mandyfig

They are vented. The key is the temperature between the 2 shells...1 shell is vented, the other sealed.

The vented one is where the water is condensing. The vented space is the equalizer, hence no condensation under normal use. However, if water gets in into this vented shell, it takes forever to get the moisture to dry up.

I just sealed the area where the water is migrating to the shell, solved the problem.

Good luck in getting your leak repaired.

mmlex1987

Fantastic Thread!!! You answered severak of my questions about my 04 RX 330 that I have posted a thread on. Can you answer me a couple of questions since I think after much frusteration I have narrowed down the fact that I need a Ballast on the left/drivers side front low beam.
-Once I remove the headlight assembly per your GREAT instructions, how do I access the ballast?

-I am confused as to the Denzo number. I thought it was 85967-0E020. If you have not had ballast issues I am sorry for asking.

-If you have knowledge of this issue, how do I get a Ballast. I hear Ebay but they all appear to be used for $100.00.

-Final question, how do I know for sure if I have AFS? I am getting conflicting answers. When I start my RX and turn on the headlamps in the dark say in front of a closed garage door, they sort of move up/down and then level out. Is that AFS and/or do they also move when turning the steering wheel, because this is hard for me to notice when the vehicle is in park and I move the wheel. Although It appears they may be moving around a corner.

Thanks, great informative right up!!!!

ohiois350

iTrader: (13)

Hi Mike, for you to able to remove the ballast, first you remove the headlight cover to unplug the harness from the bulb, and there is the black cover on the bottom of the headlight, there are four bolts screws once you unscrew them and there is the ballast there. if you can move the projector left and right, that mean you have AFS headlight, if you can not move the projector is mean you have non AFS, but the ballast is the same, and you can find a ballast on ebay less than $100, hope this would help you.

arnieosp

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like you do not have AFS. With AFS the lights go up/down/outward/inward when the car is started. It is very visible, you can't miss it. Aslo, AFS is not a single option, it is part of AFS/Rainn Sensor/Headlight Washer package.

As far as location of the ballast, look at picture #5 here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-05...item4a9a0c1ab9
The thick coaxed cable plugged into the light bulb starts at the ballast. I think it is screwed to the bottom of the headlight housing.

Godd luck.

mmlex1987

Still confused....
When I start my car the headlights are definietely doing some up/down movement before they come to level/rest a second or two later. I also do HAVE rain sensor and headlight washer package. So do you think I do have AFS???

When you speak of EBAY for a ballast at $100.00 or so, you are correct but they all appear to be used> Is that ok and what you are referring to?

Thanks, Mike

arnieosp

iTrader: (1)

Is it possible your "AFS" switch is off?

mmlex1987

Well, I suppose I need to check if I have an AFS switch, that will confirm whether or not I have AFS. My MSRP back in 2004 was $45,268.00 and I thought I had every imaginalble option, but I just can't confirm AFS, so tonight I will lokk for a switch. Thanks everyone....

1JenJen

I'm am so thankful for this forum! I'm having the exact same problem. I just took my 2004 RX330 back to Carmax (where I purchased it 3 weeks ago) for the driver side headlight condensation problem and they took a look and said that the lights are not sealed and it's a normal issue with Lexus. They also said there was nothing they could do unless the headlamp was filling with water, in which case I'd need to drive it directly there (35 miles away) and they'd replace it. They're suggestion was to simply turn the high-beams on for a couple of minutes until the condensation goes away. It just doesn't seem realistic for owners to have to do this every day. I'm thinking of taking it to an actual Lexus dealer and see what they say.

UPDATE: I just spoke with the Service Manager at Lexus of Sacramento and he informed me that the above is actually correct. I was shocked! He said that it was a common problem with the Lexus headlights and there wasn't much they could do. I wish I knew what you guys said to get yours fixed by the dealer! Either way, I'm glad that I'm not alone with this problem.

mandyfig

Well you were outside warranty. If you were, Lexus will replace them. But just follow the tips in sealing and you should be good to go.

Dinomon

See: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-moisture.html It's covered under warranty.

1JenJen

Thanks guys! I'll have it sealed.

willdogg

Your write up is invaluable. From the bolts, down to masking off the bumper and fenders to protect them from scratches. Since I only had condensation in the drivers side, I took out the driver side headlamp assembly and sealed the whole lens/housing joint with clear sealant. I used a hair dryer to dry out the housing while I waited for the sealant to cure.

On the passenger side, the moisture had dried up. Instead of taking the passenger side apart, I just sealed the top lens/housing joint that is exposed to rain and car washes. If the moisture comes back, I'll do a complete seal like the drivers side.

I wanted to get this done before the storm hits this weekend. Believe it or not, they're expecting snow down here at sea level in the Bay Area. So I'll let you guys know if my repair worked or not.

-w

mandyfig

Thanks. Just want some of us who had bum headlamps to find solace that a cheaper solution is available. Shame on Lexus on not owning up to this manufacturing defect.

frankeysd

The location of the ballast is very susceptible to water due to splashes from both front tires during rainy season plus the the fogging compounded the head light problem, the chamber where the ballast is at should have been shut - design flaw!!!

VAttorney

So is your headlamp still dry??