How to Solve Moisture or Condensation in your Headlights, Tail Lights, & Fog Lights.

How to remove moisture issues with your headlights, tail lights, fog lights, and marker lights. Excessive moisture or condensation in your lights not only looks bad, but it can cause the reflectors to peel, reduce light output, and may eventually result in pooling water depending on the cause.

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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-gaskets
-clear sealant
-socket and ratchet set
-screwdriver set

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:28 Tail Lights
02:29 Headlights
03:53 Classic Car Tail Lights

Procedure:
Lights will have a seal around the outer edge between the lens and housing. This is some form of an adhesive that can typically only be separated by heat. Heat can be used to separate the lens and housing, either by a heat gun or by putting the light in an oven. Then the light can be resealed if this is the problem.

Lights usually have a vent located at the top. These vents can become plugged or they’ll be missing their cap. Ensure it’s not plugged by using a vacuum cleaner with a little pick. If the cap is missing, then replace it as needed. Removing the bulbs, this particular light has a circuit board on the backside.

There are rubber seals for each of the bulbs. Other types of bulb retainers will also have some form of a seal, this can even include an o-ring. Inspect the seals, make sure they are present, free from deterioration or damage, are soft, and are clean.

If there’s any volume of water, drain the light. For condensation, simply leave the light open without the bulbs installed, lens facing down so the bulb holes are up, and place it in the sun where it can evaporate.

For the headlights, I had a small amount of condensation which was caused by restoring the faded lenses. Remove the light just like before, there are only three fasteners that hold it into place.

On the back, just light the taillight, there will be seats and rubber grommets around the bulbs. Again there’s sealant between the lens and rear assembly. I wasn’t able to find the vent holes, however, there is a small access hole on the top with a tape-like cover.

Again just remove the bulbs and let the light sit for a period of time until the condensation evaporates. Another option is also turning on the lights for any very light condensation, the bulb doesn’t necessarily need to be clicked in, just make sure the bulb isn’t against the case where it may melt the plastic.

Do not fill the light with water to find a leak, water can damage the reflector. If you have a way of applying compressed air to the lights, this is an option. Then use a soap and water mixture in a spray bottle, apply it to any seams or sealed areas, and look for bubbling.

If the seal is gone between the lens and housing, a clear sealant such as silicone can be used around the perimeter of the lens and housing, however it may not look good. Another option is purchasing a used or new replacement.

As an example using lights from an older vehicle. This will vary based on the vehicle but does provide a great example of what a light that’s glued together consists of. The reason for the removable lens is to change the bulbs without needing to remove the entire assemble. The lens is only head-on with four plastic thumb screws on the rear.

Once those thumbscrews have been removed, then gently push out the lens. If it hasn’t been removed for a while, then it’ll most likely be stuck in place.

As you can see the gasket is stuck to the lens and has a groove where it fits into. The dealer may carry a gasket replacement or you may be able to find a generic type gasket that fits this application.

The gasket just sits along the edge of the lens, it’s tight enough where the gasket is compressed and provides a great seal, keeping water out of the light. On the newer lights which are glued together, in place of the gasket would be an adhesive that may separate with age. Again you would have the same light type design with an outer lens, reflector inside, and a plastic backer.

When reinstalling the lens, always make sure the gasket and lens’ edge is clean and free of any debris which may cause sealing issues. Tighten the lens down, you may need to push on the outside to ensure it’s seated correctly.

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