Very bad headlight mist/condensation

[adrian]

Hi all,

I have very bad misting (infact more like condensation) on the inside of my drivers side headlight. Some photos are:





Now, I think I know how this might have happened…. I rolled into the back of someone at the lights last week… took my eye off the ball completely…. No damage done to his, and mine just pushed the bumper a bit in and the headlight rubber popped out from where it should be. I got it all pushed back in but I think this has started happening only since this incident. (CJ, maybe you could confirm that this was not happening last week). Feel a bit thick, but sure these things happen!

Anyway, am I looking at a new light?? Perhaps the rubber is damaged? If so, where could I get one and for how much? How can I be sure if I get a new light that the same thing will not happen? Is there anything I can do about this now?

Thanks a million,

Adrian[/img]

[Muad_dib77]

OMG Adrian - that's not a start to the ownership..good job nothing more severe happened.

Could be worth your while to wipe out the damp with a rag on a hook.. if the headlamp unit appears intact there probably isn't any serious damage done..

I thought I spotted a guide knocking about somewhere.. try doing a search..

[CJ]

CJ, maybe you could confirm that this was not happening last week)

Definetely wasn't the case last week Adrian. You are going to have to remove the light and reseal it, search the forum for 'oven' (no, really!)

CJ

[adrian]

You serious?? S*it... I will have a look around so.

EDIT: Eh, that headlight thing in the oven looks very scary. How hard is it to get the light out? Tempted to try to source a drivers side headlight from RiceRocket or Japco or somewhere here. Would that be advised?

[Dave]

such a common problem adrian, I wouldn't try source another one, go for the oven trick first!! either way you'll have the headlight unit out so there's nothing to loose in trying it...

[adrian]

CJ, from reading your very good post with the images of the way you did the oven trick... what sealant did you use when sticking them all back together?

[CJ]

what sealant did you use when sticking them all back together?

Good old silicone sealent - go with the clear or black stuff.

CJ

[adrian]

Thanks CJ. Is serious brunt force needed to prise the light apart? Also, is it possible to get the light out WITHOUT removing the bumper?

[CJ]

Thanks CJ. Is serious brunt force needed to prise the light apart? Also, is it possible to get the light out WITHOUT removing the bumper?

Bumper will have to at least disconnected on the offending side, you may get away with not have to remove it. You should inspect the light fully, you may not have to 'cook' it, it may just be a case of a hairline crack somewhere. You need a bit of force to prise apart the light but nothing significant.

CJ

[adrian]

It's funny, I forgot how useful this site is for information when I didn't own an FTO... really great. Thanks.

One other thing.... where would I most likely find the crack if it exists... from my photos about it looks like it could be leaking from the bottom.... but are there common places for leakages in the lights?

Also, the HID light installation in my GPX looks pretty permanent... anyone able to tell me how to remove the HID unit on the drivers side? Sorry for all the questions... just not very confident yet with DIY and my new pride and joy!

Thanks a mil,

A