tc_terencec

I just noticed that I have condensation INSIDE my headlight assembly. It is not enough to obscure anything, but it is sure annoying/ugly to look at. I will post pics when I get the chance... but any ideas of how I can get rid of it? (it goes away when I turn my lights on)

PS. I got the car used from a very very respectable dealership, and the headlights do not look like they have been tampered with before.

Red Voodoo

When I first purchased my car from an Acura dealership, that was one of the first things I noticed. But it disappeared, and after dring through rain, fog and a couple car washes since, the condensation never came back. Not sure what that was all about...

`ill*tl

..if there is slight condensation now, it may seem like it went away but the seal on the headlights will only get worse and eventually start to leak like none other. I know this for a fact b/c I bought my 2G TL brand new back in '03.. never modified the headlights only to have my drivers-side leak to a point where every night, moisture would build up so much that it engulfs the entire inside of the casing 5yrs. later. I'd take care of it now before it does serious damage to your ballast, ignitor or HID bulbs.

tc_terencec

the condensation actually goes away after I part the car for a while....
nonetheless I do agree with you that this may lead to a bigger problem with the HID system. Is there anyway I can reseal them myself? (although I don't really know too much about car modding/repairing... I have only changed bulbs and headlight assemblies on a corolla)

`ill*tl

..yup, remove the headlight with the bad seal. Pre-set an oven to 200º - 250º and leave it in there for about 8-10 minutes. After that, take them out and the headlight adhesive should be "sticky." Then, just use some clamps or have an extra set of hands and press the casings together for about 5minutes until the adhesive dries. You can then do the shower/bathroom test to see if they still leak and if they do, repeat the process.

tc_terencec

nice. Thank you kindly sir

HIDStuff

Make sure you get all the liquid out before you clamp that thing. We were able to solve this last year on a TL. Here's the thread.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-problems-fixes-117/drivers-side-hid-not-working-possibly-due-condensation-685020/

Take a close look at this thread on how it can get worse. Headlights are fairly airtight when all the bulbs are in place and so on. It can't hurt to reseal everything after you either add dessicate or heat up the fixture and get the moisture out. If you don't get all the water out, or have dessicate to absorb it, it'll continue to condense on the inside.

I'd hook up the wiring connection to the ballast, and then seal all the way around them in silicon. You want them clean and dry. The goal is to not allow water to come near the wiring or connections at all. The spot where the igniter attaches to the ballast was re-designed in newer models because of seepage. They now have a big rubber gasket. I'd silicon everwhere you have a connection in this system, as these years are pre-rubber gasket.

Good Luck with this!

LoveMyTL-S

I remember when I had my 04 TSX, I had condensation in one headlight. Dealer replaced both headlights. Is your TL under warranty? If so, let the dealer replace them.

tc_terencec

nah its only got powertrain warranty which was left over from previous owner.

Punit352

Does anyone know where I can find a DIY for replacing the headlight on an 04 TL passenger side.?

tc_terencec

Have a look at the 3G garage first (it has EVERYTHING), should be the same if not similar for both sides.

Otherwise I have a link for you here which has scans of the maintainence manual
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/headlight-front-bumper-inner-fender-w-wash-tank-hid-bulb-scans-garage-e-001-g-001-a-587181/

Red Voodoo

Upon looking at this closer tonight while taking some other photos, I'm still seeing some condensation.





The car is past its factory warranty, but was classified as a CPO by the dealership I bought it at in December. Would the CPO warranty cover the replacement of these lights if the seals turn out to be the culprit? Would e-mailing these pictures be enough to convince the service department of the issue, or is there a procedure that they use at the dealership that can recreate the conditions necessary to allow this to happen?

ssmtl2nv

iTrader: (2)

its not that serious if you have to pay out of pocket, forget it, if its covered then go ahead....

tc_terencec

Voodoo's pictures are exactly what's going on with mine... I shall call up a dealer tomorrow and ask them about it... it IS quite annoying to look at

Red Voodoo

Let me know what your dealership says. I'd be interested in knowing.

Elegant TYPE S

iTrader: (2)

If its not covered under warranty then this would be a great time to clear your headlights or better yet contact JnC and do a trade in for some cleared headlights.

ssmtl2nv

iTrader: (2)

time for cleared and blackened headlights.... Im gonna clear a new set, in the spring and sell my current ones. Type s clear lenses ftw.

Red Voodoo

I don't care for the cleared look... and definitely not the blackened mod. Although, a pair of Angel Eyes do set the car apart for somebody like myself.

Elegant TYPE S

iTrader: (2)

You using the Type S headlights or just putting the diffusers from the TYPE S into a pre 07 housing?

tc_terencec

I just called yesterday, but didnt have time to post... anyways they want to take a look at it first to determine the source of the problem. So now I have an appointment next week on the weekend.

tc_terencec

Alright so i decided to take my car to them early (One of my morning classes was cancelled today). Apparently the stealership (Richmond Acura) said that I am the first victim of such a problem, and they really cannot offer me any fixes other than replacing the entire thing. (But when I was about to leave the service tech did whisper to me "hey kid, just heat that sucker up in your oven for several minutes".)
So for replacing both sides I'm looking at around 1,000CAD, so that is out of the question...
Well, time to preheat that oven

myron

iTrader: (4)

^ hahaha go tech. I called that dealership when I needed a stereo code for my 2g TL. I went to the dealership here (edmonton) and they wanted 170$ to make the code go away. I called that dealership I think it was and the guy only asked me for the VIn number and gave me the code over the phone. 0$>170$

Red Voodoo

That either really shows how much out of the loop these dealerships are, or how much an asshole the guy was who helped you.