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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Jim_mk7.5 on 30 September 2019, 18:31

Title: Moisture in the headlight... FIXED
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 30 September 2019, 18:31
Hi all, thoughts on whether this will naturally dry out or needs a trip to the dealer?

(https://i.postimg.cc/FHGPGKRf/BABB810-B-D8-CA-4685-AF7-E-0-B0-C2-E4-B4-F2-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JsDczMjm)

Went unavoidably through a big flood on the passenger side yesterday and looks like it’s more than the usual bit of steaming up.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Carbon VW on 30 September 2019, 18:47
If that was my car I’d leave the car ticking over for a few hours with full beams on to try and create some heat to dry it out.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 30 September 2019, 18:50
Not a bad idea although not sure how much heat the LEDs create?

Plus don’t have anywhere at home or work that would be safe to leave the car running.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 30 September 2019, 18:54
Looks worse than the normal bit of condensation. Does it affect the beam pattern at all?
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 30 September 2019, 19:07
Looks worse than the normal bit of condensation. Does it affect the beam pattern at all?

Not been out at night to test that. It is very wet inside so thinking it might not just dry out.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Carbon VW on 30 September 2019, 19:26
Go for a long drive or sit outside in it for an hour or 2 ! Either that or go to the stealers. The main beam will build up heat over time and reduce/eliminate your problem. I’m speaking from experience. The lamps are vented and will clear up over time
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Talk-torque on 30 September 2019, 20:36
You could try gently heating the front, with a hair dryer, to drive the moisture out through the openings around the bulb fittings in the back. Not sure what else a dealer workshop could do, short of removing the headlamp, stripping it and then drying it with heat.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: monkeyhanger on 30 September 2019, 20:41
Go for a long drive or sit outside in it for an hour or 2 ! Either that or go to the stealers. The main beam will build up heat over time and reduce/eliminate your problem. I’m speaking from experience. The lamps are vented and will clear up over time

Experience of LED headlamps?.Halogens and Xenons kick out some heat to evaporate the moisture, LEDs are running very cool - the main reason they are so energy efficient - almost all electrical input is converted into light and not heat. You're using only 40% of the energy requirements of a halogen bulb and 60% of the Xenon bull's requirements. They only put out about 20% of the heat of halogen/Xenon - you'll be driving a hell of a lot longer to evaporate the condensed water vapour.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Carbon VW on 30 September 2019, 21:31
Go for a long drive or sit outside in it for an hour or 2 ! Either that or go to the stealers. The main beam will build up heat over time and reduce/eliminate your problem. I’m speaking from experience. The lamps are vented and will clear up over time

Experience of LED headlamps?.Halogens and Xenons kick out some heat to evaporate the moisture, LEDs are running very cool - the main reason they are so energy efficient - almost all electrical input is converted into light and not heat. You're using only 40% of the energy requirements of a halogen bulb and 60% of the Xenon bull's requirements. They only put out about 20% of the heat of halogen/Xenon - you'll be driving a hell of a lot longer to evaporate the condensed water vapour.

Yes Monkey,  speaking from experience. I have worked with LED technology when you were still driving around in halogens. I work with IALA who specialize in buoyage in the maritime safety industry at sea and my area of experience is in LED technology so yes I would hope I know what I am talking. LED’s encapsulated in that lens and housing will indeed create heat which will eliminate that condensation over time, certainly if the OP uses his main beam/dims all the time whilst driving until it disappears completely. I won’t get into heat specifics with you as it’s not the place to swing ones balls around the place.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Adam T7 on 01 October 2019, 12:07
That does look a significant amount of moisture - been doing a lot of driving in the wet / through puddles? - I get some along the bottom of the light - which does dry out - assuming by combination of residual engine warmth and whatever heat the LEDS put out.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 01 October 2019, 13:21
Have you tried putting it in a bowl of rice?..
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: jv on 01 October 2019, 14:32
What sort?
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: barrym381 on 01 October 2019, 14:35
What sort?

Special fried rice  :grin: :grin: silica gel packets usually help they worked on a mk4 for me
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 01 October 2019, 14:37
Have you tried putting it in a bowl of rice?..

 :grin:

Might whip it off the car later and get a bit bowl of rice!
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Catnapper on 01 October 2019, 15:24
Mine does get it too but definately not to that extent.
I'd see if it dries out by itself before a trip to the dealers
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 07 October 2019, 14:08
Been away for a few days but definitely not showing any signs of drying out - almost looks worse!

