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Headlights "Cracking"?

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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 07:15 AM
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Default Headlights "Cracking"?

Curious if other 06 GS300's are suffering the "cracking" look in the clear lens covering the headlights. This is on both sides. I have very little haze, but the cracks are really starting to show, especially in the sun. Wanted to see if this is an isolated incident or if others are experiencing the same before contacting Lexus.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 07:59 AM
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just get them replaced under warranty.

clear plastic headlights will oxidize and haze over if you don't wax them and leave them out in the sun a lot

usually happens within 3 years if you park it outside.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 02:25 PM
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I wax the headlights, taillights, exhaust tips, and wheels when I wax the car (often). Thats why this "cracking" concerns me. Going to Lexus tomorrow to see if they share my concern. I'll give an update.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 06:23 PM
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interesting.

and you still have hazy plastic??

damn
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 06:37 PM
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Barely any haze. As I stated I've always waxed them for prevention of haze. Their damn near clear. In sun, you can see a crack effect especially toward the hood area of the lens on both the driver and passenger sides.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 07:56 PM
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post pics if you can?

it looks like cracks, but isn't really cracked?
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 09:29 PM
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meguiars makes a great plastic polish that will get them looking new again. The G35 is notorious for this in the first generation cars, and they used to tell its that they couldnt do anything about it other than to polish it out. Thats why I didnt buy an infiniti. The poor service quality and to be totaly honest the cars are not as reliable as they need to be
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Old Oct 31, 2008 | 06:14 AM
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meguiars plastx is abrasive. i wouldn't use that on there yet.

fine cracks seem common on plastic headlamp covers.
I searched google and someone said to rub oil on the covers.

i wonder if it's safe to use a clearcoat paint on the headlamps. put an extra layer of protection on there.

after my last car's lights turned hazy yellow, i've been paranoid about taking care of my headlamps.
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Old Oct 31, 2008 | 06:42 AM
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Just got back from Countyline Lexus. The Service Writer got the Manager to look at the cracking. Neither have ever seen this before. They asked if I'd come back to see a regional rep. from Lexus in a couple weeks. I told them I may be near Nalley Lexus near Atlanta at that time and if Nalley could help. Turns out Lexus HQ is in Atlanta and a Rep. would be easily available there. This appears to be a very isolated problem. Again, this is not haze. My headlights are as clear as new. They have a cracking or crazing of the lens that is very noticeable in the bright sun. I don't think a pic would pick it up. Writer also told me these headlights are like 1,500. apiece . That is why approval from rep. is needed.
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Old Oct 31, 2008 | 06:58 AM
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yeah. i found that nissan headlamps get micro-cracks too. and old old dodge cars.

i've also found some places using a clear hardening sealant on the lense to fill in the small cracks.
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Old Oct 31, 2008 | 09:35 AM
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These are under the surface or maybe inside the clear lens. Writer thought is was in the chrome part, but after looking further noticed as I told him that it's all over the lens and on both lights. This is something that the 3M headlight protection film could not have prevented doe to the cracks not being on the surface. I sure was hoping that I wasn't alone with this.
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Old Oct 31, 2008 | 02:33 PM
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Yeah, I have the 06 model and I park it in the garage at all times when I'm at home. I've noticed cracks in it too and I usually only use only Meguiars on my car. I am thinking of just getting the headlights replaced and putting a clear coat on them.
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Old Oct 31, 2008 | 03:21 PM
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interesting.

you guys have older cars, and these problems are just starting to arise.

maybe this problem will start showing up on our 07 and 08 models, and we can raise hell about getting them replaced later on.

cracking headlamp covers should only be on 15 year old Dodge cars.
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 06:58 PM
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UPDATE: A Lexus Rep. visited the dealership (Nalley in Roswell, GA), and approved replacement of both headlights as a courtesy to the customer. Also advised that customer no longer use petroleum products on the headlights.
Like I Vaseline the lights. This guy made no contact with me as he made his diagnosis to the service manager while I stood nearby. I could have made the rep. aware that I've waxed my car like 8 times since 05 and the headlights maybe 3. Or maybe he could be implying that I quit driving on rain soaked highways that may contain petroleum products. I still can't fathom how this would create the "cracking effect" my headlights suffered. Anyhow, Lexus replaced them free of charge.
On another issue, my chrome 18" 430 wheels were replaced due to corrosion near the spoke area in this same visit. The Lexus Rep had nothing to do with this, but rather my service rep (Will Gallagher), was able to accomplish even though I bought my car from JM Lexus in FL. Lovin' Nalley for their efforts in making the customer happy. Even if the car was bought elsewhere.

Last edited by Flynlow; Dec 20, 2008 at 03:27 PM.
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Old Dec 21, 2008 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Flynlow
I wax the headlights, taillights, exhaust tips, and wheels when I wax the car (often). Thats why this "cracking" concerns me.
Originally Posted by Flynlow
I could have made the rep. aware that I've waxed my car like 8 times since 05 and the headlights maybe 3.
So which is it? "Often" would be like every other month if not more than that.

In any event your headlights were replaced for free.

steviej
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