Water Leaking in Rear Tail Light?

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Old 11-01-2008, 02:25 PM
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Water Leaking in Rear Tail Light?

Hello,
Wanted to know what your thoughts were or if anyone else has experienced this. I hope it is not a problem.

I noticed there is water accumulation around the black seam/seal that circles the left rear tail light. So far I have not noticed any water leaking into the actual unit or around the light bulb but just around the black 1/4 inch perimeter of the tail light unit.

On the right tail light, it seems tight and dry, with no visable water accumulation running along the black perimeter.

Is this a problem in the left rear tail light? Should this be replaced?? My car is brand new TL 08

thanks. D
Old 11-04-2008, 06:54 PM
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Likely normal. I get this one all the time. Post a pic if you want me to be sure.
Old 11-04-2008, 07:49 PM
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Not its not normal and its not ok
This often occurs on the front lights on gen2 TL, and the same type seal/sealant is used on gen3 lights.
Back you go to the dealer with your list of items to be fixed- noises- speaker probs- make a list and take in for the recalls and problems
Old 11-05-2008, 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
Not its not normal and its not ok
This often occurs on the front lights on gen2 TL, and the same type seal/sealant is used on gen3 lights.
Back you go to the dealer with your list of items to be fixed- noises- speaker probs- make a list and take in for the recalls and problems
I think he said taillights and the process of sealing headlights and tailights its completely different.
Old 11-05-2008, 01:09 PM
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The water gets into that part of all 3G TL taillights, but you can only really see it on the 07-08's because of their clear outer lense. In fact, they aren't actually leaking; there's a little crevice that runs around the outside of the taillight and water easily gets into it. As long as no water is in the actual light (inside that 1/4 inch trim area), you are fine.

RH - you wouldn't happen to know what they seal the taillights with, would you?
Old 11-05-2008, 01:31 PM
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Something like this?


I left mine alone for a week or two and the water came out on its own... no water marks left behind.
Old 11-05-2008, 02:08 PM
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^^ That doesn't look good. Water shouldn't be accumilating like that.
Old 11-05-2008, 02:34 PM
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That shouldn't be like that. Maybe ok some fog in there but not the water like that.
Old 11-05-2008, 02:38 PM
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Yeah its all gone now.
Old 11-05-2008, 02:41 PM
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Uh, if your lights collect water like that, you need to seal them. That's not good. Let me guess, DEPO lights?
Old 11-05-2008, 03:03 PM
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OEM...

Its strange... it only happened once.
Old 11-05-2008, 03:35 PM
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i've seen that on my headlights before. I haven't taken them apart or anything to cause this but when I'm washing my car I can see soap accumalate behind what looks like a seal from the light to the actual car. Water has never got inside the headlight and they don't fog up at all. I think it is normal.
Old 11-06-2008, 07:32 AM
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As long as the water only gets into the 2mm or so around the outside edge of the tailights you should be fine. Hard to see in the pic. The tailights are bonded together using a chemical reaction and the headlights are sealed using a silicone type glue. This is why the tailights need to be cut open to clear them and the headlights go in the oven.
Old 11-06-2008, 01:37 PM
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Go to the dealer have it replace. similar problem with my 07 TL. i had mositure in my side mirrow turning lights. they replaced it under warranty.
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