(https://i.postimg.cc/tgRdf20k/8-Ci-Lz-Xc8-Qo-WQmj-Vv-FJq-X4-Q.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JsgBH3zH)

Booked into JCT for them to sort.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Rob_benton on 07 October 2019, 14:18
I’ve not looked at behind a golf headlight but on my Vw Touareg I removed my air vent pipes which helped air flow.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 07 October 2019, 14:31
I’ve not looked at behind a golf headlight but on my Vw Touareg I removed my air vent pipes which helped air flow.

Cheers, going to leave for the dealer as clearly an issue with the amount of water that's got in there.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 22 October 2019, 13:51
New headlight fitted under warranty  :smiley:

(https://i.postimg.cc/9FGv2tpf/4-C295-E6-B-3338-4427-AAA9-043-B601-DF30-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MvpsbBgk)
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Watts on 22 October 2019, 14:07
New headlight fitted under warranty  :smiley:

Glad you got it sorted, sounds like it was reasonably painless!
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 22 October 2019, 14:42
New headlight fitted under warranty  :smiley:

Glad you got it sorted, sounds like it was reasonably painless!

Yes not too bad, required 2 visits as had an issue with wrong address on my license due to recent move so couldn’t get the loan car. Went back and did the drop and wait appointment. A few coffees and some work. Fortunately they’d preempted the issue and ordered a new headlight in.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: dean5125 on 22 October 2019, 16:32
Glad you got it sorted but I'd love to know how much that would have cost outside of warranty!! :laugh:
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight...
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 22 October 2019, 17:10
Glad you got it sorted but I'd love to know how much that would have cost outside of warranty!! :laugh:

About 2.5 hrs time wise which includes their standard vehicle health check. Guessing a headlight would be quite minty.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 28 October 2019, 09:13
5 days after having a new headlight fitted, it's got water in again.

I drove in heavy rain on Friday and noticed on Saturday that its had steamed up again then Sunday it's as the picture.

So how is water getting in as drivers side is absolutely fine? I did a quick inspection and noticed that a round cover is missing - would this have any effect? Back to the dealer...  :angry:

(https://i.postimg.cc/vBXWmpKX/IYj5-Tob-YR-GAhzpb-DEzr7-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzzJy3c7)

This missing cover:
(https://i.postimg.cc/mgYZG5bk/4C471C70-B773-4198-BFB0-4CD62BDD6133.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jDjYHvnY)



Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: sjw on 28 October 2019, 09:17
5 days after having a new headlight fitted, it's got water in again.

I drove in heavy rain on Friday and noticed on Saturday that its had steamed up again then Sunday it's as the picture.

So how is water getting in as drivers side is absolutely fine? I did a quick inspection and noticed that a round cover is missing - would this have any effect? Back to the dealer...  :angry:

(https://i.postimg.cc/vBXWmpKX/IYj5-Tob-YR-GAhzpb-DEzr7-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzzJy3c7)

This missing cover:
(https://i.postimg.cc/mgYZG5bk/4C471C70-B773-4198-BFB0-4CD62BDD6133.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jDjYHvnY)

I mean, that looks like it could be important....
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: fredgroves on 28 October 2019, 09:37
Yes that is the headlight access panel... without there high speed water hits the back of the headlight mount and I'd imagine ingress is highly likely.

Nobody spotted that before???

I'd have thought to have changed the lamp unit out they would have used that panel?
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 28 October 2019, 09:45
Yes that is the headlight access panel... without there high speed water hits the back of the headlight mount and I'd imagine ingress is highly likely.

Nobody spotted that before???

I'd have thought to have changed the lamp unit out they would have used that panel?

Cheers Fred, I think that the panel might have been missing for some time. But they did not mention this last Tuesday.

Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: dean5125 on 28 October 2019, 09:54

How can a main dealer return a car to you like that, especially as it went in for the headlight?!?!? at the very least I'd have thought they'd try to charge YOU for a replacement! :laugh:

I've noticed on mine it is pretty quick to steam up along the bottom of both headlights but to be fair it dry's out after half an hour of the lights being on..... mind you I'm not driving around with a huge hole in my inner arch!! :grin:

hopefully that replaced fixes your issue, question is who does pay???
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 28 October 2019, 10:01

How can a main dealer return a car to you like that, especially as it went in for the headlight?!?!? at the very least I'd have thought they'd try to charge YOU for a replacement! :laugh:

I've noticed on mine it is pretty quick to steam up along the bottom of both headlights but to be fair it dry's out after half an hour of the lights being on..... mind you I'm not driving around with a huge hole in my inner arch!! :grin:

hopefully that replaced fixes your issue, question is who does pay???

Yes, can't believe they didn't mention it. You can only really see when the wheel is turned. But I've just checked some pictures a few days after the car was delivered and zooming in you can see that it was actually missing from new.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: WattMk7.5 on 28 October 2019, 10:12
I have just experienced this, went to the dealer and they informed me that it is a “common” thing. They said if it gets substantially worse and actual drops of the water are forming and running down the inside of the headlight they would replace them. But at the current condition they won’t replace the, through warranty.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 28 October 2019, 10:15
Wow, thank goodness it's under warranty is all I'll say...
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Splashalot on 28 October 2019, 10:19
Makes me wonder what the response will be outside of warranty?
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 28 October 2019, 10:20
I have just experienced this, went to the dealer and they informed me that it is a “common” thing. They said if it gets substantially worse and actual drops of the water are forming and running down the inside of the headlight they would replace them. But at the current condition they won’t replace the, through warranty.

First time it was pretty bad, and again after just 5 days its got water running down the inside. They did say there's a technical bulletin for moisture/water in the headlight but didn't say much else.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: barrym381 on 28 October 2019, 10:25
The cover that’s missing will have caused your problem hence your driver side is ok  :angry: the guy that changed the headlight should’ve known that would have been the problem and fitted a new cover there about 2quid
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 28 October 2019, 10:26
The cover that’s missing will have caused your problem hence your driver side is ok  :angry: the guy that changed the headlight should’ve known that would have been the problem and fitted a new cover there about 2quid

Thanks, that's pretty annoying. So essentially they have fixed the damage but not looked at what's actually caused it.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: barrym381 on 28 October 2019, 10:31
The cover that’s missing will have caused your problem hence your driver side is ok  :angry: the guy that changed the headlight should’ve known that would have been the problem and fitted a new cover there about 2quid

Thanks, that's pretty annoying. So essentially they have fixed the damage but not looked at what's actually caused it.
If it was my car I would want another new headlight and since you can prove the cover was missing at delivery you want a cover fitted free too  :sad:
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Ryan90GTI on 28 October 2019, 10:53
The cover that’s missing will have caused your problem hence your driver side is ok  :angry: the guy that changed the headlight should’ve known that would have been the problem and fitted a new cover there about 2quid

Thanks, that's pretty annoying. So essentially they have fixed the damage but not looked at what's actually caused it.
If it was my car I would want another new headlight and since you can prove the cover was missing at delivery you want a cover fitted free too  :sad:

THIS!
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: barrym381 on 28 October 2019, 11:01
The cover that’s missing will have caused your problem hence your driver side is ok  :angry: the guy that changed the headlight should’ve known that would have been the problem and fitted a new cover there about 2quid

Thanks, that's pretty annoying. So essentially they have fixed the damage but not looked at what's actually caused it.
If it was my car I would want another new headlight and since you can prove the cover was missing at delivery you want a cover fitted free too  :sad:

THIS!
I would also want a free service or one of those GTI sledges free for my inconvenience  :smiley:
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 28 October 2019, 11:13
Just had them on the phone after an email so will see what gets sorted...
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: barrym381 on 28 October 2019, 11:20
Just had them on the phone after an email so will see what gets sorted...
Remember and ask for something free for your inconvenience and your disappointment at them not replacing the cover or even letting you know it was missing   :smiley:
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: fredgroves on 28 October 2019, 12:03
Wait for it... it was there when their tech had finished and it must have come off subsequently...
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: barrym381 on 28 October 2019, 12:19
Wait for it... it was there when their tech had finished and it must have come off subsequently...

 :grin: :grin: :grin: sounds like you’ve read there excuse book before  :grin: I’ve heard a few good ones in my time from dealers
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: fredgroves on 28 October 2019, 12:49
Thing is, without evidence to the contrary you are on thin ice and they know it.

