Headlight Condensation
Discussion
Thanks for confirming this.
By the looks of it then, on some cars the 3rd bolt is on the outside of the carpet as per the car on the Redpants video that I have just re-watched. On other cars, mine included, you have to remove the carpeting to get access to it which is bit more of a faff to do.
One thing I did notice when I was fiddling about is that there is some slight movement of the lens cover from the base unit especially on the wing side and it's therefore hardly suprising that some moisture is getting in. Hopefully after a proper drying and sealing with the butyl, this will solve the issue.
Thanks again for your help on this.
By the looks of it then, on some cars the 3rd bolt is on the outside of the carpet as per the car on the Redpants video that I have just re-watched. On other cars, mine included, you have to remove the carpeting to get access to it which is bit more of a faff to do.
One thing I did notice when I was fiddling about is that there is some slight movement of the lens cover from the base unit especially on the wing side and it's therefore hardly suprising that some moisture is getting in. Hopefully after a proper drying and sealing with the butyl, this will solve the issue.
Thanks again for your help on this.
bullet7 said:
I would think you should be able to gain access to it by simply lifting up the rubber seal that fits all the way around the hatchback opening and then going in behind the carpet trim to the back panel.
Thanks, this is exactly what was needed; both lights were out in 5 mins afterwards 
Hi Guys,
similar to your selves, I too tried the Aston recommendation by installing silica bags to the front lights I even drilled 8 holes to both light caps and fitted Gortex patches, total waste of time and effort, there are too many leakage areas on the lights so moist/damp air will keep entering so the only way to remove it is mechanical venting otherwise it will just stay in there. As soon as I purchased the AM Upgrade venting thing, I drove the car a few miles but the lights misted up, stupid me, it is obviously the moisture inside warming up, I drove for about half an hour, arrived home, fingers crossed, I had a look at the lights, both clear, couldn’t believe it.
The rear were next, I did the hole to the top and also sat it on the radiator, lots of condensation formed on the lens, it must have been at least 48 hours until it cleared. Cleaned all around the joints, basically anywhere there is a joint, went mad with some quality silicon and smoothed it over these areas, let it dry for 24 hours and refitted them, this was about 2 or 3 years ago, time passes so fast. Happy to say, currently they are still both clear, its a chore but very easy and the removal/installation is also easy and quick. Hope it helps
similar to your selves, I too tried the Aston recommendation by installing silica bags to the front lights I even drilled 8 holes to both light caps and fitted Gortex patches, total waste of time and effort, there are too many leakage areas on the lights so moist/damp air will keep entering so the only way to remove it is mechanical venting otherwise it will just stay in there. As soon as I purchased the AM Upgrade venting thing, I drove the car a few miles but the lights misted up, stupid me, it is obviously the moisture inside warming up, I drove for about half an hour, arrived home, fingers crossed, I had a look at the lights, both clear, couldn’t believe it.
The rear were next, I did the hole to the top and also sat it on the radiator, lots of condensation formed on the lens, it must have been at least 48 hours until it cleared. Cleaned all around the joints, basically anywhere there is a joint, went mad with some quality silicon and smoothed it over these areas, let it dry for 24 hours and refitted them, this was about 2 or 3 years ago, time passes so fast. Happy to say, currently they are still both clear, its a chore but very easy and the removal/installation is also easy and quick. Hope it helps
I just fitted the newly-produced headlight venting kit from Aston Upgrades to my DB9. Very neat solution, clear and simple instructions, works really well, very discreet. Took just over an hour (helps to have access to a lift as you need to remove the front wheels). I know many AM owners have fitted them to V8/V12 vantages, but I think these versions for DB9/DBSs are new. Strongly recommended!
Edited by Philip0 on Thursday 7th October 12:14
Edited by Philip0 on Thursday 7th October 12:17
Philip0 said:
I just fitted the newly-produced headlight venting kit from Aston Upgrades to my DB9. Very neat solution, clear and simple instructions, works really well, very discreet. Took just over an hour (helps to have access to a lift as you need to remove the front wheels). I know many AM owners have fitted them to V8/V12 vantages, but I think these versions for DB9/DBSs are new. Strongly recommended!
