When the first lens cracked, my dealer said it was due to an impact. It ticked me off because the car was pretty new and there was no obvious impact mark on the glass (this was over a year ago). They would not warranty it, which made me really unhappy. Now my second one cracked while I was washing my car the other evening. I had been driving with the headlights and fogs on...figured I would give it a quick wipe down before putting it in the garage. The second the water hit the warm lens I heard an audible cracking sound. It also cracked in the same weird circular pattern as my first one, which leads me to believe it cracked for the same reason.

A quick google search says this is commonly a problem caused by the glass rapidly cooling down while the fog lights are on.

I just have a terrible feeling they're going to deny it again when I ask for a warranty claim. We have an early build RDX - it was bought when the 2nd generation first came out. Anyone else have their fog lenses replaced under similar circumstances?

 

We have a cracked lens on a TSX. Dealer wanted $350 to fix it. That was 2 years ago and the light still works fine....

If someone knows any easy fix or how to get the part, I would appreciate it....

 

No easy fix put a preventative measure is to use some sort of film like Lamin-x.

It is definitely impact damage.

 

Is thicker better? I see they offer 12 and 40 mil, same price? Thanks

 

Sure. The thicker the better protection but the harder to install. Be sure to change them if they turn cloudy or change color. In theory, the heat from the lamps could melt the film - but won't if you use the foglamps as intended, in heavy fog or otherwise greatly reduced visibility.

While US laws only vaguely regulate the use of fogs, Europe has strict laws governing when and how they should be used.

Fogs may only be used in heavy fog with visibility less than 50 meters (in Europe the posts alongside main roads and highways are set at 50 meter intervals) and speed in limited to 50kmh (about 30mph). Accordingly, the fogs would never be on long enough to melt the film.

 

ceb - how can it definitely be impact damage if the OP said he heard an audible cracking sound??

OP - FWIW we have owned an 07 MDX and an 08 TL Type S and have yet to see (or did see) any cracking of the fog light lenses. Completely understand the lenses are different, but just wanted to pass on a couple of other data points.

When I was in college I added after market fog lights (Bosch if I remember correctly) to multiple cars and they all cracked. As ceb mentions a film will help protect against impact damage and may help with cracking due to rapid cooling from cleaning.

 

Thank you. I rarely use the fogs so that shouldn't be a problem for me. Is it necessary to buy and use the conditioner they offer?

 

You mean the protectant? No. When they start looking bad and no longer clean up well, get new ones. Either use their install gel or do up your own with really soapy water.

Clean the lights well before you put the film on.

 

Thank you again!

 

My left light cracked within one week of purchasing my new TL (2012). Light still works, just an annoyance...

 

Lamin-x discount code 10off gets you - what else?- 10% off. Covers the shipping unless you spend $75 for free shipping.

 

I just bought an 09 TSX for my daughter and the dealer from whom I purchased the car has bought new fogs and will give them to me next week. I have dug around here and on internet in general and I have not been able to find anything that shows me how to replace the fog lights. Can anyone show me where I could find that?? After doing some searches here tonight, I think I will go ahead & put the lamin-x over the new fog lights--seems like a no brainer... THANKS

 

Try this: installing driver side fog of light 2009 acura tsx | ToManual.com

 

Thanks 5 Acuras. Do I need to signup to read the doc? If yes, is it a safe site? Thanks!

 

Oops, you do need to sign up. Sorry. There is a site where the installation instructions are shown for each part, I'll see if I can find it.

 

You can either take the front bumper off or if you can lift the car (say on a lift) you can pull back the inner fender liner on the side of the fog light and turn the wheel out of your way then you have access to the back of the fog light assy. Its 3 phillips screws to remove the assy.
Clips on bumper top and bottom can be removed with a flat head screw driver by popping the middle portion out and pulling up. 2 phillips screws on left and right sides at ends of bumper under wheel well. And clips on left and right fender liner ends.

 

Another installation site: How to Install Fog Lights on a Tsx | eHow

 

Thanks again, 5 Acuras!

 

Lamin-X might not work as the hot halogen bulb will burn the lamin-X and create black marks on the film. When that happens, you will have to rip the film out and replace it.