Headlight Crack
07-01-2015, 10:43 PM
#46
Mech33
Great video. My lights were exactly like those. I just had both replaced without question from my local dealer. They didn't say exactly what was going on but stated this happens from time to time.
They also checked computer,my car is November build ecu - there are no new ecu updates since November on the car according to tech.
Lastly they approved xpel for use on the lense surface both where I purchased in manhatten and at my dealer in Tennessee
take them to dealer and demand new ones.
Great video. My lights were exactly like those. I just had both replaced without question from my local dealer. They didn't say exactly what was going on but stated this happens from time to time.
They also checked computer,my car is November build ecu - there are no new ecu updates since November on the car according to tech.
Lastly they approved xpel for use on the lense surface both where I purchased in manhatten and at my dealer in Tennessee
take them to dealer and demand new ones.
My dealer strongly supports replacing them and pushed Porsche to do so, but their field technical manager looked at the pictures and denied it. He simply claimed they must have been damaged from the outside given how visibly cracked they are. Very disappointing, so I've escalated it to the next level at Porsche customer relations to try and get someone to actually come see it in person.
This is my first warranty interaction with Porsche ever, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll step it up and actually look carefully at what is happening with the lights, check back with engineering to hear that there actually IS a field issue happening with these that have already been reported by many folks such as yourself, and quickly replace them before souring things much further.
I'll keep everyone posted on the outcome.
07-02-2015, 11:15 AM
#47
Rennlist Member
Thanks for the feedback! Do you have any pictures of yours that you could post? My dealer strongly supports replacing them and pushed Porsche to do so, but their field technical manager looked at the pictures and denied it. He simply claimed they must have been damaged from the outside given how visibly cracked they are. Very disappointing, so I've escalated it to the next level at Porsche customer relations to try and get someone to actually come see it in person. This is my first warranty interaction with Porsche ever, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll step it up and actually look carefully at what is happening with the lights, check back with engineering to hear that there actually IS a field issue happening with these that have already been reported by many folks such as yourself, and quickly replace them before souring things much further. I'll keep everyone posted on the outcome.
07-02-2015, 04:29 PM
#48
07-02-2015, 04:35 PM
#49
Nordschleife Master
07-02-2015, 09:29 PM
#51
07-02-2015, 09:42 PM
#52
Burning Brakes
07-03-2015, 02:04 PM
#53
Intermediate
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: ATLANTA, GA
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Guys-
As soon as I get my car back next week, I will take a video or post pictures of my headlamp cracking. My 'piston misfire' has turned into a new engine being delivered from Germany!
As soon as I get my car back next week, I will take a video or post pictures of my headlamp cracking. My 'piston misfire' has turned into a new engine being delivered from Germany!
08-31-2015, 06:15 AM
#54
Guys, I have a theory that some of the edges of these Porsche headlights aren't adequately coated / protected and the multi-layer laminated film edges are exposed, making them susceptible to damage from chemicals in common automotive cleaners.
It's well-understood that certain acrylics / polycarbonates will stress fracture when exposed to alcohols / solvents / petroleum distillates: http://products.asminternational.org...do?record=1340
If the Porsche headlights don't have adequate protective coatings (perhaps some are worse than others), and if you use any common cleaning products that contain solvents (such as glass cleaners, bug removers, spray-on waxes, etc.) that get on the headlight edges, then perhaps this causes the micro surface cracks that expand with environment stress / temperature.
Thoughts?
It's well-understood that certain acrylics / polycarbonates will stress fracture when exposed to alcohols / solvents / petroleum distillates: http://products.asminternational.org...do?record=1340
If the Porsche headlights don't have adequate protective coatings (perhaps some are worse than others), and if you use any common cleaning products that contain solvents (such as glass cleaners, bug removers, spray-on waxes, etc.) that get on the headlight edges, then perhaps this causes the micro surface cracks that expand with environment stress / temperature.
Thoughts?
08-31-2015, 11:49 PM
#55
Intermediate
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: ATLANTA, GA
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Guys, I have a theory that some of the edges of these Porsche headlights aren't adequately coated / protected and the multi-layer laminated film edges are exposed, making them susceptible to damage from chemicals in common automotive cleaners.
It's well-understood that certain acrylics / polycarbonates will stress fracture when exposed to alcohols / solvents / petroleum distillates: http://products.asminternational.org...do?record=1340
If the Porsche headlights don't have adequate protective coatings (perhaps some are worse than others), and if you use any common cleaning products that contain solvents (such as glass cleaners, bug removers, spray-on waxes, etc.) that get on the headlight edges, then perhaps this causes the micro surface cracks that expand with environment stress / temperature.
Thoughts?
It's well-understood that certain acrylics / polycarbonates will stress fracture when exposed to alcohols / solvents / petroleum distillates: http://products.asminternational.org...do?record=1340
If the Porsche headlights don't have adequate protective coatings (perhaps some are worse than others), and if you use any common cleaning products that contain solvents (such as glass cleaners, bug removers, spray-on waxes, etc.) that get on the headlight edges, then perhaps this causes the micro surface cracks that expand with environment stress / temperature.
Thoughts?
Interesting theory. I have not yet had the time to deal with this, but glad a few others have been successful in the warranty claim. My cracks are exactly like your video and slowly (very slowly) getting worse. As an aside, my third engine on the GT3 is doing great.....
09-01-2015, 10:11 PM
#57
There must be some sort of manufacturing flaw affecting batches of lights maybe? My car sits in a garage 90% of the time so I can't imagine the lights gets that much stress outside...
Last edited by Mech33; 09-02-2015 at 11:26 AM.
