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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: Buck on 28 January 2011, 18:27

Title: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Buck on 28 January 2011, 18:27
Hi

My GTD fog lamps are condensed inside  :cry:

Is this a common problem and how do I dry them out and stop it happening please? Any ideas?

PS I've checked and both plastic covers in the arches are there!


Thanks
Adrian
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: RedHP on 28 January 2011, 20:08
This is not a helpful reply, but....no....well not yet.
I had this issue with both the front headlight unit and one rear unit of my previously car (which was purchased new on a 05 plate, and so didn't expect this).
I have been keeping an eye out for this issue on my new baby, but so far (touch wood) its ok. It is such a pain that expensive unit casings cause these problems. To replace my headlight unit on a Nissam, as a whole, cost £200 just for the part itself. I am hoping that I don't have to do this on a VW, as I may have to declare myself as bankrupt  :wink:
Please keep us informed with any responses from dealers (if you go to them) !
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Buck on 28 January 2011, 20:16
Thanks

I'm going to take a closer look at them this weekend

I'm not sure how easy it is to remove them to dry them out - might have to be a cloth on a piece of wood/screwdriver through the lightbulb opening then see how they go

Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: GolfTi on 28 January 2011, 20:20
I think a 'little' condensation is normal (according to the handbook) inside lights at certain times.

Before you do anything drastic just switch them on for 10 mins or so.

If there is still condensation then off to the dealer I would go.
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Buck on 28 January 2011, 20:22
These aren't a little condensed they are streaming inside :(


I'm off down to my garage now to take a closer look - might drop into the dealers tomorrow ...
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: The Doc on 28 January 2011, 20:56
All good here - problem free
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: mac7 on 28 January 2011, 21:02
Light units contain air, air contains moisture, moisture condenses - it's going to happen sometimes. Remove the bulb (or the whole lamp if that's easier) and dry it out with hot air.
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Snoopy on 28 January 2011, 21:05
Mine steam up but it has had to rain hard then starts to warm up alittle. I just put it down to them not been sealed units and close to the ground. Or if i have had them on and its very cold then do it when i turn them off.
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Buck on 28 January 2011, 21:39
Is there an easy way to remove the light units?

If so I'll removed and bring them into the house for a night or two.
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Keithuk on 29 January 2011, 01:12
If so I'll removed and bring them into the house for a night or two.
That won't cure a problem Buck thats just a remedy not a cure.

Well my fog lamps don't show any signs of condensation and I don't use mine. The thing is with condensation is temperature variations between two objects if there is no ventilation between these two then it will cause condensation. Check the seals and give the fog lamp a small hole to let it breathe. But while its under warranty let them sort it if it bothers you that much.  :wink:
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Phil1980 on 29 January 2011, 08:13
I had a problem on one of my brake light units with condensation, removed it heated with a hairdryer to evaporate the moisture and used silicone sealant to reseal the unit.  Have not had any problems since.  Should be easy enough to remove a fog light unit and do similar, of course if its under warranty take it straight back let the dealer sort it.
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: darrens on 29 January 2011, 08:27
I have this problem too with my front fog light units, spoke to my local dealer and they are being replaced under warranty this week.
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: ajmoir36 on 29 January 2011, 14:07
I had this with one of my taillights removed it radiator for two days and replaced it, no problems anymore.  It was loaded with water, the seal fell out when I removed, so I figured it was badly fitted and refitting it properly fixed the issue.  VW will probably take your car run the engine and run the lights until the heat dries it up, wasting petrol/diesel.
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Phil1980 on 29 January 2011, 17:04
If its under warranty surely they should just replace the unit be it a tail light or fog light. 
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Buck on 29 January 2011, 17:09
Well I've had the fogs on whilst driving today to see if the bulb heat would help them dry out

They are much better but still not right so will try this again and see if they do indeed dry out.  If I can't get them dry or the problem then returns its off to the dealers
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Buck on 19 February 2011, 11:46
Result !!

Car goes in a week on Monday for new fog lamps under warranty. no hassle. Told him I'd had fogs on trying to clear. He said slight condensation is common/acceptable but mine were "bad" - any more than 20 mins to clear is warranty issue he commented


 
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: am1w on 19 February 2011, 11:53
Result !!
Car goes in a week on Monday for new fog lamps under warranty. no hassle. Told him I'd had fogs on trying to clear. He said slight condensation is common/acceptable but mine were "bad" - any more than 20 mins to clear is warranty issue he commented

See what happens when you don't wear RED lipstick!  :grin:
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Buck on 19 February 2011, 12:01
 I find it useful to go in with the approach of "this needs to be done under warranty but you'll need to see it first before I book it in."

He did say as it's a bumper off job it's a couple of hours work - glad I'm not paying them for their slowness!
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: GolfTi on 25 March 2011, 21:30
Try a search on GTI Fog Lamps
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: am1w on 25 March 2011, 21:36
Adrian: Do you think the rattling diesel is causing the fog light housing problem?  :evil: :grin:
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: GolfTi on 25 March 2011, 21:39
Adrian: Do you think the rattling diesel is causing the fog light housing problem?  :evil: :grin:


 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Chug Chug Chug
Title: Re: GTD Fog Lamps Condensed - common problem? How to sort
Post by: Buck on 25 March 2011, 23:16
Adrian: Do you think the rattling diesel is causing the fog light housing problem?  :evil: :grin:


 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Chug Chug Chug


Oy you two - stop it - I'll wake the kids up with me laughing  :grin: