Headlamp condensation

Post by **Gastro** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 8:30 pm

Is light condensation normal for the headlamps with the cold weather ?
The left headlamp on mine, seems worse than the right.....

Post by **mick_thomson74** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 8:38 pm

Quite common on modern xenon's as no heat to burn it off although there should be no moisture in there. I'd insist to have this changed out under warranty as a seal has gone. Had the same issue with a 997 911 and no quibles from porsche to change out. I'd argue it's a safety issue if there is reluctance to change it out under warranty.

Post by **Gastro** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 8:49 pm

That was my thought too. Bugger !

Post by **copperband** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:14 pm

I actually had that on mine when I collected the car from the dealer, they said it happens a lot when they are dewaxed after shipping and a bit of water gets in?

To be fair it is never present once the lights are on for a bit.
Aren't the lights housings ventilated rather than sealed now?

Post by **MK2Golf24v** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:21 pm

They are not sealed. It's normal.

Definitely not a warranty problem.

Post by **mick_thomson74** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 1:05 am

Condensation inside the lights is not normal and I'd get it fixed. I guess we all have different views on what is acceptable. Like I said above, Porsche agreed it was a problem with similar condensation inside the rear lights of a 911 so I'd push to get this sorted. I have no issues with condensation inside the light housings on my RS which either sits in a heated garage or in sub zero temps on the drive.

Post by **carsarecool** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:52 am

I'd agree on warranty job. If it was a few years old it might be more palatable.

Post by **Snotsicle** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 10:53 am

Verbatim from the manual:

"In cool or damp weather, the inside of the headlights, turn signals or rear lights can sometimes mist up, due to the temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the car. They should clear again partially or completely soon after you switch on the headlights. This phenomenon has no influence on the life expectancy of the vehicle lights."

Post by **MK2Golf24v** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 12:06 pm

Post by **John@mk** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 2:16 am

Just to say that both my cars have this issue and both clear once the lights are used,even my old audi had this issue but good luck with any warranty claim.

Post by **carsarecool** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 10:16 am

carsarecool wrote:I'd agree on warranty job. If it was a few years old it might be more palatable.

Well you have to go with what the manual says then. Odd but fair enough.

Post by **John@mk** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 2:04 pm

Was told years ago the cure the condensation issue was the place tin foil over the head light and switch them on so you almost cook them.
But not a good idea now as they are plastic. ....might make a costly mess.
But do keep us all posted on any success on a warrant claim.

Post by **moonigan** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 4:16 pm

I had it on mine. Exact same symptoms and spoke to the dealer who confirmed what everyone else has said about it being normal. It only happened a few times and I've had no re-occurrence since.

P

Post by **kmpowell** » Mon Jan 19, 2015 7:17 pm

I've never had a xenon equipped Car that didn't have minor condensation build up after a dramatic temp change. The 'venting' is deliberate because of the heat given off. You only need to worry if a light unit is sealed and you have moisture condensation. (Rears for example)

Here's mine yesterday evening parked up immediately after i'd taken it for a run out in the freezing cold...

... an hour later I went outside and it had all gone. But if I'd put the lights on it would have gone straight away due to rebalancing the temperature in the light's housing.

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