Condensation in rear light clusters

[davidp]

Hi
I have a Gen II 997 which I bought new in mid December last year. Pretty well ever since, there has been a lot of moisture inside both rear light clusters - which are the LED variety. The weather has of course been cold and damp throughout the time I've had the car, so maybe it's to be expected, but I don't recall a similar issue with the lights (non-LED) on my old Cayman.

What do you think - is this normal and it'll dry up come spring time - or is it something to get sorted under warranty?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Robin M]

I would contact the OPC and ask them if it is to be expected and if not register it as a warranty claim. It doesn't seem normal to me.

 

[BrianJ]

I had a demo 997 Gen 2 last winter for a day - the rear lights were completely condensed up. Pointed out to the OPC who I think changed them under warrantly. Have not had any problem with my Cayman Gen II.

 

[davidp]

Thanks both. Wasn't sure if it was a common issue. Off to the OPC it is then!

 

[Wills]

Hi David,

I had the same issue infact I still have the same issue, called the OPC and they said "yes sir they all do that" so I'll be intersted to hear what your OPC says....

Cheers,


Neil

 

[Clewsey]

I've not noticed the rears doing this on mine, will have to look again just incase []

 

[pboldmonts]

I noticed this on mine (March 09 car) a while ago. Just checked them again and both have condensation presently. Will be interested to hear the outcome of your chat with the OPC.

 

[Clewsey]

Double-checked mine (Sept 08 car), and they don't show this to be a problem (unless my eyesight is getting worse in my old-age).


Simon

 

[davidp]

Hello again

Finally got around to booking the car into the OPC who say they will order a new set of lights. Apparently they have been redesigned, so the new versions should avoid this problem.

 

[okellyt]

ORIGINAL: Wills

Hi David,

I had the same issue infact I still have the same issue, called the OPC and they said "yes sir they all do that" so I'll be intersted to hear what your OPC says....  

Cheers,


Neil  

My hire car, while waiting for the beast ot be fixed is a gen2 - 09 plate. it has condensation in its rear light clusters.

The guy dropeped the car off on a nice sunny and relatively warm day and they still had a lot of condensation in them.

 

[MarkK]

Result of using powerwashers??

 

[blueSL]

My 996 C4S used to suffer badly from condensation, the 996 TT which replaced it was never a problem.

I never managed to work out how the moisture got in there and I tried filling them (pre-LED) with water to see where it leaked out - it didn't. In case you're the now owner of the car (silver, identifiable by dents along the cant rail from flying rubber from an artic), I did dry them out on the Aga before selling the car, LOL.

Off topic, but does the person who painted a car still put some sort of identifier in the paintwork behind the rear light clusters?

 

[Alan Stamper]

Also noticed condensation in both rear light clusters on my July 2011 GTS....never power washed.
Will see what the OPC advises and update !

 

[majorporsche]

I ve had this in my 2011 GT3RS. First time they were replaced under warranty by OPC. When the problem returned with the new ones they agained asked PCGB and were told it's not a problem meriting replacement. This was 18mths ago and they still mist up. I do believe the second set have a different ( improved ???) design.
IS water/mist in lights not an MOT fail ?

 

[tscaptain]

I have a suspicion that very close proximity to a rather hot lump of metal may have something to do with it? I imagine the units are not air tight and thus when heated the air in them can hold more water vapour - which condenses when it cools down. Just a theory![]

 

[Andy Rodgett]

I have had intermittent condensation in the rear light clusters over the last 3/4 years but PC Bristol have sent photos off on a couple of occasions but Reading has declined to do anything. It seems that unless there is pooling they will not change the units...

Andy

 

[Magic919]

Got quite a bit of condensation in the rear lights on one of mine. Both cars parked together and similarly washed, but C4S not as bad.

I don't expect Porsche to show much interest until fish take up residence in there. Might mention at next service and see what they say.

 

[Guinesstu]

Just had mine replaced today under warranty at Porsche Hatfield. Took my MY09 gen 2 in a couple of weeks ago. They stated there's a scale of 1-5 (5 being the worst) on grading the water issue. Mine were 3/4 so offered to replace them under warranty. Apparently it's the bonding between the outer (red) and inner (clear) part fails and allows water in. Thus far Hatfield have never had to replace the up-rated light units, so happy days at £389 per unit without labour it's an expensive option if your warranty has expired[]

 

[Wilsonjr]

Had my 2010 gen 2 lights replaced under warranty last year due to condensation. However OPC did reject it initially and classed it as wear and tear? So I took them apart, really easy to DIY remove and open the lens from the back via small screws... It Dried out and stayed dry, however on my next service visit they changed them as it had been approved by head office and had been sat on the shelf waiting at OPC? A Win win.

 

[waxman]

My 2011 GTS is booked in to my local OPC next Tuesday for them to look at this issue- from the photo I sent them of condensation they have said so far they will probably replace under warranty subject to inspection- we will see!