There a way to clean haze off inside of headlamp?

[SBMongoos]

2016.5 CX-5 GT

I've had the outside cleaned off but there's an obvious residue that remains on the inside. Apparently this must be a side effect of the touchless car wash. I'm wondering if there's a way to clean off the haze from the inside.

Is there a tube or something that allows the headlamps to get air that the water can get side? Or is this a seal issue?

 

[RedBaron]

When you say "haze" do you meant a permanent discoloration, or just water droplets. If the latter, they'll disappear after a while, especially if you have your headlamps on. If the former, the only option is to open up the headlights and clean the insides of the lenses.

Is there a tube or something that allows the headlamps to get air that the water can get side? Or is this a seal issue?

All headlamps have a vent, usually with a filter, to let air pressure equalize. It's unlikely that a car wash can inject water here, but condensation can form inside the lights, just like on your windows at home.

 

[skid00skid0]

Alcohol, brake cleaner, electronics cleaner.

 

[GrampaSlade]

If you can get inside of it with a cloth, either vinegar or rubbing alcohol should do the trick. There's a few youtube videos showing it.

 

[Moonlighter]

If these are the factory LED’s there was a service bulletin way back then. Had the ones on my 16 replaced due to the milky looking haze/drips/runs on the inside - done FOC under warranty.

I also thought they were completely sealed units, but happy to stand corrected on that.

 

[SBMongoos]

When you say "haze" do you meant a permanent discoloration, or just water droplets. If the latter, they'll disappear after a while, especially if you have your headlamps on. If the former, the only option is to open up the headlights and clean the insides of the lenses.



All headlamps have a vent, usually with a filter, to let air pressure equalize. It's unlikely that a car wash can inject water here, but condensation can form inside the lights, just like on your windows at home.

It's a haze on the inside. Detailer told me it's due to the high pressure touchless car wash I've been using.

 

[dunhillmc]

my 2017 Mazda 6 also has that pretty bad. it's from condensation on the inside that leaves a film over time then the heat from the light bakes it on

 

[GFrosty]

So, do these LED headlight assemblies disassemble such that access can be gained for cleaning the interior surface of the lenses?

(Haven't taken them off, myself, but then mine are still really clear.)

 

[RedBaron]

So, do these LED headlight assemblies disassemble such that access can be gained for cleaning the interior surface of the lenses?

Sure, if you use a hammer!

All seriousness aside, with most modern cars, the lens is sealed onto the assembly with a thermal glue. You can usually bake them in an oven at 200-215 degF for 5-10 minutes to soften the glue, then pry them apart. BUT, I don't know for sure if Mazda's headlights are like this.