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moisture in headlamp

ericuk

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2.2 i-ctdi exec
I'm sure my mechanic will be able to sort it, but is there an easy way of removing moisture from a headlamp and sealing it correctly? I've read about adding additional clips but if there is a way of clearing the headlight I would like to learn a new skill and do it myself!
 
Most people just but a small bag of silica gel in the headlight to absorb the moisture similar to what you might sometimes get with a new pair of shoes. There is an official recall for this but it is mainly just add more clips and a bag of silica gel
 
Thanks for the reply Dave. I will have a look and see what I'm capable of :)
 
removing that headlight completely from its housing is not for the faint of heart i would imagine.
 
I'm thinking you could be right toffee. I like the idea of being able to do stuff but my abilities or resources are not matched!
 
Actually, not that difficult a job as I found out a few weeks ago! Had the same issue and this article by Mr CL7 helped me get my headlight unit out of the car.
The only hiccup I had was the 10mm socket wrench where the extension wasn't long enough. Recommend you have at least a 4 inch extension. 6 or more will make it a cake walk!

Once out, take off the plastic caps, remove all the bulbs and then use a hair dryer to clear up the moisture. When cool, then replace the bulbs and re-seal.

If the problem returns it'll be the sealant & clips that have gone. You'll need to either replace it or pry the unit apart and re-apply new sealant. Let me know if you need help with that as I had to do that too.
 
I've always thought a 4" extension would have come in handy. tee hee.

Thanks for the tips and article Oliver
 
Crazy Danish said:
Actually, not that difficult a job as I found out a few weeks ago! Had the same issue and this article by Mr CL7 helped me get my headlight unit out of the car.
The only hiccup I had was the 10mm socket wrench where the extension wasn't long enough. Recommend you have at least a 4 inch extension. 6 or more will make it a cake walk!

Once out, take off the plastic caps, remove all the bulbs and then use a hair dryer to clear up the moisture. When cool, then replace the bulbs and re-seal.

If the problem returns it'll be the sealant & clips that have gone. You'll need to either replace it or pry the unit apart and re-apply new sealant. Let me know if you need help with that as I had to do that too.
I'm glad my topic was of help mate
 
My mechanic took off a grey plastic cover from the back of the headlight. He said pop it back on in a couple of days. The moisture has pretty much cleared! It may only be a temp fix, but I'm a 'bodge it and scarper' kinda guy ;)
 
A good fix for this is to remove the headlight and drill a few 1mm holes into the housing from underneath to keep it them ventilated
 
I wanted to add the holes on mine, but I've been told that it will affect the life of the bulbs.
 
I replace the cover on the back of the light today and by evening it was moist again! :(
 
I really can't see a series of 1mm holes would have any detrimental impact on the life of the bulbs. I've done on many cars without issue.
 
I just got the moisture in mine as well yesterday, blow dried them and the moisture return again this morning :(

I think the silica gel is a quick fix, but would like to have a remedy for permanent fix.
So, what kind of sealant should I use?
 
I'm sure the unit doesn't hold itself shut as it should and Honda will retro fit some clips that basically sort this. First time I took my car to Honda for an electric window issue after I brought it, they said "we've fitted some clips to the headlamps for you. They were issued for your age of car as misting headlamps is a known fault. It's not cost you anything...". Worth a try mentioning this to your local Honda garage. I mean plenty of people suffer misting headlamps. It's a known problem.

I've only had misting a few times after seriously wet days. It's very slight, goes very soon and doesn't come back until the next super rainy day. I believe most cars suffer this from time to time. I attribute this to clips Honda fitted.
 
There was a recall on this issue... last time I went to a Honda dealer they told me I should bring my car in to get the work done. That was 2 years ago! I already have silica gel bags inside the cover.
 
Hey, it's only a short term fix (possibly) but try removing the grey cover of the back of one of the bulbs. It clears my headlamp within a short period. Quick and easy!
 
I did that yesterday and blew dry with a hair dryer, it was cleared completely. Then the moisture returned this morning.......
 
Stevearcade said:
I'm sure the unit doesn't hold itself shut as it should and Honda will retro fit some clips that basically sort this. First time I took my car to Honda for an electric window issue after I brought it, they said "we've fitted some clips to the headlamps for you. They were issued for your age of car as misting headlamps is a known fault. It's not cost you anything...". Worth a try mentioning this to your local Honda garage. I mean plenty of people suffer misting headlamps. It's a known problem.

I've only had misting a few times after seriously wet days. It's very slight, goes very soon and doesn't come back until the next super rainy day. I believe most cars suffer this from time to time. I attribute this to clips Honda fitted.
Hi,

Honda dealer fitted clips to my car healights and still they mist. Saw mist yesterday after I had the lights on due to heavy rain. It has gone this morning but I am concerned as I have an MOT coming up shortly.
 
Tafia said:
Hi,

Honda dealer fitted clips to my car healights and still they mist. Saw mist yesterday after I had the lights on due to heavy rain. It has gone this morning but I am concerned as I have an MOT coming up shortly.
Not sure if the mist would fail the MOT.
I said that because I just passed it this morning with some moisture in them
 
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