First off -- I have searched for literally days to find a thread dedicated to this issue, but the only threads I could find were either CTS or the V forums so since I doubt all of us spend much time in those sections, I though I would start one here.
-- If there is already a thread on this issue in this section, Mods feel free to delete this.
Ok so back to the topic -- headlight condensation.
My thoughts after taking the headlamps off and spending many hours in the shop taking them apart, putting them back together, etc:
I realize these headlamps are a passive system, which for those who don't know mean that basically, the headlight is vented to prevent a build-up of pressure in high altitudes. (I'm sure there are other reasons, but that is generally why headlights are passive)
Unless I have missed something, I can not find these vents anywhere. I'm told they are vented through the bottom, but I cannot physically locate them or find a parts diagram. Solely based on the process of elimination, I suspect what I think is the vent, but I'm not positive (the thing on the back of the housing that points up; kind of conical in shape).
After literally sealing the life out the housings, replacing access door gaskets, even applied a bead of silicone around the edge of both access doors just in case (I realize this will make future headlight changes even more of a PITA, but I spent quite a bit of money on lifetime-warrantied bulbs so I'm hoping I don't have to replace them anytime soon.
After about a month of on an off rain, the condensation is back. Not near is bad as it was, but it's back. Yes, the headlight will burn hot enough to evaporate a small build-up of water (like the dealer always says), but that does nothing about the condensation.
So, what have you guys done to permanently get rid of the condensation?
For those who have drilled a small hole in the bottom of the housing, how has this worked? I may just seal up this stupid vent and just drill a small hole in the bottom if that actually works.
I've read that spraying triple-distilled vodka on the inside of the lens will get rid of any residue from the condensation, but have never tried this myself so who knows.
Any tips, experience, or theories to add would be greatly appreciated.
-- If there is already a thread on this issue in this section, Mods feel free to delete this.
Ok so back to the topic -- headlight condensation.
My thoughts after taking the headlamps off and spending many hours in the shop taking them apart, putting them back together, etc:
I realize these headlamps are a passive system, which for those who don't know mean that basically, the headlight is vented to prevent a build-up of pressure in high altitudes. (I'm sure there are other reasons, but that is generally why headlights are passive)
Unless I have missed something, I can not find these vents anywhere. I'm told they are vented through the bottom, but I cannot physically locate them or find a parts diagram. Solely based on the process of elimination, I suspect what I think is the vent, but I'm not positive (the thing on the back of the housing that points up; kind of conical in shape).
After literally sealing the life out the housings, replacing access door gaskets, even applied a bead of silicone around the edge of both access doors just in case (I realize this will make future headlight changes even more of a PITA, but I spent quite a bit of money on lifetime-warrantied bulbs so I'm hoping I don't have to replace them anytime soon.
After about a month of on an off rain, the condensation is back. Not near is bad as it was, but it's back. Yes, the headlight will burn hot enough to evaporate a small build-up of water (like the dealer always says), but that does nothing about the condensation.
So, what have you guys done to permanently get rid of the condensation?
For those who have drilled a small hole in the bottom of the housing, how has this worked? I may just seal up this stupid vent and just drill a small hole in the bottom if that actually works.
I've read that spraying triple-distilled vodka on the inside of the lens will get rid of any residue from the condensation, but have never tried this myself so who knows.
Any tips, experience, or theories to add would be greatly appreciated.