Its like when they damage your wheels or paintwork when its in the workshop (very common), you need to have photos showing the condition on arrival or a walk around with a damage sheet that is signed or you won't be getting anywhere.

Probably in this case if you can get them to admit the current water ingress is caused by the missing hatch then you can extrapolate that the previous was identical therefore the root cause of both was identical and ask them why the problem was not identified previously and resolved...
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: dean5125 on 28 October 2019, 13:25

Or you could ask for a spare cover...… just in case!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Gnasher on 28 October 2019, 13:27
Wait for it... it was there when their tech had finished and it must have come off subsequently...

They would normally want you to provide evidence it wasn't there, why not turn it on it's head and get them to prove it was there lol.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Mark V GTD on 30 October 2019, 10:05
Jim pointed out in an earlier post that it can be seen missing in his delivery photos so he does have evidence.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 30 October 2019, 10:24
Jim pointed out in an earlier post that it can be seen missing in his delivery photos so he does have evidence.

Yes, will see what they say tomorrow.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Gnasher on 30 October 2019, 11:37
Jim pointed out in an earlier post that it can be seen missing in his delivery photos so he does have evidence.

Yes, will see what they say tomorrow.  :smiley:

Note to self - don't speed read threads lol!
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: dean5125 on 04 November 2019, 11:17
Jim pointed out in an earlier post that it can be seen missing in his delivery photos so he does have evidence.

Yes, will see what they say tomorrow.  :smiley:

Any joy at the main dealers???
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... IT'S BACK :-(
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 04 November 2019, 11:21
Jim pointed out in an earlier post that it can be seen missing in his delivery photos so he does have evidence.

Yes, will see what they say tomorrow.  :smiley:

Any joy at the main dealers???

Went up last week and they took a look and decided they wanted me to leave it with them this time as they hadn't ordered any part. Guessing they might want to try and dry the light out this time rather than fit another new headlight. So going back next week and they've got a car sorted for me. A bit annoying as this will be the 4th visit.

Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... FIXED
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 12 November 2019, 20:02
Back in JCT600 yesterday and collected it today.
Another new headlight fitted and the black cap in the wheel arch fitted. All under warranty.
Hopefully, I can now drive through puddles again!
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... FIXED
Post by: dean5125 on 25 November 2019, 15:36

Nice to hear you're all fixed Jim, happy splashing!!

Just out of curiosity, before your headlight flooding, did you get much in the way of condensation along the bottom edges of your lights during our lovely wet weather? Mine no sooner dry out than it's back again, bit annoying!!
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... FIXED
Post by: Andy198 on 25 November 2019, 15:50
Glad you got it sorted under warranty Jim.

There’s going to be an issue in winter weather with these fancy LED lights isn’t there? They’re so efficient and emit so little heat that any snow, frost etc isn’t going to melt away. Unless VAG have put a heater element in the light which I doubt.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... FIXED
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 25 November 2019, 16:07

Nice to hear you're all fixed Jim, happy splashing!!

Just out of curiosity, before your headlight flooding, did you get much in the way of condensation along the bottom edges of your lights during our lovely wet weather? Mine no sooner dry out than it's back again, bit annoying!!

I get a little but it's very minor. I think the issue I had ended up with was purely down to the missing part in the wheel arch.

Glad you got it sorted under warranty Jim.

There’s going to be an issue in winter weather with these fancy LED lights isn’t there? They’re so efficient and emit so little heat that any snow, frost etc isn’t going to melt away. Unless VAG have put a heater element in the light which I doubt.

Yes, they certainly don't warm up as much as xenons do. And do need to be cleared after a heavy frost.
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... FIXED
Post by: WatchThis on 22 December 2019, 11:38
My nearside light looks like yours did - off to the dealer on Monday  :cry:
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... FIXED
Post by: X42 on 22 December 2019, 17:44
I have this at the bottoms of the lights and I also had it on the two previous Audi’s I had before the GTI. I could never figure out why they do it. I seem to have both caps in place in the wheel arches. Has anyone figured out a fix for this or is the current method letting the lights run or replacing under warranty?
Title: Re: Moisture in the headlight... FIXED
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 23 December 2019, 12:31
Bad times. I think a little condensation is fairly normal and disappears quite quickly usually. Mine was bad water ingress due to the large access cap missing in the wheel arch.

Hope you both get sorted.