HID condensation

Subscribe
Dec 29, 2006 | 11:19 AM
  #1  
Just did a search and couldn't really find an answer to my problem. Basically I have some condensation in the driver's side housing. It usually occurs after washing my car and when it gets really cold at night. The condensation usually disappears after parking the car in the sun for about an hour or so. I do have aftermarket HIDs and they drilled a hole in the dustcap (HID kit didn't come with the rubber grommet). I was just wondering if this will damage my headlights?
Reply 0
Dec 29, 2006 | 11:28 AM
  #2  
You have to make the assembly reasonably airtight. I'm surprised that:
1. the kit didn't have grommets
2. that the installer didn't rig/fabricate something to keep the moisture, dust, etc., out of the assembly.

The assemby is very expensive. I would try to find something that will seal the hole up.
Reply 0
Dec 29, 2006 | 11:32 AM
  #3  
Sorry I forgot to mention that he used some black rubber goo to seal the wires. It feels like putty... I think the wires are sealed pretty well. I tried the search button and some people mentioned that the bulb OR dustcap were not seated properly. I wonder if I have that problem...
Reply 0
Dec 29, 2006 | 11:56 AM
  #4  
Quote: Sorry I forgot to mention that he used some black rubber goo to seal the wires. It feels like putty... I think the wires are sealed pretty well. I tried the search button and some people mentioned that the bulb OR dustcap were not seated properly. I wonder if I have that problem...
If they used the right stuff (I've used the same or similar after wiring power wires for aftermarket amps through the firewall) then it may very well be the dustcover. It is a little tricky to get on right because there is not much room to work with unless you remove a lot of the stuff around it.

I'd loosen the screw holding the little metal rod and see if there is any play with the dustcover. If you have condensation in the assembly, take a blowdryer and dry it out before putting the dustcover back on.
Reply 0
Dec 29, 2006 | 12:10 PM
  #5  
The assembly should never be airtight, and it never is on the OEM setups I've seen (and I've seen quite a few). It must breathe. If there is a leak on a high spot, then you have an issue and you need to solve it. But there should be vents with foam blocks in them to allow the air inside the lamp housing to expand and contract with the light's heating and cooling events.
Reply 0
Dec 29, 2006 | 12:42 PM
  #6  
Quote: The assembly should never be airtight, and it never is on the OEM setups I've seen (and I've seen quite a few). It must breathe. If there is a leak on a high spot, then you have an issue and you need to solve it. But there should be vents with foam blocks in them to allow the air inside the lamp housing to expand and contract with the light's heating and cooling events.
You'll note that I said 'reasonably airtight.'

Everywhere the assembly can be touched, worked on, visible, etc., without removing it, should be airtight as if it's exposed to you, it can be exposed to the elements. The engineers place the vent(s) in areas where moisture can't/won't usually get to.

However, the dustcover is definitely one area that should be airtight IMHO.
Reply 0
Dec 29, 2006 | 01:29 PM
  #7  
Thx for all the help guys. Hey al503 you mentioned removing the screw and moving the dustcap around. I was planning on doing that but is there any way of knowing that it's in the right spot? Like will I feel some sort of click? One final question... do you guys think my headlights are getting any damage from the condensation?
Reply 0
Dec 29, 2006 | 01:51 PM
  #8  
Quote: Hey al503 you mentioned removing the screw and moving the dustcap around. I was planning on doing that but is there any way of knowing that it's in the right spot? Like will I feel some sort of click?
You will know right away when it's seated completely and when it's not. When the cover is fully seated, you should be able to get the metal rod under the screw rather easily. If you have to force it or bend it, then something is off.

When you go in there, the first thing to check is whether the screw is 'straining' (for lack of a better term) to keep the rod in place. There should only be a little tension and it should only be for a few mm. (BTW, you don't have to unscrew the screw all the way. Just do it enough to get the rod out. This way, you won't have to worry about it falling down into the engine bay and really getting PO at yourself.) If it is, thats a dead giveaway that the dustcover is askew. Regardless, jimmy the dustcover around a bit to see if it seats itself any better.

I would also take a look at the black putty-like stuff and see if there are obvious holes/seams in it letting the moisture through. If possible, try packing it back up around the wires and around the hole ON BOTH SIDES of the dustcover.

Quote:
One final question... do you guys think my headlights are getting any damage from the condensation?
Moisture usually doesn't mix well with wires and electronics, in general. If this is just a recent thing, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Reply 0

ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

Explore
story-0

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-4

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models

 Joe Kucinski
Dec 29, 2006 | 05:18 PM
  #9  
That happens to my oem headlights also. I need to bring it to the dealership
Reply 0
Subscribe
story-0

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-1

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-2

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-3

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-4

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-5

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-6

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE
story-7

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)

Slideshow: reviewing the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury plug-in hybrid crossover SUV!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-05 19:04:47


VIEW MORE
story-8

Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus and Toyota model of the 1990s ranked.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-04 12:35:11


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models

Slideshow: 10 Toyotas that could have been Lexus models.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 11:44:33


VIEW MORE