Hi guys,
Thanks for all the input so far.
Yes, I know. It's been time to change dealers for a while. This Caddy dealer is three minutes from my house, though.
In any case, here is the TSB, and a note from the Chev dealer from where I bought the car. My salesguy is great, by the way. Super helpful.
Here:
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I have included a service bulletin for GM vehicles (including your 2008 CTS). They are correct....even if they replace the headlamp, the new one will likely have the same problem in times of high humidity. This condition is not caused by a water leak, but by high humidity. We often drill a tiny hole on the inside of the lens to release the humidity. GM would probably not approve, but it does solve the problem. If the problem persists even in times of low humidity, maybe there is a more serious problem (but I doubt it). It usually will not affect your visibility as the heat from the bulb will evaporate the water. Let me know what they say.
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#01-08-42-001G: Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines - (May 4, 2009)
Subject:
Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines
Models:
1993-2010 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks (including Saturn)
2003-2010 HUMMER H2
2006-2010 HUMMER H3
2005-2009 Saab 9-7X
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This bulletin is being revised to add the 2010 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-08-42-001F (Section 08 -- Body & Accessories).
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The following information is being provided to better define the causes of condensation in exterior lamps and includes guidelines for determining the difference between a lamp with a normal atmospheric condition (condensation) and a lamp with a water leak.
Some exterior lamps, such as cornering, turn signal, backup, headlamps or tail lamps may exhibit very small droplets of water, a fine mist or white fog (condensation) on the inside of the lamp lens. This may be more noticeable on lamps with "multi-lens" designs and may be normal during certain weather conditions.
Condensation occurs when the air inside the lamp assembly, through atmospheric changes, reaches the "dew point
When this takes place, the moisture in the air within the lamp assembly condenses, creating a fine mist or white fog on the inside surface of the lamp lens.
Most exterior lamps on General Motors vehicles use a vented design and feature a replaceable bulb assembly. They are designed to remove any accumulated moisture vapor by expelling it through a vent system. The vent system operates at all times, however, it is most effective when the lamps are ON or when the vehicle is in motion. Depending on the size, shape and location of the lamp on the vehicle, and the atmospheric conditions occurring, the amount of time required to clear the lamp may vary from 2 to 6 hours.
Completely sealed headlamp assemblies (sealed beams) are still used on a limited number of models being manufactured today. These lamps require the replacement of the complete lamp assembly if a bulb filament burns out.
Condensation
2006 TrailBlazer Shown
A Fine Mist or White Fog on the Inside Surface of the Lamp Lens Occurring After a Period of High Humidity
• May be located primarily in the lens corners (near the vents) and SHOULD NOT cover more than half the lens surface.
• The condition should clear of moisture when the vehicle is parked in a dry environment, or when the vehicle is driven with the lights ON.
• A comparison of the equivalent lamp on the opposing side of the vehicle indicates a SIMILAR performance.
If the above conditions are noted, the customer should be advised that replacement of a lamp assembly may not correct this condition.
Numerous & Various Size Drops of Water Collecting on the Inside Surface of the Lamp Lens After the Vehicle Has Been Exposed to Rain or a Car Washing Environment
• A condition that covers more than half the surface of the lamp lens.
• An accumulation of water in the bottom of the lamp assembly.
• A condition that WON'T clear when the vehicle is parked in a dry environment, or when the vehicle is driven with the lights ON.
• A comparison of the equivalent lamp on the opposing side of the vehicle indicates a different performance.
Any of the above conditions would indicate the need to service the lens or lamp assembly.
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Interesting......