misted headlight

[steve333]

As per title the drivers side front headlamp on my 2003 slk has condensation with no visable cracks,any tips on drying it out,thanks for any help.

 

[DenniZ]

Bit of heat maybe? Try running the lights for a while, otherwise a little blast with a hairdryer? Make sure bulbs etc are away from the heat though.

 

[reflexboy]

After a good run when the engine is nice and hot, take the bulb covers off the rear and allow the warm air to get to it.

 

[steve333]

Thanks for the replys,will give both ideas ago

 

[techcareuk]

We have the same problem with ours!

I cured the left one by inserting some packing under the latch that releases the rear bulb cover (the one you flip off to change the headlamp bulb!) they were both worn and alowing the latch to partially release, the packing holds the latch shut. (hope that makes sense)

the right light is still showing moisture, i've heard that the lenses have a seal which goes bad and needs replacing, these are aparantly available from the dealer but I have not got round to replacing mine yet!

Mark

 

[Ted]

If it is an R170, the headlamp is easy to remove and split. Clean it all up, especially the gasket between the lens and housing.
I did this, and with a little silicone grease on the gasket never had the problem again.

 

[Dieselman]

Make sure bulbs etc are away from the heat though.

Why?

 

[DenniZ]

Why?

I meant that for the blowdryer trick, dont want to cook your bulbs/wires whilst your heating the air.

 

[steve333]

Thanks again for all the help,will have a go at the weekend

 

[Dieselman]

I meant that for the blowdryer trick, dont want to cook your bulbs/wires whilst your heating the air.

How are you going to cook bulbs that are made of glass and glow white hot in operation?

 

[Conquistador]

Years ago my car failed an MOT test for a misted headlight. The tester suggested opening the bonnet, laying a thick coat over the whole headlight assembly then resting the bonnet down on the coat and leaving the headlights on for 10 or 15 minutes - enough to heat it all up inside and dry it out.

Might be worth a try, it worked for me.

 

[tonyc280]

just remove the bulb covers for a day and leave the lights on and hay presto moisture gone. I have to do this every time it rains hard. Cheers, T.

 

[steve333]

Thanks for all the tips,dried it out with a hair drier yesterday

 

[coveyducks]

Ted, I am not sure I would say they are easy to open. It took me a lot of time and patience and a heat gun to soften the sealer to do it but well worthwhile. No problems since I did it!

 

[Ted]

Apologies - forgot that I had the use of the bottom oven of an aga to warm mine up :/

 

[racall]

just remove the bulb covers for a day and leave the lights on and hay presto moisture gone. I have to do this every time it rains hard. Cheers, T.

That worked fine for me.

 

[jaymanek]

its fairly common... most modern headlights have breather holes so every time it rains hard or you go to a hand car wash your headlights will mist up..