Headlight condensation

[towner2007]

2007 Lincoln Town Car. I have condensation within the left front headlight assembly. The head
light assembly, 6W1Z13008BB HID is no longer made. I did find one in a junkyard. They want 700.00. I did find a headlight assemblies that are not HID, 6W1Z13008AA. Can I use this option changing both the drivers side and passenger side or is there some kind of work around?

 

[ogre01]

I had the same, the condensation sucks.

What are your goals with this? Just getting rid of condensation or is the existing plastic scratched up too? I love my HIDs and wouldn't trade them for a crystal clear non-HD unit.

On temporarily getting rid of condensation, I limped it along by periodically pulling the assembly, taking out the bulbs and blowing compressed air through until it dried up (would occasionally throw a pack of dessicant in; don't know whether or not it helped extend cleaning intervals). Depending on your level of handiness, there are tutorials on YT on how to remove the lens cover and re-seal back to ~original conditions, or attempt to externally seal.

My opinion is the factory assemblies are always better than aftermarket. Even if scratched, I would let a shop try to polish the headlights out.

These weren't answers to your specific question, but good luck.

 

[towner2007]

I had the same, the condensation sucks.

What are your goals with this? Just getting rid of condensation or is the existing plastic scratched up too? I love my HIDs and wouldn't trade them for a crystal clear non-HD unit.

On temporarily getting rid of condensation, I limped it along by periodically pulling the assembly, taking out the bulbs and blowing compressed air through until it dried up (would occasionally throw a pack of dessicant in; don't know whether or not it helped extend cleaning intervals). Depending on your level of handiness, there are tutorials on YT on how to remove the lens cover and re-seal back to ~original conditions, or attempt to externally seal.

My opinion is the factory assemblies are always better than aftermarket. Even if scratched, I would let a shop try to polish the headlights out.

These weren't answers to your specific question, but good luck.

Thanks for your response. I don't care for moisture within the assembly. I like the idea of removing the bulb and blowing it out as needed!

 

[Action]

It is possible the head lamp assembly has a vapor leak.
Meaning moist vapor can get inside.
Sealing the joint and replacing the foam seal in the bulb base may help.

Action

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[Robnao]

2004 town car..my headlight (1 of them) was condensating. I removed both headlight assemblies , dried them out in sun. Analyzed the lens etc. joint real good..then took black silicone and pretty generously caulked anywhere it looked like air/water could get in. 360° around headlight. Made the caulk as smooth/controlled as i could. It Worked and looks ok when they are mounted.

 

[towner2007]

2004 town car..my headlight (1 of them) was condensating. I removed both headlight assemblies , dried them out in sun. Analyzed the lens etc. joint real good..then took black silicone and pretty generously caulked anywhere it looked like air/water could get in. 360° around headlight. Made the caulk as smooth/controlled as i could. It Worked and looks ok when they are mounted.

I will do the same! Thank you!

 

[towner2007]

I wasn't able to find a headlight assembly in HID. Well, I did find one at a junkyard in Missouri. The guy wanted 700.00! So, I bought both left and right halogen assemblies. I installed those. They look good but clearly not as bright. In the end, no more condensation. I was able to get both assemblies on Amazon, 287.00.

 

[HighwayStar]

Would love if anyone could add other solutions here, as this seems to be a common problem.

I had one that had condensed moisture in it last year. Took the assembly out, got it good and dry, and tried to separate the lens to reseal.

In short, I could not get it apart and I did not want to destroy it. So instead I packed butyl rubber into the seam all around. I cannot imagine any amount of water getting through that.

Yet this fall I again have severe condensation in the same assembly after a trip this summer. Drove through a lot of rain.

So I'm thinking one of two things. Either something else on the assembly is leaking, or its something wrong with the vent.

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[oktowncar]

Would love if anyone could add other solutions here, as this seems to be a common problem.

I had one that had condensed moisture in it last year. Took the assembly out, got it good and dry, and tried to separate the lens to reseal.

In short, I could not get it apart and I did not want to destroy it. So instead I packed butyl rubber into the seam all around. I cannot imagine any amount of water getting through that.

Yet this fall I again have severe condensation in the same assembly after a trip this summer. Drove through a lot of rain.

So I'm thinking one of two things. Either something else on the assembly is leaking, or its something wrong with the vent.

There are some Marine grade sealants that boaters use to seal cracks, joints, waterproof needed areas.

SikaFlex ( Various applications )
3M ( various applications ) 5200 is common to use in the boat world and is a permanent sealant
Bostik Marine