Notices

condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Nov 26, 2009 | 06:07 PM
  #1  
elevation's Avatar
Thread Starter
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 146
From: Vancouver
elevation is on a distinguished road
Default condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

I live in Vancouver and the rain has been NON STOP lately.

I had to replace some light bulbs in my tail lights recently. So I did that and felt pretty good about putting it back together. Well I guess it wasn't good enough. Both tail lights are getting foggy. In the next two weeks I expect them to be completely foggy.

Same with the headlights too. I did an HID install. Used silicone in the holes I drilled but still moisture is getting in!!!

What can I do? Any suggestions? I have already used the hair dryer on one of the tail lights.

Old Dec 16, 2010 | 09:33 AM
  #2  
Tim$2's Avatar
Audi Forum - Posts like an S4
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 207
From: Calgary, Alberta
Tim$2 is on a distinguished road
Default Re: condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

I'll give this a bump because I pretty much have the same problem. Just bought an A4 avant and it seems to have condensation in the headlights and one taillight. Has anyone solved this easily before?
Old Dec 16, 2010 | 10:29 AM
  #3  
beaumonl's Avatar
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3
From: Montreal
beaumonl is on a distinguished road
Default Re: condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

Same for me (Head light)

2007 a-4 avant

Do you think we to need to replace a seal

I just bought certify audi from the dealer
Old Dec 16, 2010 | 10:33 AM
  #4  
elevation's Avatar
Thread Starter
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 146
From: Vancouver
elevation is on a distinguished road
Default Re: condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

The condensation in my headlights went away after a month or so. It's been clear ever since. I used Dap Quick Seal since I wanted to make sure the holes I drilled were sealed.

My problem is still the left tail light. I took both tailights off and added marine silicone sealant to it. It worked for the right tail light but not so much for the left one. I will try again. If not I will have to buy a new one. The quickest way to defog your tail light is too take it out completely and put it over a dehumidifier. The hair dryer will take forever and you might damage it.

Try the Marine Silicone Sealant first.
Old Dec 17, 2010 | 12:34 PM
  #5  
Tim$2's Avatar
Audi Forum - Posts like an S4
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 207
From: Calgary, Alberta
Tim$2 is on a distinguished road
Default Re: condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

Thanks for the tips, I'll give them a try.
Old Dec 26, 2010 | 02:12 PM
  #6  
mksu19's Avatar
Audi Forum - Posts like an A5
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 382
From: Republic of B.C.!
mksu19 will become famous soon enough
Default Re: condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

Remember those silicon baggies we usually find in new shoes? Those work wonders!



Just place them in the headlight housing and let the packet absorb all the moisture! If they're not easily available, a handful of rice (raw) in a small tea bag would do! Both items are known to absorb moisture and should cure the common "fogging" in headlamp/tail lamp enclosures.
Old Jan 7, 2011 | 03:58 PM
  #7  
morpheus's Avatar
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3
From: Vancouver
morpheus is on a distinguished road
Default Re: condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

Originally Posted by mksu19
Remember those silicon baggies we usually find in new shoes? Those work wonders!



Just place them in the headlight housing and let the packet absorb all the moisture! If they're not easily available, a handful of rice (raw) in a small tea bag would do! Both items are known to absorb moisture and should cure the common "fogging" in headlamp/tail lamp enclosures.


Brilliant idea - many thanks
Old Jan 7, 2011 | 04:03 PM
  #8  
mksu19's Avatar
Audi Forum - Posts like an A5
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 382
From: Republic of B.C.!
mksu19 will become famous soon enough
Default Re: condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

Originally Posted by morpheus
Brilliant idea - many thanks
Glad you thought so, thanks!
Old Jan 7, 2011 | 05:30 PM
  #9  
wawa's Avatar
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5
From: Vancouver
wawa
Default Re: condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

I only seem to get moisture in one of my factory installed Xenon headlights and for the life of me, I can't figure out how the water is getting in. The passenger side is fine and it seems that whenever I get the drivers side headlight clear, it rains again or I wash my car and then it's full of condensation again.

I just can't figure it out!
Old Jan 7, 2011 | 05:53 PM
  #10  
mksu19's Avatar
Audi Forum - Posts like an A5
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 382
From: Republic of B.C.!
mksu19 will become famous soon enough
Default Re: condensation in both headlights and tail lights!

Originally Posted by wawa
I only seem to get moisture in one of my factory installed Xenon headlights and for the life of me, I can't figure out how the water is getting in. The passenger side is fine and it seems that whenever I get the drivers side headlight clear, it rains again or I wash my car and then it's full of condensation again.

I just can't figure it out!
It sounds to me like a seal issue or maybe even a possibility of a crack in the housing. What year is your car? I remember seeing a TSB/Recall regarding moisture in headlights on some A4's when I was posting the list. You could click the TSB&Recall link on the bottom of my signature and maybe scan it to see if your car is affected.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
allenst
General Audi Discussion
0
Oct 23, 2011 09:44 PM
CaRtharsis
Audi parts for sale & wanted.
9
Jun 15, 2011 08:27 AM
playonwords
Q5 - Q7
12
Feb 16, 2011 12:10 AM
timacks
Audi parts for sale & wanted.
0
May 4, 2009 01:35 PM
Ari
A6-C6 - (Typ 4F, 2004–2011)
2
Nov 7, 2008 02:28 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:59 PM.