Headlight Condensation

[Christy]

Fiat Ducato 2012

one of my headlamps units has condensation in it.

Anyone know if this is repairable? Is there a seal that can be replaced?

Also is it an MOT failure?

Many thanks
Chris

 

[Jev88]

I dont know your specific headlight but it usually means the seal between the front transparent part and the case has perforated. It can be done by pallet knife in the seal and prise the front off completely, dry out and fit new seal.

 

[gpat]

Yes it can be done if you have the patience. Wont be as good (or even worse) than new though and a lot of faffing about. If you can afford a new one, buy a new one. They are not that expensive on ebay

 

[berni109]

Probably caused by someone replacing a bulb and not ensuring the seal on the cover went back in the right place. If it's the pre facelift model X250 it's really easy to take the whole headlight unit out. Dry it out with a hairdryer not too hot. If it's been going on for a while it may have tarnished the interior chrome. As already said cheap to replace- shop around.

 

[berni109]

Probably caused by someone replacing a bulb and not ensuring the seal on the cover went back in the right place. If it's the pre facelift model X250 it's really easy to take the whole headlight unit out. Dry it out with a hairdryer not too hot. If it's been going on for a while it may have tarnished the interior chrome. As already said cheap to replace- shop around.

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[TerryL]

Had condensation in a "cheap" headlight unit I bought to replace a wrong-handed unit (which I kept thankfully).

Got progressively worse and also caused corrosion. But the MoT tester said that as long as it passed their test, which it did, no problem even though the actual light output was seriously depleted (which I never really noticed 'cos we don't drive the m/h at night). Replaced it with the original unit and beam benders, which have been okay at MoT time for years.

 

[Christy]

thanks folks. I called the MOT station and they said as long as it does not deflect the beam it is ok. Will have a look this weekend and get the hairdryer out.

 

[TheBig1]

much easier to undo a few bolts and take the headlight indoors to dry out. Then clean it and put a bead of sikaflex round the joint to reseal it. It can't be seen when reassembled

 

[Bonkers the Dog]

Remove it, blow some compresses air through it of you can or leave it in the airing cupboard for a few days till it dries out. Remount and seal, jobs-a-good-un.

 

[Winger]

I had a Mark 3 cortina back in the day and was advised to remove the light and drill a couple of holes in the reflector.
It worked a treat as the air was able to circulate and keep it dry

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