carmeister

I bought my IS250C used in December 2013 with ~21K miles. It runs like a dream! Only thing I've had any problem with is that recently I've gotten condensation in the driver-side headlight assembly. I took it to the dealership and they figured out it had about a bottle's worth of water in the bottom. When they dried it out the LED strip died, probably because all the water was keeping the connection closed. They quoted me $1700 for a replacement headlamp assembly, so I drove around without a functioning LED strip for awhile until my daughter and I replaced the assembly with an aftermarket for ~$400. The problem was that after the car ran its startup diagnostics it went DING and I got a "Check headlight system" error along with the scary red warning light. I contacted the seller (Go-Parts) and found out that, of course, I bought the wrong part. The one I ordered has halogen and I need a part with HID.
Where can I find a compatible aftermarket headlamp assembly from a reputable dealer? Obviously I have no idea what I'm doing and I don't want to mess up again. All I want to do is to match the right (passenger) headlamp that actually stays dry.
I'm currently looking at CARiD. Here's the link:
https://www.carid.com/2011-lexus-ct-...or-headlights/
Please advise!

markjustus

My advice would be either search Craiglist or the forum marketplace, eBay or your local auto dismantlers for a used headlight for that corresponding side (driver side or passenger) . Will run you way less than going to the dealer. You can then either change the headlight yourself, there are DIYs on here or bring it to someone and have them install it.

markjustus

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F112704988139

carmeister

That part is listed as having two broken taps (whatever those are) and a big crack in the housing. I'd be afraid it might even be more prone to condensation. I did a search for auto dismantlers in Livermore CA and found these guys:
http://www.rockandrollautoparts.com/
Hoping they can help. Thanks for your advice!

markjustus

Sorry! I just did a real quick search. And didn't read the description fully, but you got the idea, there also a few dismantlers in sacramento.

jr4div2

Take a look here

https://www.discountpartsmonster.com...omponents-scat

jr4div2

Take a look here

https://www.discountpartsmonster.com...omponents-scat

$861 for brand new OEM

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

How did the original have condensation? I have the same car as you.

Was the condensation issue fixed?

markjustus

I can't say how it happened but if your headlights are condensating, you can bake your headlights (after you remove all the electronics) at 350 degrees to soften the sealant in between the lens and the housing
pry the lens free, scrape the sealant off and reapply new sealant and use those heavy duty clamps to clamp the lens back down, bake for another 15 mins and let cool with the clamps still attached, after it cools and sets, reinstall
good luck

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

Yup I had to do the oven bake back in the day, when I joined the forum (YIKES 15 YEARS AGO), on my SC300.....

But the last 5 years, I stopped washing any of cars. They get quick detail once a week. Every 24 months, I gave them one wash. They all look brand new, and factory fresh.