Had the same thing fitted to my Vantage not long after I got it. Since fitting never had any condensation forming in the front lamps. Prior to having it fitted my lamps would mist up frequently. I can vouch for it being a very good little upgrade.Edited by Philip0 on Thursday 7th October 12:14
Edited by Philip0 on Thursday 7th October 12:17
For those who have had front or rear lights fail due to condensation, or just a dry joint on the LEDs etc I've updated the FAQs with a link to Steve Campbell who can fix both fronts and rears for a very reasonable cost. I've used him before and he does a top job and is a thoroughly nice chap as well !
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
JonnyCJ said:
For those who have had front or rear lights fail due to condensation, or just a dry joint on the LEDs etc I've updated the FAQs with a link to Steve Campbell who can fix both fronts and rears for a very reasonable cost. I've used him before and he does a top job and is a thoroughly nice chap as well !
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Good stuff, thanks.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Mark6767 said:
Hi Milky400,
you can email for details at amupgrades@gmail.com
Tell them if you have a V8 or V12, good luck.
Well worth it, take care.
Hi Guys.I'm looking to buy the headlamp ventilation kit. I emailed my interest to amupgrades@gmail.com about 4 days ago and had no response. Do you know if AM Upgrades are still going? Do you have any other contact details?you can email for details at amupgrades@gmail.com
Tell them if you have a V8 or V12, good luck.
Well worth it, take care.
Many thanks
De-lurk said:
Do I need to pull out the carpet to expose the 3rd bolt?
Thanks for your help and apologies if I am being a numpty.
If that's a DB9 there are three bolts and yes, you have to wrestle the carpet out, taking care to disconnect the boot light (bayonet fitting) as you do so. You'll need to pull off the boot rubber, slacken off the ally strip on the boot edge and wriggle the carpet out from underneath. Once you've got the three nuts off, the unit will just pull out.Thanks for your help and apologies if I am being a numpty.
I've had problems with water in the NSR lamp; the dealer took the 'They all do that' approach. My local place fixed it - but it only lasted a day or two before the warning light came on again. Stratton said it was beyond repair, so I took it out and repaired the b
d myself. I also wound insulating tape all round the wires between body and unit and over the connector. The unit now seems to be waterproof - but there must be a dodgy connection somewhere as it will be fine for 20-30 minutes, then the warning light will come on again at random and stay on. Then if I leave the car for a few days it fixes itself. It's annoying because the warning light wipes out all the other info displayed there.There's only one visible connector and that's half-moulded into the back of the light unit. I'll have to take it all apart again when the weather's decent. Anyone know how to make a possibly iffy connector behave better?
ETA just realised you got this fixed. Did the repair last?
happyh65 said:
Hi Guys.I'm looking to buy the headlamp ventilation kit. I emailed my interest to amupgrades@gmail.com about 4 days ago and had no response. Do you know if AM Upgrades are still going? Do you have any other contact details?
Many thanks
Yes, AM Upgrades are still going, I bought the DB9 venting kit a couple of months ago and it's fantasticMany thanks
Another thumbs up for the AM upgrades headlamp venting kit for me. I’ve had absolutely zero condensation since fitting the kit on my V12V about a year ago. When I bought the car, I had a headlight LED strip fail within a very short period of time which was fortunately replaced under warranty. I’m convinced that the condensation problem causes these to eventually fail, so I’m of the opinion that the vent kit is insurance against this happening again. (Fingers firmly crossed)
I just ordered for v12 Vantage £252 for complete kit currently. I think based on feedback and detail of what’s included sensibly priced. Parking up my pride and joy and looking back to see headlights full of condensation really frustrates me - outside of the potential to damage/cost to repair the headlights so chuffed with this.
I was so glad the DB9 venting kit came out, my car suffered badly, even if the car was running on the drive for a warm up while washing her, they would mist up, I contacted a local Aston garage about 2 years ago and they said “it is one of those things with Astons” but not any more, buy the kit, well worth it, take care all.
capjand1 said:
Can someone please help me with the link to this product from amupgrades.
I assume he is a ebay seller, but does not see this product on his list. Thanks alot!
amupgrades@gmail.comI assume he is a ebay seller, but does not see this product on his list. Thanks alot!
I ordered mine (for DBS) last week and they arrived Monday, not fitted them yet but probably will over the weekend
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