Condensation in headlight

[valk0v]

Hello! What could be causing moisture/condensation inside the headlight?

That happens only on right headlight and is almost constant thing - no rain, no car wash but the condensation is still there. Not sure if this thing happens in the summer since the car has been with me for 2 months now. Also could this condensation leads to malfunction on the headlight and what measures I should take?

I searched for previous posts with similar problem but I couldn’t find any so excuse me if does in fact you guys have commented on such a topic.

 

[stickerbush]

Somehow water got inside the headlight. I don't know what kind of headlight you have but if it has a bulb what I would do is remove the bulb and allow the moisture to dry out.

 

[cz5gt]

this is full LED one on a non-US model but the blinker and the actual drl is a normal bulb that can be removed ( to fully dry on a hot day) if I recall


op, is it the original assembly or a replacement?
has the car had any dmg in that area?

I dont think its common for those to have moisture issues, at least I havent heard. There is a gap that lets air in somewhere.

 

[N7turbo]

this is full LED one on a non-US model but the blinker and the actual drl is a normal bulb that can be removed ( to fully dry on a hot day) if I recall

The LED projector headlight is the DRL.

And I'm pretty sure these headlights are sealed, which is why they are so expensive to replace. You have to change the whole unit. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but that's what I've come to understand.

 

[cz5gt]

No it is not the same drl. Outside of US.

 

[valk0v]

Hello guys! Thanks for the replies - the car cx5, 2.5, 2019 and is a model for Europe.

 

[cz5gt]

Does it say something line "stanley" and some letters and numbers after on the headlight? stamp

There isnt a lot to do except may try to find where is the gap and seal it if possible

 

[valk0v]

So I went to the local Mazda dealership and according to them the headlight cannot be fixed because it’s sealed - the moisture issue should be due to some microcrack and I will have to change the entire headlight. The prise for a new one is around 2000$. They said eventually because of the moisture/condensation my headlight will break and malfunction.

So if anyone here had a similar problem and was able to fix the issue without changing the headlight - Advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[N7turbo]

Maybe there is a way to subject the headlight to vacuum and dry it out, then find and seal the crack?

 

[badanth]

When I was at my shop they were doing just that to somebodies Mercedes.

 

[ADS-B]

Maybe there is a way to subject the headlight to vacuum and dry it out, then find and seal the crack?

I would try to drill a small hole on the side, somewhere and dry it through. Then seal the hole.But this is just theory, not sure if the plastic won't crack and then you would have to replace the headlight anyway.

 

[valk0v]

Every advice is appreciated - big thanks to everyone trying to help!
If there is someone that has already been there and fixed the same issue - his solution will help me a lot!
Happy holidays everyone

 

[sm1ke]

So I went to the local Mazda dealership and according to them the headlight cannot be fixed because it’s sealed - the moisture issue should be due to some microcrack and I will have to change the entire headlight. The prise for a new one is around 2000$. They said eventually because of the moisture/condensation my headlight will break and malfunction.

So if anyone here had a similar problem and was able to fix the issue without changing the headlight - Advice would be greatly appreciated.

View attachment 379989

This could very well be the case, but I also think the dealership is trying to scare you into paying for a costly replacement at their dealership rates.

If it were me, I would remove the headlight, and go over all possible seams where a leak could occur with a weather resistant silicone sealant. For example, the seam between the clear lens and the rest of the headlight. Then, I'd drill a smallish hole (maybe 1/4"?) into the headlight (be sure to clean up the debris from the drilling) and bring it inside to let it dry out. If you have a dehumidifier and or dessicant packets it can speed up the process a little bit - put the headlight near the dehumidifier and/or put the packets around, but not covering, the hole you drilled. Once it's dry, seal the hole and reinstall. I think that'll work.

On non-sealed headlights that I've done retrofits on (6th gen Accord), they had small vented openings to keep ambient air inside and outside the headlight about the same, preventing moisture from developing inside the headlights. I'm not sure if that would work with these headlights.

 

[RedBaron]

On non-sealed headlights that I've done retrofits on (6th gen Accord), they had small vented openings to keep ambient air inside and outside the headlight about the same, preventing moisture from developing inside the headlights. I'm not sure if that would work with these headlights.

That has been my experience too, on other cars. And it also leads me to doubt what the dealer was saying was true/accurate.

I would also agree with the "remove the headlight, and go over all possible seams where a leak could occur" idea.