Headlight condensation pt 2!

[Andy Rodgett]

Back in Jan 2007 I noticed bilateral headlamp condensation in the lower segments but despite photos being sent off by PC Bristol to Reading it was deemed to be outside the extended warranty ( despite Rob advising me that others had had success via this route!).
The dealer in Bromsgrove from whom I sourced the car split the cost of replacements and duly fitted two new lenses at an individual cost of £617.00 !!
Yesterday I spotted a small white piece of loose plastic (part of a bracket?)again in the near side lower segment and after a 40 mile drive ,with the headlights on for the latter part , both had again got condensation! Couldn't believe it!
Looks like another trip via PC Bristol on Friday for further advice re second set of lights.
Anyone else suffered this problem?

Andy

 

[snarf]

Andy, I remember reading in the manual that:

The headlights can mist up depending on the temperature and humidity.​

​

​

​

To ensure optimum ventilation, do not cover the gap between headlight and body​

(e.g. "stone guards" or films).

So condensation may be considered "normal" by Porsche but if Rob says some have successfully claimed against warranty perhaps there are degrees of acceptability.

 

[Geoff_Fields]

I have noticed a small amount of condensation on the lower part of the lenses occasionally. It does not seem to persist or effect light output. Does seem to be weather dependant, especially damp conditions. Possible remedy would be bags of silica gel inserted into the units. There is plenty of space and you could change them out when swapping beam settings for European travel.

 

[Black80XSA]

I'd check that the covers at the rear of the units are located and seal properly - maybe a touch of vaseline on the cover seal might help. This assumes that they are a sealed unit, some headlight units are designed to be vented - E46 3 series BMWs for example !

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: Black80XSA
maybe a touch of vaseline on the cover seal might help.

I worry about those Boxster drivers....[]

 

[sotoole]

I had same problem on C2S (and 986 Boxster S with litronics before that) and now also on my Turbo - headlights, fog lights and the LED strips all mist up inside when it is damp. After 2 complaints, have given up as OPC response is that the light units will do this and there is no fix available.

 

[isuk]

This is very common on modern headlight units, especially where xenons are fitted. I've had this issue on BMW's, a Ferrari 360, my 997 TT and my Gallardo. Instead of just explaining it to owners as a natural effect of the very high temperature build up inside the light which causes condensation to form as the unit cools down when switched off when the outside air temperature is low, dealers play the old warranty trick to get some money out of the manufacturers. This naturally stops when the warranty expires and the owner is left feeling angry. I think some manufacturers have stopped dealers from making this type of claim now altogether. Most of these units are fitted with ventilation holes to let the expanding hot air have room to escape when the lights are in use. The units cannot be vacuum sealed as bulbs fail and need to be replaced which means air gets in.

I've lost count of the number of times I've read about this misting up complaint across forums for all of the above car makes. Whilst it looks visually annoying it does clear itself up and is nothing to worry about.

 

[Sundeep]

happens on the CGT as well

 

[Andy Rodgett]

Both units replaced under warranty last week!
Will now go ahead and get the all red tequipment rear lenses fitted which are approx £450 before PCGB discount!

Andy

 

[john.newland]

Would suggest avoiding vaseline application to any seals, unless suitability confirmed first. It is petroloeum based and could cause the seals to degrade. If the seals did degrade and needed replacing it would probably not be covered by any warranty; nor potentially any damaged caused. Water-based lubricants would probably be safer as most seals would be designed to cope with water in their working environment. Just be prepared for some funny looks when you buy a tube of KY and say " It's for my car!"[][][][]

 

[robertc@okw.co.uk]

ORIGINAL: Andy Rodgett

Both units replaced under warranty last week!
Will now go ahead and get the all red tequipment rear lenses fitted which are approx £450 before PCGB discount!

Andy

Andy

Make sure you don't get charged £450 for the rear lenses!

I got mine from Bournemouth OPC, with 10% Club discount, they were £339. They fitted them for free too - 10 minutes to do...
Porsche Part Numbers: 997.044.900.01 + 997.044.900.02

 

[chrismouzou]

made enquiry last week re red lenses for 997tt told only 71/2% discount for tt





chris

 

[Andy Rodgett]

Forewarned is foerarmed!! £339 sounds fine.

Andy