CONDENSATION IN HEADLIGHTS

Ever since I changed the light bulbs in my headlights, I'm having a problem with one of them constantly having condensation. First of all, am I able to get it wiped out (does this require removal) and what can I check to see if I can prevent this from continuing to happen?

Thanks!

 

53 views of this thread and not 1 suggestion???? LOL....ok, google here I come!

 

I would check the rubber gromlet(SP) behind the plug/bulb and see if it's installed correctly. I have never had this issue, but if it was going to leak, it would be from there.

These are your stock headlights right?

 

Check the rubber grommets....... Check the o ring on the bulb...... Are they OEM housings?

They should come off....... Spend time in a preheated oven.....sealed with GE silicone II


I'll be back..... I gotta go to the docs and get more anti crazy meds.

 

Check the seal around the bulb to ensure that it is actually a good seal.

It might just be that the bulb has a manufacturer defect and is allowing moisture to get into and trapped in the housing.

You can get rid of the condensation by removing the housing, removing the bulb, and setting it so that it points down with the bulb mount up top. Let it sit in the sun for a while or heat it up with a hair dryer (you can use a heat gun, but it's very likely that something will start to melt.

Also, check the silicone seal all the way around the lens to make sure that it hasn't separated anywhere.

 

Condensation is normal in many cases, but you will want to be sure to check your vent, and the seals for the bulb. I would suggest against totally sealing the housing. I have seen it happen many times, and the end result is the the housing cracks from air expansion due to heat. if you have a factory housing you can use a can of dry, compressed air to GENTLY blow it dry after removing the bulb. Double check all seals, and reinstall the bulb.

 

To get the headlight dried up, wait until you get a stretch of dry weather and pull the rubber boot around the bulb completely off and let it vent to the outside. A few days like that and the housing will be dry (time depends on the amount of moisture in the housing).

 

It only started happening after my bulbs were replaced. From what I know, everything is stock and wasn't changed (I bought my truck used). I'm using Sylvania Silverstar Ultra, white lights (Item# 9003/HB2). I believe I'm ok with the bulb but I'll have to check the rubber seal and see if it was put back on properly. The other headlight is just fine.

Thank you guys for answering this for me, I really appreciate it.

 

A little bit of moisture would blow your new bulb pretty quickly once it heats up. I'd remove the bulb and blow compressed air into the housing and let it air dry out in the sun before putting the bulb back in and then make sure that the bulbs o ring is good as stated above.

 

Thank you!

 

How goes it?

 

Brock, I think you should be a little clearer about spending time in the oven sealed with silicone........#JustusSayingBro

 

This happened to me. Wait for a weekend with dry weather (very low humidity). For condensation removal, what worked for me...was remove the bulb and hold a shop vacuum over the bulb opening. It takes about 15-20 minutes for the condensation to disappear. (I found this worked better than the compressed air, since you are sucking all the moisture out of the housing). Then when you put your bulbs and the rubber boot..make sure the boot is completely on..if they are old, torn or have the slightest slit or hole you can order some new ones from ebay or your local dealership parts department. If they are in good shape you may want to put some Vaseline on the seal...for a really airtight fit. And as others said, there are 2 vent with black plugs on the back of the headlight housing..make sure they are on.

Good Luck.

 

Thank you!! I have been so busy lately I haven't had a chance to take a look at that light. I am going to have a lot of free time next week so I'll be taking a look at it then. I appreciate all the responses

 

Yeah check the grommet. Sometimes, depending on the manufacturer, they grommets tend to be thinner or softer, thus not creating the proper seal.

Noticed that when i swapped over HID bulbs in my old car. The bulbs were still somewhat loose until i changed them over to the OEM ones.

 

The factory bulbs dont have a rubber seal for headlights the base if light is metal with a spring clip holdind them in . The only rubber by the light is the big rubber on the housing .