GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: Say bye bye on 01 June 2006, 16:53
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Just wondering if anyone knows what causes the headlights to steam from inside when washing the car.. no big deal it does dry off inside afterwards, just wondering why it happens and if i can stop it!! only my driver side is affected.
Thanks in advance!!!
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sounds like you've got a hairline crack on the unit I'm guessing :undecided:
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These light units are serious money, I was in the Dealership recently and someone parted with £340 for a VW replacement - not sure if a Mk 5 didn't see the guy drive off.
To fix the problem, park vehicle facing the sun, to remove all moisture from the inside of the unit, or take-off and put in the airing cupboard for several days. When you are satisfied that it is REAL DRY. Find the crack, very lightly abraid the surface along the crack with v.fine sand paper, then apply two pack epoxy resin along the crack so that it runs in. Dont use Araldite if the crack is on the lense and you want a cosmetic repair. Use runny resin and hardener. To make sure it sucks into the crack if hair line, apply the epoxy whilst the unit is hot from the sun or airing cupboard, then as the Head light unit cools - air inside the unit will shrink a little and just enough to pull the epoxy into the crack itself.
A permanent and cosmetic fix is achieved if done just right.
The same principle as above, is applied by those mobile windcreen crack repair guys.
Washing headlamp units with a hot steam jet power cleaner is not a clever idea. The rapid change in temperature (particularly in Winter) will bust the manufacturing seals.
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I usually wash it with standard hose so it doesnt get that bad...
£340 for a head lamp?!! bit stiff! was probably a PAIR of MK5 head lamps lolz..
I'll give that a try thanks for the advice, weather here looks good for the next coupla days :smiley:
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Have you checked that the plastic cover is correctly fitted/clipped on the back of the light unit?
I got a replacement headlight from Carlamp.com (genuine VW) for £90.00 ish for my wifes 2.0 MkIV....you can probably find them cheaper if you hunt around.