a code obviously the water inside the light is touching the internal electrical contacts... will need a new passenger LED rear taillight.

no affiliation.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Tail-Lig...3D152109990843

or maybe just take it as an opportunity to make a change - http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Tail-Lig...pYuC3v&vxp=mtr

Last edited by myw; 03-27-2017 at 05:07 PM.
Old 03-27-2017, 05:01 PM
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808Bill
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Should have worried about that condensation a bit more...

Last edited by 808Bill; 03-27-2017 at 05:32 PM.
Old 03-27-2017, 08:45 PM
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gnochi
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You have an internal short that's probably recoverable. Remove the unit from the car. If there are any removable lights - a halogen for the reverse light, for example, do so. Put it in the oven at 200F for 15 minutes, then let them cool to room temperature, and repeat 3-4 times.

Before you fully install them in the car, plug the wiring harness in and check to make sure all of the lights work.

FYI LED lights don't use the hot halogen bulb to pump air in and out through the breather valves, so condensation buildup is normal.
Old 03-27-2017, 11:14 PM
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myw
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Originally Posted by gnochi
You have an internal short that's probably recoverable. Remove the unit from the car. If there are any removable lights - a halogen for the reverse light, for example, do so. Put it in the oven at 200F for 15 minutes, then let them cool to room temperature, and repeat 3-4 times. Before you fully install them in the car, plug the wiring harness in and check to make sure all of the lights work. FYI LED lights don't use the hot halogen bulb to pump air in and out through the breather valves, so condensation buildup is normal.
Awesome info. Imo I don't think the condensation has anything to do with lack of a hot bulb or breather valves for the 997.2 led tail light ..... it's bad sealing/construction I'm guessing due to it being the first time exterior LEDs were made for the car. I believe the LED tail lights can pick up water after a simple car wash or even some rain.
Old 03-27-2017, 11:39 PM
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caslca
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If you have CPO, go to the dealer and have them replaced. I got both of mine replaced due to condensation (much less than what you have shown here)
Old 03-28-2017, 02:01 PM
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997_Toronto
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Won't that melt the crap out of the plastic & wiring?

Originally Posted by gnochi
You have an internal short that's probably recoverable. Remove the unit from the car. If there are any removable lights - a halogen for the reverse light, for example, do so. Put it in the oven at 200F for 15 minutes, then let them cool to room temperature, and repeat 3-4 times.

Before you fully install them in the car, plug the wiring harness in and check to make sure all of the lights work.

FYI LED lights don't use the hot halogen bulb to pump air in and out through the breather valves, so condensation buildup is normal.
Old 03-28-2017, 02:54 PM
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gnochi
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Originally Posted by 997_Toronto
Won't that melt the crap out of the plastic & wiring?
Nope, the wiring and such will be good to 250F or so. The plastic will be a bit weaker, though, so you need to make sure that it isn't resting on the wire rack. I've seen boards and baking-sheet-with-wet-towel work successfully here.
Old 03-28-2017, 05:16 PM
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fuego
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You can also bury it in uncooked rice for a few days. That should dry it out without the heat cycles.
Old 03-28-2017, 05:58 PM
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myw
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Originally Posted by fuego
You can also bury it in uncooked rice for a few days. That should dry it out without the heat cycles.
for real? sounds awesome.
Old 03-28-2017, 07:34 PM
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fuego
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yep. mixed results for electronics as well eg iphones and such.
Old 03-29-2017, 03:41 AM
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Edgy01
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Sadly, I believe the LED lights do not generate as much heat as the old fashioned incandescents do. As such, moisture may not be as effectively negated with the burning of the LEDs over time and eventually the moisture overwhelms the enclosure. Just my theory.



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