Moisture in headlight
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
Moisture in headlight
I just noticed this after I got done playing in the snow:
Only in the driver's side headlight, and it has never happened before. These are the original units, and the service records don't show any bulbs being replaced, so I doubt it's just that one of the housings isn't secured correctly.
Any ideas?
Oh, and another pic just for fun:
Only in the driver's side headlight, and it has never happened before. These are the original units, and the service records don't show any bulbs being replaced, so I doubt it's just that one of the housings isn't secured correctly.
Any ideas?
Oh, and another pic just for fun:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
They both were on when the condensation got in there. It's fine today though. Quite odd. I'll have to pull the headlight assembly out and see if anything is not installed correctly. Would be quite surprised though since they are all factory bulbs in there and no one has touched it.
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Poseur
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 17,743
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
Suggest you pull that unit from the car, bring it inside the house, and carefully check for intrusion areas. Seals have a tendency to dry out, leading to that problem. Get a hairdryer or heatgun (careful!) to slowly dry it out, or put it in your oven on a turkish towel at something like 150 or less if you have it. Then tackle the leak. Perhaps you can refresh the seals with silicon or even baby powder.
Love the second photo. Reminds me of a scene out of "Fargo."
Love the second photo. Reminds me of a scene out of "Fargo."
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 390
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From: Phoenix, AZ
I wouldn't worry about it. Unless you see water pooling (maybe it's the pic, but I don't see any) or it gets worse each time, you should keep in mind that the assembly isn't hermetically sealed. There is a vent on each lamp to combat condensation due to the temperature differential. Ice water in a plastic cup will sweat on a hot summer day, same principle.
I'm sure it's no big deal, but check to see if it spreads the next time you're out playing in the snow.
I'm sure it's no big deal, but check to see if it spreads the next time you're out playing in the snow.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 580
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
Yes, but don't forget that for water to condense on the inside, it takes more than just a temp differential. Somehow humid air got inside the assembly or there'd be no water beading in there, and because it's hermetically sealed, the seals have obviously been breached. I'd take Edgy's advice.
Love the snow picts!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,049
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From: Cary NC
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 2
From: Cary NC
One of the TSBs essentially says not to cover the gap at the bottom of the headlights, and not to cover the headlight lens with any film, bra, covering etc. because this is where the ventilation system gets it air to remove the moisture.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 390
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Yes, but don't forget that for water to condense on the inside, it takes more than just a temp differential. Somehow humid air got inside the assembly or there'd be no water beading in there, and because it's hermetically sealed, the seals have obviously been breached. I'd take Edgy's advice.
Love the snow picts!
Love the snow picts!
It is vented by design (on the assembly, inside the fender) and will "breathe" a limited amount of air, humid or otherwise.
Regarding Edgy's advice, it doesn't hurt to pull the ***'y and have a look at it to make sure the bulb compartment seals are seated properly. Please DON'T go at it with a hair dryer, heating device or turkish anything.
Mark
