Water in headlight

[NDA]

One of my cars has a completely sealed headlight unit which has condensation in it - a lot, not a misting, but water droplets... all over the inside of the glass.

I would imagine it's a case of replacing the costly unit - I am not a DIY'er so don't have the skills to take the front of the car to bits.

Unless there's a hairdryer type fix? I've no idea.

[finlo]

If you could remove a bulb and leave it facing the sun to dry out (I know I know) it could buy you some respite from the problem for the summer at least.

[Kevin-2g5x2]

If you remove the bulb and holders you might get away with using a hairdryer through the holes, you'll need a bit of patience because if its water rather than condensation it often takes a while to dry out completely, you might also be able to feed a paper towel through the hole to soak it up, just don't let it rip inside!!.

[finlo]

You could also help it along with one of these.

[MDMA .]

It can’t be completely sealed or it wouldn’t be full of water
There’s always a fix.

[POIDH]

Sunny day.
Remove as many bulbs as you can and leave holes open.
Face car into sun.
Wait for nature to do it's thing.
End of day, before it cools, pop bulbs back in.

[Caddyshack]

Share what car it is, I expect it has been fixed before.

I had a TT mk1 that did this.. it looked 100% sealed but it had a tiny crack in the plastic…sealed that after a dry out and that sorted it

[Dog Biscuit]

POIDH said:

Sunny day.
Remove as many bulbs as you can and leave holes open.
Face car into sun.
Wait for nature to do it's thing.
End of day, before it cools, pop bulbs back in.

And wait for the next wash for them to let water in again sadly

I had this probelm with an F10 5 series years ago - replacement lights needed.

[NDA]

Caddyshack said:

Share what car it is, I expect it has been fixed before.

I had a TT mk1 that did this.. it looked 100% sealed but it had a tiny crack in the plastic sealed that after a dry out and that sorted it

It’s a Tesla Model 3

[Smint]

While the weathers nice remove any access covers from the back of the headlight, it won't dry out with the covers in place, as above face into the sun when not in use and when being driven switch the headlights on, unless its swimming in water it'll dry out in a couple of days.
Being a Tesla with cheap charging you could probably leave the lights full on during recharge too if the vehicle allows this.

If you go around the light carefully once dry you'll probably find a chip or gap in the sealing glue.

Had to do similar on a family Golf, found a stonechip at the bottom edge of the headlight which i filled with clear glue.

[NDA]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I will see if I can get to the rear of the lights without removing the bumper.

[Doesitdrive]

Drill a small drain hole in a bottom corner if they are not glass.

Remove the rubber protector covers at back for a while and let them breathe.

The combination usually works if they dont have a bad leak.

Or put them in the oven, YOUTUBE will show you how long, pull of the lens, clean, and reseal.

[Caddyshack]

I just googled “model 3 Tesla headlight condensation”. And lots of hits saying they are vented and it’s common and will dry out but when to contact Tesla service.

Have a google and also look on YouTube as there are generally fixes for every specific car.

[Caddyshack]

Light condensation in Tesla Model 3 headlights is generally considered normal due to non-airtight, vented housings, especially after car washes or in humid weather. It should dissipate on its own. Only contact Tesla Service if there is standing water, pooling, or if the condensation obscures visibility.
Reddit
Reddit
+3
When to Contact Service (Potential Defects):
Water Pooling: Visible water droplets or puddles at the bottom of the headlight.
Persistent Moisture: The condensation does not clear up after driving or in dry weather.
Visibility Issues: Light beam is significantly blocked.
Reddit
Reddit
+4
How to Address Minor Condensation:
Sunlight Method: Park the car in a sunny, dry spot to allow natural evaporation.
Drive Time: Drive for 60+ minutes with lights on, as heat from LEDs helps dry out the housing.
Check Vents: Ensure the vent caps on the back of the headlight assembly are not clogged.

[NDA]

Caddyshack said:

I just googled model 3 Tesla headlight condensation . And lots of hits saying they are vented and it s common and will dry out but when to contact Tesla service.

Have a google and also look on YouTube as there are generally fixes for every specific car.

I will have another Google - thank you. The 3 or 4 videos I looked at seemed to suggest a bumper off job.

My DIY skills go as far as changing car mats.

[Caddyshack]

NDA said:

Caddyshack said:

I just googled model 3 Tesla headlight condensation . And lots of hits saying they are vented and it s common and will dry out but when to contact Tesla service.

Have a google and also look on YouTube as there are generally fixes for every specific car.

I will have another Google - thank you. The 3 or 4 videos I looked at seemed to suggest a bumper off job.

My DIY skills go as far as changing car mats.

Ah, ok…might be a mechanic job then.

[edd1e]

As you’ve mentioned, the Tesla light is a sealed unit with no way of getting to the inside aside from a small hole underneath where the module attaches and the wiring goes into the headlight. There are no covers which can be removed to let the condensation out, as there are no bulbs to change. All Tesla lights are LED so not serviceable units.


(Underside of a Model 3 headlight)

As others have mentioned , if you have water (and not just condensation) then you ll have a hole or a crack somewhere which is letting the water in. LED lights are very sensitive to water.

The only solution is a new headlight, but they re not mega money on eBay for a used one.

[NDA]

That's very useful information, many thanks.

Here's a pic of the headlight - I think Tesla want £1,600 for a new unit.

[Caddyshack]

NDA said:

That's very useful information, many thanks.

Here's a pic of the headlight - I think Tesla want £1,600 for a new unit.

I would rather drill a hole and fit a small 12v fan than pay £1600.

[Caddyshack]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/JZK-25x25x10-connector-br...